Ladder testing on brand new barrel/build??

[Kienvu14]

Hey guys need some help! I finally took the plunge and am building my dream rifle. Ultra light back packing hunting rifle. 6.5 CM with Proof 20” and I’m hoping to try out 156gr EOL and RL26 , if not 143gr eldx’s. I have a 143gr load on my cheap $200 rifle that is semi decent.

Should I start a ladder test right off the bat on a new barrel? Or should I fire 100 rounds through before getting a ladder test done? I was told velocities will speed after 100 rounds but will it be drastic?

Thanks!

 

[Steel head]

I always shoot a mild load to once fire brass and get barrel up to speed.
Those initial loads just get shot at steel at distance and I often find the optimal jump then and find a speed node when the barrel is normalized.

 

[1moaoff]

200 dollar rifle with a proof barrel???
Hows that happen. Squirrel


Dont be afraid to try factory for a hunting gun

 

[Simonsza1]

I agree with both post above to put some rounds down to get some brass and let the barrel settle and also about factory ammo for hunting. I’m being a little bit of a hypocrite cause I do reload for my 6.5 hunting rifle but I have built a couple for some friends and they are getting phenomenal results with factory ammo. One friend shooting 6.5cm Factory Barnes 127lrx out of a 24” krieger I built for him and it’s shooting awesome. FYI I load the same 127lrx Barnes for my 6.5cm hunting rifle and it’s been devastating on game so far with a drop in his tracks bull elk at 300yds it was right in the ten ring but he fell right over. Very accurate bullet and the Barnes are a awesome hunting bullet also using it in my 25-06 and 270. His factory Barnes had some impressive FPS out of that 24”. Good luck!

 

[nn8734]

Hey guys need some help! I finally took the plunge and am building my dream rifle. Ultra light back packing hunting rifle. 6.5 CM with Proof 20” and I’m hoping to try out 156gr EOL and RL26 , if not 143gr eldx’s. I have a 143gr load on my cheap $200 rifle that is semi decent.

Should I start a ladder test right off the bat on a new barrel? Or should I fire 100 rounds through before getting a ladder test done? I was told velocities will speed after 100 rounds but will it be drastic?

Thanks!

My win mag’s barrel sped up by about 80 fps by the 100th round from its avg MV at 20 rounds. However, my load’s overall precision potential (ie how well it held together at distance) didn’t change. It just became a little bit flatter shooting due to the increased mean MV. This pattern holds generally true with high quality match barrels like the one you ordered.

The barrel I’m referring to above is a .30 caliber Lilja SS 4- groove 1/10 twist shooting 190 smks.

 

[Kienvu14]

Thanks for the suggestions guys! I have a 143gr load already on my cheap $200 TC Compass rifle which I used to take a deer and antelope last year but looking for advice on a brand new build.


Sounds like I’ll break in the Proof barrel with some of my current 143gr loads and start the 156 EOL towards the 100 round count!