New hunting zero and new 120 Gold Dot hunting load

[grendelnubi]

I have been looking at using a new zero this year for my hunting Grendel's. I hunt with an 18" and a 12.7". There are shot opportunities of greater than 320 yards but I have never taken any. A hog yea but for a deer, I would have to think about it for a while.

I have always zero'd at 100 yards and just let it ride. The plan was to use elevation adjustment if needed.

Today I tested a new near zero of 45 yards with a far zero of 190 yards. I was able to confirmed it today using my new 120 Gold Dot load which I will share below. It has proved to be very accurate using my 18". Need to confirm using with 12.7.

To compare the 100 yd vs 45 yd x zero with a 4" diameter target and the new 120 Gold Dot load at 2396 fps.

100 yd zero:
PBR = 202 yds
100 yds = 0
200 yds = 1.97" low
300 yds = 5.29" low
350 yds = 7.22" low
400 yds = 9.32" low


Same 4" target using a 45 yd zero:
PBR = 257 yards
100 yds = 1.75" high using ballistics calculator but I measured it a 1.2" high.
200 yds = .21 low
300 yds = 3.53" low
350 yds = 5.47" low
400 yds = 7.57" low

I think this is a big plus to gain 55 yds in PBR. It's free, so why not.

My new 120 Gold dot load:
COAL=2.245
OTB=1.688
.072 jump

Wolf Case and Wolf Primer (My goal was to use a disposable case so I didn't have to worry about finding it like I do if it was brass)
Powder is AA2520
Charge is 29.2grs
Avg FPS = 2396 (goal was 2400)
SD is 10.9
ES is 26
100 yds 3 shot = .5" group
45 yds zero and 1.25" high (measured) at 100 yds

29.0- 29.1- 29.2
2363- 2335- 2394-
2363- 2383- 2400-
2353- 2379- 2409-
2384- 2395-
2387- 2382- 2383-

Shots 4 and 5 were using to confirm 190 yd zero later in day.

[tdbru]

gn,
just curious, where'd you get primed steel cases? Didn't know Wolf offered those. Or did you pull apart the factory ammo?
looking good, by the way
-tdbru

[grendelnubi]

I purchased a several hundred Wolf about 3 years ago, when they were 5 dollars for 20.

I have been pulling the 100gr projectile and emptying the case powder and using just the steel case and primers.

I keep both projectiles and powder for emergency uses only.

I have done the same for 90 TNT but have not finished load development yet.

I am more than happy with the results so far even with the 90 TNT's.

[grendelnubi]

Here is a link to the details of the 45 yd zero for the 129 ABLR, 120 NBT, 120 GD projectiles shooting out of my 18" Oden Works DMR barrel.

I ended up making a small change to make it more accurate based my gold dot 100 yd high measurement (1.25" vs Ballistic calculator indicated 1.75"). I adjusted the scope height to 2.56" from 3"

It also did lower the PBR to around 200 yds for all projectiles as well as lowered the far zero to 168 yds. This will need to be verified in the field. I had a steel plate at 190 yards and it appeared to be on a little on the low side but within expected margin. I will verify using target and to see if the ballistic calculator is accurate at longer distances with the scope height adjustment.

[Stinky Coyote]

I run 200 yard zero on everything centerfire coyote/big game related. As 95% of your opportunities will come in that range so you're hold fur always for shot 1. I use Ruger ranch 16.1" grendel currently with hornady black at 2386 fps, this gives about 235 yard MPBR within a 5.25" circle at my elevations etc. I've studied many cartridges and kill zone windows from 4-6" and even with coyotes up to 6" will work...with that I'd get a 247 yard MPBR and 210 yard zero. But again, no need to maximize as 95% of your first round opps are within 235-250 yards anyway. So it keeps it simple over time, all centerfires hunting rifles are 200 yard zero, most stuff that makes you question getting out the rangefinder you'll have time to use it and dial or hold anyway. On a big game only rifle one can go 6-8" windows and I did run one single shot sheep rifle with a 250 yard zero and lr duplex reticle matched hashes at 350, 450 and 550 where the post thickened but most of my rigs combo for coyotes so we stick to 200 yard zero on everything.

[grendelnubi]

Thanks Stinky for confirming what I felt to be a very beneficial zero distance. It's was a move from years of traditional thinking, hence reason I wanted to share my findings.

Thanks again!

[gwtx]

I use an 18" Grendel I got from Sanders armory a few years ago. I shoot my hand loads; 123gr SST's , last chrono'd at 2525fps avg. I zero at 70yds which is back on at 140yds. CALCULATED path:
.5" lo at 50, zero at 70, peaks .39 HI at 105, zero again at 140(confirmed), 2.5 at 200, 6.5 at 250, 12.4 at 300. Basically, I'm 1/2" lo at 50, and 1/2' Lo again at 160 yds. My scope sits 2.9" above bore center-line. I seldom shoot over 200, though I have taken a couple yotes at 300-320.... gps.
The main reason for settling on this setup is because I can't remember 'holdovers" ,,,and a lot of other things too This gives me the flattest trajectory for the way I hunt. The best configuration is the one that works the best for your situation. I think you have a good'un. Have fun.
I only shoot hogs and coyotes for the most part. Beyond 200yds, I just aim at the top of the backline. 300yds, aim at the point of the ears when they are standing erect.
Just my 2 cents,,, I have to keep it simple.