Re: Can I run 155 scenars in a 16in effectively
As usual, Grump is right on top of it; intended use is critical. I threw out some #s w/o really knowing how the OP was planning to shoot the rifle, just to point out that the 155s ought to be good to 800 from that weapon.
Todd, as I mentioned, the #s I threw out were from a bolt gun. The MVs EMG listed are likely to be much more applicable to your gas gun. The 155 Scenars I used were from CorBon, loaded in Lapua brass. Their factory MV is listed at 2900, and as I mentioned, averaged 2800 out of my 16" barrel. For some reason, CorBon factory MVs always seem to be rated a little faster than comparable loads from other manufacturers. But again, you could easily just buy one box and actually test them in your weapon without spending too much time or $$$. Then you would have a much better idea of where you are as compared to where you want to be, and whether (or not) you could achieve the MV you were after by developing a handload with the 155s.
Okie, no offense taken at all, it's a good question. The reason is that an 8-twist barrel is what was in the box when I opened it (LOL). My understanding is that DTA tested the 16" 8-twist barrel with the intent of pushing heavy subsonic loads. In their testing, however, that barrel/twist combination proved to be remarkably accurate with a variety of factory loads. Prior to its release, DTA listed the 16" Covert barrel as an 11-twist, which I thought was a tad slow for a 16" pipe. The 8-twist barrel development was going on right around the time I ordered the rifle, and became available prior to my order shipping.
FWIW, I had some concerns as well about that barrel/twist combo, so I also nabbed the 22" 11-twist barrel that is standard for the .308 full-sized SRS. I figured that way, I'd have the best of both worlds as I can swap barrels out in less than a minute if I want to do something better suited to one or the other. I have to say though, that 16" pipe is turning out to be the cat's ass IMO. I really haven't run the 22" nearly as much. In my hands, the shorty seems to prefer something heavier than 168s once you get past 300-400 yd, so I've been playing around with factory loads in the 175-190 gr range. Not too surprising considering the twist rate. I don't reload at this point, because it would definitely cut into my time behind the rifle, so I'm at the mercy of "factory" at this point.
