corerf
posted this
20 October 2009
Fat bullets will hold the grooves better than skiny, at any velocity.
My two cents (or less). I shoot slow powders as opposed to most CBA members. I like flat trajectories and velocity. I have been shooting several (various) 150-210 gr RNGC bullets from lee and lyman. All have been sized to 311, not 309. 309 shot poorly! Their too small. I have also empirically discovered what most others did a long time ago. Bigger is better, usually. I have shot Leee TL and used only alox for both LV and HV bullets. I like White Label Lube Carnuba red 2700+. I use it exclusively now, for every caliber, speed and service.
My 30-06 is shooting 27 grains of 4895 (either H or IMR). My kids 7 and 10 have both shot it, they enjoyed it and had no problems with recoil. I get consistent 5 shot groups at 50 yds in 3/4 inch or less (scoped). This is with FL sized odd length machine charged, generic LR primers. The bullet is seated a bit long so it does engage the rifling. I believe that I can extend such accuracy out to 100 yds on the next trip with some critical reloading practices like hand charged powder, neck sizing, outside neck turing, primer pocket prep, etc. I have not found generic loading process group sizes to not be at least cut in half by careful loading processes. I am not fond of the red dot, 2400, 4227, unique loads. I will penny pinch only to a point, then I splurge. No offense to those who use and enjoy the fast powders. It seems that those who use the fast loads always fight some inconsistency or caveat that goes along with use. But I think that makes part of the joy of using it. the struggle to get little powder to shoot like a case full.
Try the Matterns deer load of 27 grains 4895 with any weight (150-210) 311 sized bullet. I think you'll be pleasantly suprised at the accuracy and velocity you can have with it. It also leaves a several grain window to go up and down with. I bet you'll get 2200 fps easy with it. Just refer to Ed Harris's white papers on “the loads". 27 grains is alot of powder but it's not 52 or 60 like with a full loaded '06 and a jacketed bullet.
Also, i have a pitted bore. Not a lick of leading in 40 round or more sessions. Matter of fact, I have never leaded the barrel and between groups, i don't dare clean the barrel. It's attained what CE Harris calls the rimfire condition.