Did you arrive at the 2.263 COL methodically, or is that simply what you used? I ask because ~2.250 has worked best for me in a variety of barrels, and the factory Amax is usually that or slightly shorter.
Be careful with max loads over 28gr of 8208. In some barrels, it's too much pressure for bolts to sustain over numerous firings.
It's doesn't seem unusual for groups to not open up downrange like might be expected. For example, 1" groups at 100 yards don't necessarily mean 2" groups at 200; they might be 1.25" instead. Might be the initial wobble of a high-BC boattail bullet before if completely stabilizes, but that's just hearsay on my part. I've "wasted" some rounds on steel at 600 yards because they were disappointing at 100 yards, and sometimes the results have been surprisingly good.
Bottom line is that if you plan to shoot at extended distances, it's best to develop loads at extended distances.
ETA- Your group sizes between those charges are not drastically different. Might be an indicator of case prep (runout and / or neck tension) and / or bullet seating depth. If you've tried factory Amax, I would be curious of the results.
Be careful with max loads over 28gr of 8208. In some barrels, it's too much pressure for bolts to sustain over numerous firings.
surfcityred Wrote:I have read that some loads do not stabilize at 100-yards but become more accurate at 200+. What is your take on all of this.
It's doesn't seem unusual for groups to not open up downrange like might be expected. For example, 1" groups at 100 yards don't necessarily mean 2" groups at 200; they might be 1.25" instead. Might be the initial wobble of a high-BC boattail bullet before if completely stabilizes, but that's just hearsay on my part. I've "wasted" some rounds on steel at 600 yards because they were disappointing at 100 yards, and sometimes the results have been surprisingly good.
Bottom line is that if you plan to shoot at extended distances, it's best to develop loads at extended distances.
ETA- Your group sizes between those charges are not drastically different. Might be an indicator of case prep (runout and / or neck tension) and / or bullet seating depth. If you've tried factory Amax, I would be curious of the results.
Drifter