Barrel or equipment prefers Federal factory ammo (TMJ/SMK) and not Hornady ELD-M -224 Valkyrie

[KineticU]

Hi guys. I just started shooting and got my self assembled a 224V bolt rifle in Rem 700. Not into anything yet, but maybe plinking steel mostly and maybe PRS if time allows.
20 inch barrel, 1:7
- Initial 100 yard zero set with Federal 75g TMJ. Sub-MOA 3 shot group.

5 days later
- after 35 rounds of TMJ at 100 yards, I went to a 300 yard steel + target. Got 2 inch or sub-MOA group with 75g TMJ and also with Federal 90g SMK (3-5 shots each)

But-
At 300 yards same day as above, based on Hornady 4doF calculator and G7 calculator, accounting for Temp and barometrics, I set to 1.3 Mils as needed for Hornady 88g ELD-M.
- however hits were 8-10 inches below center.
- my shooting buddy with more experience, had to dial up more than 0.4 mils to 1.7 mils (more to get one hit. Yet consistency was poor at best.
- then we switch to 75g TMJ and 90g SMK- again sub-MOA (2 inches) at 300 yards.
- Then back to Hornady and it was no-go again.

2 days later
- went to 100 yards indoor: 75g and 90g Federal ammo, dead center. But a new box of 88g ELD-M was 2-3 inches low.

What gives? Why this much of a difference from to good factory loads?
- did I just get unlucky with bad batch from Hornady?
- is it internal ballistics or external ballistics?
- barrel harmonics?

I don’t plan on doing any load development soon, so I will be depending on factory ammo until wife will let “gun powder” in the house.

Thanks for any thoughts you might have. Sorry for the ramble.

 

[hlee]

Some guns like all factory loads. Some like a few. Some don't like any. You can dwell on it and drive yourself crazy, or believe the target and stock up on the factory loads that shoot well. It's not rocket scientistry.

 

[KineticU]

Some guns like all factory loads. Some like a few. Some don't like any. You can dwell on it and drive yourself crazy, or believe the target and stock up on the factory loads that shoot well. It's not rocket scientistry.

That’s sad! I had such high hopes. I suppose all tools have their tolerances. Guess I’ll keep the ammo and see if fouling and copper equilibrium changes over time will allow for consistency with the barrel.

 

[chevy_man]

That's why I hand load.

Also, educate yourself and your wife on just how hard it is to ignite smokeless powder. I slept the next room over from probably 50+lbs for 16 years and I never died. The house is still there.

You're experiencing an average barrel. Some would argue above average, as it shoots moa with factory.

I've seen custom barrels that needed the perfect handload. I've seen factory barrels shoot most anything moa. The general rule is the better the barrel the more likely it'll shoot everything well and the stuff it likes it'll shoot amazing.

 

[KineticU]

That's why I hand load.

Also, educate yourself and your wife on just how hard it is to ignite smokeless powder. I slept the next room over from probably 50+lbs for 16 years and I never died. The house is still there.

You're experiencing an average barrel. Some would argue above average, as it shoots moa with factory.

I've seen custom barrels that needed the perfect handload. I've seen factory barrels shoot most anything moa. The general rule is the better the barrel the more likely it'll shoot everything well and the stuff it likes it'll shoot amazing.

I hear you. I have a proof barrel, thought that would probably be consistent.

Lot to learn. Thanks