New Steyr SSG08 27" long barrel

[cybersniper]

hello list:
I have written this post because the barrel I will talk about is available and can be ordered. It is not on the Steyr website as it is not ready for large volume orders.. But Hey, I could not keep ot for myself any longer.

Rod (flims) asked me some questions about the SSG08 and from him I learned that the long barrels could be ordered now. Therefore I decided to post about it, as an update of my old posts about the SSG08.

The factory built a special long forged barrel for me a few months ago. The tests have proven definitive, the 20" and 23,6" where tack drivers
This one is even better. Just after the install at the factory the barrel shot 10 fouling rounds. The second ten quick shots went into a less than 1/2 MOA group. The computer report was impressive.

From then it has gotten even better. I dont shoot reloads (normally) as i believe in consistency and reloading is not by any means consistent along the line. I believe in having thousands of very accurate rounds rather than dozens of incredibly accurate ones: Im into sniping not benchrest.

Because of this I cant give you good reloading data on this barrel. BUT with loaded ammo : yes I can
The barrel has 625 rounds though it all prone or bench with bipod. Sniping or FT/R 100o yards.

Speed and Accuracy with Normal Diamond Line 168gr (Sierra)moly:
AVG: 2590 fps (The slowest)
AVG Groups: 1/3 MOA
Smallest groups: 1/15 MOA ( 2mm) not rare

Speed and Accuracy with Federal GM Match 168 gr Sierra
AVG: 2650 fps (maybe the most accurate NON moly)
AVG Groups: 1/3 MOA
Smallest groups: 1/12 MOA ( 2,5mm) not rare

Speed and Accuracy with RUAG NRA target 155 load (only chonoed 20 rounds):
Slowest 2561 quickest 2744 fps AVG 2675 fps (not enough for competive Fclass)
AVG Groups: N/A, shot at 1000 yards in competitions (F-Class World Champs 2009 and Europeans 2010) but grouped well in the V-bull ( when I read the wind) similarly to lapua 170LB.

Speed and Accuracy with Lapua Lock base 170gr
AVG: 2700 fps (The quickest) (cold weather 2650- 30ºC 2770fps)
AVG Groups: 1/2 MOA
Smallest groups: 1/10 MOA (rare) normally around 1/4 to 1/3 MOA

I use the Federal GM under 600m and the lapua LB for all-round use up to 1200m. The long range performance of the Lapua is outstanding and the accuracy is very good.

On my tests I have found that the 27" inch Steyr barrel gets the same speed as the Accuracy International from the 26" but with better grouping with the same ammo.

I have shot all kinds of ammo, from Machine gun linked stuff to reloads and it shoots anything that you can fit in the chamber with ease and accurately, very accurately.

AOL is an issue as the chambers are CIP and rather tight, not a lot of free flight before engaging. So some Reminton 700 developed "long" loads could not be chambered. It shot very well with standard cartridge lenghts.

CONS:
Steyr wont make a longer barrel for me for FT/R competitions so I can´t fight with the big DOGS and their hot loads in 32 inch barrels.... BUT I HAVE FUN and place acceptably well.

I will be most happy to answer any questions
Eduardo

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss282...oly-small30.jpg

 

[oneshot onekill]

Re: New Steyr SSG08 27" long barrel

Nice write-up. I've always loved SSG's. Two things I scratched my head about though. 1st: you really think reloads are less consistent than factory ammo? My experience is just the opposite... Or maybe I read it wrong or mis-understood. 2nd: I've always found SSG chambers to have MORE free-bore than most barrels. In fact, everyone I know who shoots them and reloads for them complains that they can't seat the bullets long enough to be anywhere close to the rifling. Not that it matters because SSG's are incredibly accurate regardless. Anyway, thanks for the post. I like to hear from across the pond and what's going on over there.

 

[cybersniper]

Re: New Steyr SSG08 27" long barrel

Maybe I was too bold making affirmations. I can just say that reloaded ammo that loaded perfectly on rem 700 and FT/R Rem clones DID NOT load on the SSG08. I assumed that it was because of bullet seating depth as they where VISUALLY much longer than boxed ammo. Maybe it was not.
I will check and make sure ...

About the reloads, let me clarify my position. As an sniper instructor my nightmare is to get my snipers into the "confidence zone" something you get when you are SURE you will hit the target. Wind may get your round a little off, but your second shot will land just there, because you are ahead of the shot and ONLY expect windage errors. The correction is quick and positive.

That means that you NEED TO KNOW your zero ALL the time and its variations due to temp, press and bullet speed (meteo temp and ammo temp). For "known zero" that it is imperative that you ALWAYS USE THE SAME AMMO or two well known ammo and have two KNOWN zeros.

If not you go crazy and loose confidence.. thats is the worst a sniper can have: little confidence.

So; if you reload as the USMC does, as a way of loading two hundred zillion rounds adapted perfectly to their barrels OR you use boxed ammo.

Variations in brass, powders, primers, reloading equipment, mesuring equipment and the avalavility and precision of all the equipment mentioned just before, PRECLUDES me from recommending reloading as a consistency benefit.

If you gather equiment ( brass of the same lot) , powder of the same lot, primers of the same lot and reload 5000 rounds in one long reloading day. THEN I GIVE THE OK.

Its my opinion based on past screwups.

Eduardo

 

[oneshot onekill]

Re: New Steyr SSG08 27" long barrel

Makes sense. I see your point.

Thanks,
John

 

[flims]

Re: New Steyr SSG08 27" long barrel

thanks for the detailed writeup eduardo. the barrel is slightly shorter, 26.4". Now before I proceed with the order, I was just wondering if I can get the 178Amax going fast enough to hit 2700ft/s, maybe this is possible with N550 and hotloads. Since you were shooting factory, the velocities will always be more conservative. When I watched Mr. Simmonds reload for his rifle with 30" barrel and long throat, he was still hot loading even with the increased barrel length. I dont have the internal dimensions of the chamber so I cannot input anything in quickload to get an idea of 'possible' velocities.

I also asked Steyr to make me a barrel that exceeds 26 inches and they said they might consider this in the future but certainly not now. More over the current increase in barrel length comes at a price approaching an extra 400Euro. I haven't handled it as much as eduardo did, but it has one of the nicest/rigid stocks, fully adjustable and the action is soo smooth. eduardo said all the rest. the Bipod on the 338 is much sturdier and heavy duty.

here are some of the longer ones we loaded with 208 Amax, I doubt this would chamber in the steyr

conversely, have a look at this 300WSM with 208, its seated well into the case
http://i35.tinypic.com/2qxyuf4.jpg