Disappointing results with 123 SST and Faxon Match barrel

[Bearcatrp]

Not sure if its the new upper, 12.5 inch Faxon match barrel, or the Hornady 123 SST bullets. Broke in the rifle last week according to faxon recommendations so 50 shots last week. Thought I was on target from last week at 50 yards so started at the 100 yard target. Bought some Federal fusion (only thing I could find locally) 120 grain. Had to move over to the 50 yard target. Since I was set up there would complete my range time there. Have never had a crappy range day doing load development than today. Got the 120 to zero as close as possible, then started with my reloads.
Federal fusion 120 grain SP Avg 2314 fps ES 33.05
123 SST 27.3 8208XBR Avg 2230 fps ES 53.55 (5 shots for all reloads)
123 SST 27.9 8208XBR Avg 2254 fps ES 14.94
123 SST 27.9 8208XBR Avg 2267 fps ES 7.16
123 SST 28.02 8208XBR Avg 2292 fps ES 26.67
123 SST 28.5 8208XBR Avg 2323 fps ES 12.66
Hornady brass, CCI 400 primers. NO pressure signs. But the grouping at 50 yards just plain sucked. Had a couple shots touching each other but expected allot better for 50 yards. Going to order another brand of bullets to see how they do.

[Sticks]

I'd blame the bullet first. Read enough posts on them and you will figure that it is the one bullet that is picky about what barrel it gets shot out of, rather than the barrel being picky about the ammo.

Try some other ammo/bullets in your reloading.

[RobertFL]

Sorry to hear you had problems. I don't reload myself, I am sure you will find the right bullet/powder combo for your barrel. It sounds like you will be experimenting with a few new loads soon, hopefully you will be quickly dialed in with the new bullets.
I have to shoot factory loads right now. I have only shot my 6.5 Faxon 16" Match grade Gunner 5R barrel 12 shots.

[grayfox]

Is there enough room in your chamber to try some differing Coal's? The 27.2 gr load may not be the velocity you were looking for but its SD is good, going a bit longer or shorter should tighten it up. I do it in 0.010 increments. For sst try 2.245, 2.255, 2.265, maybe even 2.275. Might be something there for you.

Btw, for more MV, I know cfe223 is temp sensitive but I also use some AR Comp, which is less so... up to 28.0 in AR's.

[1Shot]

It is most likely the 123 SST. I have two different barrels, 18" Oden Works and 20" Bear Creek Arsenal. The BCA just plain HATES that bullet. Factory ammo at best will only do 3" at 100 and hand loads never under 2". Oden with factory between 1 1/2 and 2" and best handload is around 1 1/2". Give the 120 Sierra Pro Hunter a try with the IMR 8208 with either CCI 450 or CCI BR-4 primers. Oden likes 450s and BCA likes BR-4 best. Oden shoots 1/2" and BCA 1" five shots at 100.

[Bearcatrp]

One things though is those fusion rounds I used wasnt much better. Am using Hornady brass so small rifle primers. Chamber is fairly fight. All brass has wear marks. Am using hornady dies. Think I will try a different brand bullet just to see what happens. Have seen before where barrels are picky on bullets. Am wondering though if the Grendel prefers lighter bullets. Hornady has better prices on bullets than most so will suck to spend higher prices. I do have 123 match bullets that came with my order of sst. Could give them a try too.

[GMZ]

107 SMK over XBR seems to give a lot of people great accuracy, but I would also give the 123 ELD-M a shot.

[Bearcatrp]

I loaded up the 123 ELD-M bullets I have. But this time loaded 0.050 off the lands. Hornady 10th edition calls for 2.245 C.O.L.. My max to the lands measure 2.260. Loaded these at 2.255. All my other rifles that shoot match bullets have worked great at 0.020 off the lands. Decided not to go as close this time but should show good results provided the barrel like the ELD-M bullets. Will still stay at 50 yards too. If I get the same results as the SST bullets at 50 yards, then will go with another brand. I like Hornady bullets as all my other rifles shoot fine with them. Plus they don’t cost as much as others.

[1Shot]

I fixed it. Brain cramp I guess. Above I said CCI 250 primers I meant CCi 450. I had just posted on another site talking about CCI 250s and it just carried forward in my brain is guess.

[Bearcatrp]

Well the 123 ELD-M did horrible. Figured since I was hitting some of the targets last trip out, leave it alone and shoot my groups. Same powder load as before but with the 123 ELD-M bullets. Wasn’t even close to touching the target. Been in contact with Sulzer firearms with all my data and target pics. Since I’ll be out of commission for around 3 months from another back surgery, they offered to look at it while I’m recovering. Emailed me a shipping label. I didn’t even ask for one figuring I would buy some commercial ammo and try later. Love it when a company goes the extra mile. Feel confident ordering from sulzar firearms folks.