Opinions 7mm rem. Berger VLD ladder test results

[B Man]

I just got my rifle back from the smith having the action bedded and my orginal load wasn't as accurate as before. I'm guessing it somehow messed with the harmonics in the barrel. This is my first ladder test I have done.

I'm guessing my node was on shot 2,3,4,5 then 8 & 9 maybe 11 with 8,9?

Let me know what you think.

Its a savage 112 BVSS w/ 26" fluted barrel

My test was at 300 yds.
Temp 90*

Winchester Brass
WLR primers
H1000 Powder
168 gr. Berger VLD
OAL 3.400" Mag. length

Load 11 & 12 seemed to make the bolt slightly heavier to lift so I stopped on 12.

 

[jbailey]

Re: Opinions 7mm rem. Berger VLD ladder test results

3,4,5 - Looking really good.
8,9,11 - maybe. If you aren't happy with the velocities of 3,4,5, test these guys.

 

[B Man]

Re: Opinions 7mm rem. Berger VLD ladder test results

So In your opinion 3,4,5 look better than 8,9? If you don't mind me asking why do you like it better as a node? Just curious from a learning standpoint.

Thanks

 

[BobinNC]

Re: Opinions 7mm rem. Berger VLD ladder test results

Funny how we look at stuff differently. I would make up 5 rounds each of 8 and 9, plus a new load of splitting the difference between them of 69.2 or 69.3 grains.

Due to bolt lift issues, I would disregard #11

No right or wrong answer here...

 

[jbailey]

Re: Opinions 7mm rem. Berger VLD ladder test results

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: B Man</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So In your opinion 3,4,5 look better than 8,9? If you don't mind me asking why do you like it better as a node? Just curious from a learning standpoint.

Thanks </div></div>

I like the way there is a clear trend of numbers - 2, 3, 4, 5 - all right on top of each other (remember, we are really only interested in vertical dispersion w/ ladders). The more numbers on top of each other, the more likely they are in an accuracy node and not just randomness.

 

[B Man]

Re: Opinions 7mm rem. Berger VLD ladder test results

Gotcha, I'll get some more loaded up around that and start group testing. Thanks again

 

[trailrider121]

Re: Opinions 7mm rem. Berger VLD ladder test results

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JamesBailey</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: B Man</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So In your opinion 3,4,5 look better than 8,9? If you don't mind me asking why do you like it better as a node? Just curious from a learning standpoint.

Thanks </div></div>

I like the way there is a clear trend of numbers - 2, 3, 4, 5 - all right on top of each other (remember, we are really only interested in vertical dispersion w/ ladders). The more numbers on top of each other, the more likely they are in an accuracy node and not just randomness.

</div></div>

+1.I agree, work with 2,3,4,and 5. Looks to be under MOA.

 

[B Man]

Re: Opinions 7mm rem. Berger VLD ladder test results

I just loaded loads 3,4,5, and split 8 & 9 for one load to compare to the other three. Hopefully I will have some time tomorrow morning to test them before it gets hot and the mirage gets bad. Testing at 300 yds again.

Trailrider, yes those loads were 1.8" so its looks promising.

 

[jbailey]

Re: Opinions 7mm rem. Berger VLD ladder test results

Let us know how they shoot B Man. From the ladder test, it looks like you have got the potential for a great load.

 

[Clark]

Re: Opinions 7mm rem. Berger VLD ladder test results

I am getting good groups at 100 yards with 180 gr VLD 70 gr Re22 3025 fps 7mmRM Ruger #1 .

But my 500 yard groups are not so good.

Bart Bobbitt tells me it is because I do not have a fast enough twist rate.

I have been a fan of Bart since the 90s, and I like the rifle, so I may switch to the 168 gr VLDs.

 

[B Man]

Re: Opinions 7mm rem. Berger VLD ladder test results

Had some free time this afternoon to go ahead and shoot the loads made. Groups were not near where I expected them to be compared to what it use to do before the bedding. I'm going to make a post in the Smith section on how this thing was bedded before I shoot anymore loads. I had a guy tell me today he suggested me take a dremel tool to the epoxy touching the barrel. Back to the loads.
My 67.6 load had the highest ES but besides the one flyer ( My error ) shows to be the best group. Second best group had a real good ES and looks promising. I try to remember that these bullets are very finiky with the seating depth and hoping to shave AT LEAST and inch off these groups. I'm thinking about shooting the 67.7 & 68.2 loads again before testing the seating depths.
Notice the difference in velocity from above with the same charge. All I can think of is the difference with the lighting conditions. Test was 91* and slightly overcast

 

[B Man]

Re: Opinions 7mm rem. Berger VLD ladder test results

Clarke,

Let me know how the 168's do for you. I started to run 180's in mine but didn't think my rifle would stabailize them.


Loaded 4 more loads today.

68.2- High ES of around 40fps. today

68.4- 19fps. ES

68.6- 13 fps. ES

68.8- 20 fps. ES (4 in within 7 fps w/ 3 duplicates and one wild)

All groups were still not GREAT, but good. All were around MOA except the 68.2 load it shot horrible today.... Go figure.
I'm going to load 10 of the 68.6 & 10 of the 68.8 gr. loads in weight sorted brass to see the outcome. If the numbers stay like they are I'll settle on one to start moving the seating depth around to see if it hits the spot.

All advice welcome if you disagree with any of this

I have not weight sorted my brass before this test so I believe I can get these numbers lower.

 

[ryhag1]

Re: Opinions 7mm rem. Berger VLD ladder test results

There is a good article on 6mmbr about ladder testing.

http://www.accurateshooter.com/technical-articles/long-range-load-development/

 

[B Man]

Re: Opinions 7mm rem. Berger VLD ladder test results

Bringing this back from the dead.

I have been doing some testing with loads and seating depth when I had time and have found a good load to start shooting.

I will post results and picture tonight.

Thanks for the help.

 

[B Man]

Re: Opinions 7mm rem. Berger VLD ladder test results

Thoughts for others doing this.

I did my ladder test earlier with FL sized brass & figured it would be a good way to fire form it at the same time. Well after my ladder test my loads didn't really match what the test showed when I loaded thm in fire formed neck sized brass for accuracy testing. First thing I noticed is the FL sized brass had a HIGHER vel. than the fire formed brass. I got to thinking and stepped the charge up past the 68.2 load in one of my last test I did as you can see above. At the 68.6 gr. charge I was getting the same vel as I did with the 67.3 gr. FL sized brass load. I though it was the chrony with the sun. I stuck to only testing with fire formed and everything stayed consistent with vel. from then out. Has anyone else had anything like this they have noticed?

Finally I have a load after finding a good load & some seating depth test.

The bergers kiss the lands at 3.430" in my rifle & the best accuracy was at 3.400" just fitting my mag. I tested from 3.360" - 3.430".

Final load

Case- Win.
Primer- WLR
Bullet- 168gr. berger VLD
Powder- H1000 68.6gr.
OAL- 3.400"
ES. 13 fps.

Only brass prep was flash hole deburr, still have not weight sorted for final Vel. and group testing. Neck sized with hornady die.

Went to test the load past 300yds. today out to 600yds. to see how it did(forgot a new target thankfully someone left an old one). Had a changing light wind 3-6 mph at 4 o clock. After 2 sighters I Shot this 10 shot string in under 5 min. to see how it would do heated up.

6.75" Hor. 2.75" ver. Top left hole is not mine.

No prize winning groups but I'm stoked

I'm going to load some more up and try having some fun finally. Amazing how much you keep learning about this stuff.

I used FL sized brass for sighters, I'm assuming is why my loads shot bad left?.