I took my new 6x47L ( http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1515930#Post1515930)to the range today - well, technically it's not a range, yet. My brother built us a shooting bench out on the family farm, where we can shoot out to about 650yds. These would be the first rounds I've put through it, as well as my first attempt at "wildcatting". Lots of firsts. I'd only loaded 10 rounds, as I didn't want to waste or damage my Lapua brass if I was doing something wrong. I'd sized the cases in my Forster FL die until I could just close the bolt with some downward resistance. Loads were then assembled using CCI 450 primers, 105gr Bergers, with 36 and 37 grs H4350 (5 each). Thirty-six grs was the start load suggested on the website 6mmhot.com, using the same components. I've heard of individuals going up to at least 40 grs, so I felt I was in safe waters at 36.
After slogging through the knee deep snow to the bench (about 100yds from where I could park the truck), I then had to slog another 100 out to the target holder. Needless to say, the heart rate was up a bit. I set The Beast up on the bags, and bore-sighted it. Being a bit unsure of my Loading technique, I fired the first shot like pistol (covered my face with my off arm too). It hit the target about three inches high and an inch to the left of where I'd set the crosshair of the Nightforce. All looked well with the gun and the case, so I proceeded to shoot the other 4. The second shot hit about a half inch lower than the first, the last three formed a horizontal line two inches high and about 1 inch across -directly above the aimpoint. Not bad for no adjusments being made. I checked each case after firing for any adverse pressure signs.
I then started in on the 37 gr load. With this load my heart rate had slowed down, and I'd also noted that I still had the scope set on 8x. I cranked it up to 16x for the second group. These shot in a cluster, 2 1/2 inches high and 1 inch to the right. I can't cover all five with a dime, but I can cover them with a nickel.
You'll note that I don't mention anything about Break-in. At 8 degrees here in ND, it's far to cold and the days too short to mess with that now. I'm satisfied that the rifle will function properly, and it seems to show that it wants to shoot.
Hopefully, I can learn to drive it well enough for it to realize it's potential.
Thanks for listening.
Kaiser Norton
After slogging through the knee deep snow to the bench (about 100yds from where I could park the truck), I then had to slog another 100 out to the target holder. Needless to say, the heart rate was up a bit. I set The Beast up on the bags, and bore-sighted it. Being a bit unsure of my Loading technique, I fired the first shot like pistol (covered my face with my off arm too). It hit the target about three inches high and an inch to the left of where I'd set the crosshair of the Nightforce. All looked well with the gun and the case, so I proceeded to shoot the other 4. The second shot hit about a half inch lower than the first, the last three formed a horizontal line two inches high and about 1 inch across -directly above the aimpoint. Not bad for no adjusments being made. I checked each case after firing for any adverse pressure signs.
I then started in on the 37 gr load. With this load my heart rate had slowed down, and I'd also noted that I still had the scope set on 8x. I cranked it up to 16x for the second group. These shot in a cluster, 2 1/2 inches high and 1 inch to the right. I can't cover all five with a dime, but I can cover them with a nickel.
You'll note that I don't mention anything about Break-in. At 8 degrees here in ND, it's far to cold and the days too short to mess with that now. I'm satisfied that the rifle will function properly, and it seems to show that it wants to shoot.
Hopefully, I can learn to drive it well enough for it to realize it's potential.
Thanks for listening.
Kaiser Norton
