Finally got a chance to get my newest addition to the range yesterday.
<span style="color: #CC0000"><span style="font-style: italic">The Critter-Nator</span></span> performed exceptionally well!!
Here's my initial write-up on the rifle......
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...026#Post2464026
After sitting down at the reloading bench, I worked up several loads with Berger 52gr FBHP's and 52gr SMK's. All loads were worked up using Winchester brass & WSR primers with Varget, AA5744, N133 and AA2460 powders. All loads were seated just off the lands at 2.311" OAL and are mag safe in the rig.
I was accompanied to the range by Hide member <span style="color: #FF0000"><span style="font-weight: bold">deh223</span></span> and he spotted for me during the load testing. No chrono results yet as we were trying to nail down a load or two that would perform well in her and go from there. We definitely accomplished that and them some!!!! With the exception of a couple called flyers, I was extremely impressed with the rifle. I found out REALLY early in the process that this thing will eat a 52gr Berger FBHP with just about ANY powder you run thru her.
Note...all groups measured at extreme spread and bullet diameter subtracted.
Pic#1> Top Left to bottom right, Berger 18.5gr AA5744 .306", Berger 23.5gr N133 .459", SMK 18.5gr AA5744 .293" minus called flyer, SMK 23.5gr N133 .327" minus called flyer and Berger 23.0 AA2460 .506
Pic#2> Top left to bottom right, Berger 24.0gr AA2460 .207 minus called flyer, SMK 23.0gr AA2460 .907", Berger 23.5gr AA2460 .217 minus called flyer, SMK 24.0gr AA2460 1.137" and SMK 23.5gr AA2460 1.208". Found out that while the Bergers LOVE the AA2460, the SMK's HATED it!!
Pic#3> Top Left and middle, no other dots shot on this target.
Top left, Berger 25.5gr Varget .429"
Middle, Berger 25.0gr Varget .343"
Now that I have a couple of very promising loads, time to get the chrono out and get some real world numbers. According to the load data, the 16 5/8" barrel should be running the Bergers at around 2900fps with the 2460 and Varget and right at 2700 with the 5744.
Needless to say, I am well pleased with the results this far. Looking forward to running her on some 'yotes and groundhogs in the very near future and logging some trigger time!
<span style="color: #CC0000"><span style="font-style: italic">The Critter-Nator</span></span> performed exceptionally well!!
Here's my initial write-up on the rifle......
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...026#Post2464026
After sitting down at the reloading bench, I worked up several loads with Berger 52gr FBHP's and 52gr SMK's. All loads were worked up using Winchester brass & WSR primers with Varget, AA5744, N133 and AA2460 powders. All loads were seated just off the lands at 2.311" OAL and are mag safe in the rig.
I was accompanied to the range by Hide member <span style="color: #FF0000"><span style="font-weight: bold">deh223</span></span> and he spotted for me during the load testing. No chrono results yet as we were trying to nail down a load or two that would perform well in her and go from there. We definitely accomplished that and them some!!!! With the exception of a couple called flyers, I was extremely impressed with the rifle. I found out REALLY early in the process that this thing will eat a 52gr Berger FBHP with just about ANY powder you run thru her.
Note...all groups measured at extreme spread and bullet diameter subtracted.
Pic#1> Top Left to bottom right, Berger 18.5gr AA5744 .306", Berger 23.5gr N133 .459", SMK 18.5gr AA5744 .293" minus called flyer, SMK 23.5gr N133 .327" minus called flyer and Berger 23.0 AA2460 .506
Pic#2> Top left to bottom right, Berger 24.0gr AA2460 .207 minus called flyer, SMK 23.0gr AA2460 .907", Berger 23.5gr AA2460 .217 minus called flyer, SMK 24.0gr AA2460 1.137" and SMK 23.5gr AA2460 1.208". Found out that while the Bergers LOVE the AA2460, the SMK's HATED it!!
Pic#3> Top Left and middle, no other dots shot on this target.
Top left, Berger 25.5gr Varget .429"
Middle, Berger 25.0gr Varget .343"
Now that I have a couple of very promising loads, time to get the chrono out and get some real world numbers. According to the load data, the 16 5/8" barrel should be running the Bergers at around 2900fps with the 2460 and Varget and right at 2700 with the 5744.
Needless to say, I am well pleased with the results this far. Looking forward to running her on some 'yotes and groundhogs in the very near future and logging some trigger time!
