I know this has been debated a million times, but I thought I'd share my results with you guys. After using CCI BR-2's for all my load development for kicks I decided to try some Federal 215M's I had lying around.
My accuracy node using the BR-2's has been set at 42.6gr of Varget. This node has been great in terms of accuracy (.4 moa) but a little under powered compared to my zeroing cartridge of 308 FGMM 175gr SMK's. The BR-2's and 42.6gr of Varget typically shoot .2mils lower than my rifle zero. When I tried the 215M's I reduced my power charge to 42.0gr of Varget. This resulted in a +.1mil elevation change, closer to that of my zero and reducing my groups size to a little under .3moa. I also found that this combination also keeps me in my accuracy node longer over different charge weights. I ran my OCW test from 42.0 to 43.0 grains of Varget with no pressure signs what so ever.
From here I going to make two assumptions. One that the +.1mil elevation change is a result of higher pressure from the Varget being ignited faster by the 215M's. The second is that my rifle likes the harmonics of this new pressure, resulting in a more even accuracy node.
Comments and suggestions welcome.
My accuracy node using the BR-2's has been set at 42.6gr of Varget. This node has been great in terms of accuracy (.4 moa) but a little under powered compared to my zeroing cartridge of 308 FGMM 175gr SMK's. The BR-2's and 42.6gr of Varget typically shoot .2mils lower than my rifle zero. When I tried the 215M's I reduced my power charge to 42.0gr of Varget. This resulted in a +.1mil elevation change, closer to that of my zero and reducing my groups size to a little under .3moa. I also found that this combination also keeps me in my accuracy node longer over different charge weights. I ran my OCW test from 42.0 to 43.0 grains of Varget with no pressure signs what so ever.
From here I going to make two assumptions. One that the +.1mil elevation change is a result of higher pressure from the Varget being ignited faster by the 215M's. The second is that my rifle likes the harmonics of this new pressure, resulting in a more even accuracy node.
Comments and suggestions welcome.