Powder choices (among what I have lol) for 123 gr bullets

[grayfox]

It is the 120 SMK, not the pro hunter.

[grendelnubi]

V4, just for giggles, load up the 123 SST at the factory 2.245, 30 grains of CFE223 and see if it shoots. I believe it will shoot better than factory....

[v4lu3s]

V4, just for giggles, load up the 123 SST at the factory 2.245, 30 grains of CFE223 and see if it shoots. I believe it will shoot better than factory....

I hope so. I will give it a try, unfortunately my range is closed for a 2 day event and I wont be able to get back there until Monday. I will also have a .000 capable caliper by then as well!

[v4lu3s]

3. For SST and sometimes Eldm, best lengths I have found are typically somewhere 2.245-2.265 (they don't mind the jump), so while your OAL is close to that, have you tried varying the OAL at 31.0 grs to see how the grouping responds. I do groups differing by 0.010 to see any discernable improvement/worsening, to settle on an OAL.

Using the Hornady gauge and bullet comparator tool, from base of cartridge to lands my barrel is 1.71", The ELD-M is 1.67" to ogive and the Frontier is 1.64" to ogive. So I am looking at 0.040" jump with factory loaded ELD-M/SST, 0.070" of jump on the Frontier, and 0.010" jump from my loads.

[v4lu3s]

I just found a Wilson Combat barrel, 20 inch, fluted, for $240...so tempting.

[LRRPF52]

I cannot disagree with you on that. It is frustrating though as I have barrels from Faxon, Wilson Arms, Ballistic Advantage, Anderson, APF, Trybe Defense ($190 upper that puts 7.62x39 handloads through the same hole and WWB in a 1.5 in group!) that all shoot at least 1 if not more loads into 1 inch or better groupings. I know Odin Works is a still a mid market rack barrel, but i had always regarded them as a step up. I have sold off Bear Creek barrels, as well as PSA barrels for only shooting 2 inch groups lol

btw is that sierra 120 a match bullet or the SP pro hunter?

[v4lu3s]

I am very hesitant to lap or bed with a receiver that I had to heat to get the barrel to fit, most of the grease I put on the extension was squeezed out it was so tight and there is not removing the barrel without a heat gun, a wooden dowel and a deadblow hammer. I was told by SOLGW that the tight fight and use of a heat gun to fit the barrel was done for a snugger fit and more likely accurate rifle. If it was an Anderson, or Aero upper receiver I would go to it without a second thought. I will contact SOLGW to get their input before it mess with that fit, but honestly I am more likely to buy a new barrel.