My previous post on this subject described a test of a .30-30 hunting load except that bullets were seated out to engage the rifling .080". I had not previously tried these bullets seated into the rifling since the required COL was too long for magazine function. The point of the exercise was curiosity.
That test and this were at 100 meters with 16 BHN bullets #U321297HP sized down to .312", 32 gns LVR powder and FCLR primer. This test differed in seating the bullets for less rifling engagement (.014" this time), and using a different lube. The barrel was wiped beforehand with Ed's Red and 2500+ lube, followed by a dry patch.
The new lube was a mix of leftovers of a somewhat stiffer consistency than the 2500+. Composition of "MX5" is LBT soft 42%, BAC 21%, LOM 16%, LSM 15% & ATF 6%. It turns out to be a good lube.
The first test with 2500+ lube had some high shots associated with higher velocity, perhaps indicating that 2500+ needed a few shots to settle the POI - not good for a hunting application.
The new lube and the lesser rifling engagement resulted in a good group (five shot 100 meter group of 1.38", Mean Radius 0.64"), AND a fouling shot that went just about dead center of the group.
Conclusions: MX5 lube on this occasion and others has kept the foulers to group or close to it - this will be the hunting lube for now; "bullets into the rifling" looks good for accuracy, but will not be practical for hunting - maybe have just a few long ones in the pocket for single loading; wiping with Ed's Red and 2500 lube may have been beneficial for first shot POI - certainly not detrimental.
Right hand target is fouler from cold clean barrel. Target squares are 1.5".
You are only as good as your library.
