Analyze My Target

[choprzrul]

Roughly 2003 I was loading 308 with Barnes 130gr X bullets. Both mine and my wife's lightweight rifles shot very good groups, consistantly 1.5" or less on 5 shot strings. Fast forward to this summer. I have started shooting again and found that Barnes 130gr TSX bullets are much easier to find. I am loading with exactly the same powder, primers, dies, press, scale, etc.

I went to the range last Sunday after thoroughly cleaning and lubing the rifle. I shot 3 cleaning rounds (same as I used to do), let the rifle cool about 10 minutes, and shot a 3 shot group. After a range break, I shot 6 more times by shooting, wait 2 minutes, shoot again. After another range break, I shot another 6 rounds using the same procedure. Here is the target, the squares are 1":


Closer look, 1" squares, group roughly 5" wide by 3" high:


2 weekends later with 45.0gr, NOTE: this target has 1/2" squares, roughly 5" by 2 /12" group:


Same weekend, using 46.0gr loads, looking tighter, roughly 3" by 3":


Barnes manual says I can go to 49.0gr so I loaded up 10 more each of 47.0 and 48.0. Here are the results:

1" squares on the target, shot 1/1/10 with 47.0gr of IMR 3031:


Also 1/1/10 with 48.0gr of IMR 3031:


I think that I have max'd out IMR 3031's potential with this combination. It looks to me like the best group was with 47.0gr and it opened back up @ 48.0gr.

I think that I am going to look at the posted velocity in Barnes' manual for the 47.0 load and then try matching velocities with other powders. I have Winchester 748 and BL-C2 available on the shelf for further testing. Please let me know what you see in these targets and what your recommendations are.

[Denver]

Looks like you missed.

[choprzrul]

Looks like you missed.

I say nonsense, I killed that piece of paper! Every shot hit it.

[Purple K]

Try a few clicks to the left.

[scr83jp]

I say nonsense, I killed that piece of paper! Every shot hit it.

that's in the kill zone for hunting one doesn't have to put every round in single hole, it isn't competition shooting.

[Mickey D]

At what distance (range) were you shooting?

[Californio]

I tried the TSX for my hunting 308 and was not happy considering Remington Core-Lokt worked great for decades. I have not tried the Tipped TSX but talking around will probably try the MSX next. So far not a Barnes fan.

My hunting 308 is a 700 BDL with 22" barrel/2x7 VXII with Redfield rings and mount.

[choprzrul]

At what distance (range) were you shooting?

I was sleeping on that one! 100yds, shooting from bench with overhead cover. Quartering wind in my face from the left @ roughly 10mph

[choprzrul]

Try a few clicks to the left.

Agreed. Looking to get group size down. Will adjust zero later.

[Fjold]

Yes, the TSX bullet is different from every other Barnes bullet. None of them will use the same load data to get the same results.

My eyes can't make out all the numbers on the target so it doesn't make sense to me.

If you're going to shoot a number of groups, why not just shoot one group in each diamond. That will make the target much easier to interpret.

[choprzrul]

Yes, the TSX bullet is different from every other Barnes bullet. None of them will use the same load data to get the same results.

My eyes can't make out all the numbers on the target so it doesn't make sense to me.

If you're going to shoot a number of groups, why not just shoot one group in each diamond. That will make the target much easier to interpret.

I hope this helps. I used a sharpie to go over my pen marks. The numbers 1, 2, and 3 are the first 3 shots. The six with the single hash mark are the next 6 shots. The six with the double hash marks are the second 6:


I shot this target on the same day, same range, same distance; using a Polytech M14s, open sights with Argentine ball ammo:

Please note: 1" between rings. I shot the bottom group first, adjusted the sights, and then shot the top group. 15/15 hits on the 3' round plate @ 300yds on last 2 trips to the range.

[jaymz]

Your rifle is broken. Send it to me so that I can dispose of it before someone gets hurt!

[El Gato]

a couple of clicks left... and it is good to go to kill stuff with... that's why you is shootin' condor bullets right... to kill stuff.. and 130's are good ...don't need copper solids to shoot paper with...

I just used Hornady's new load to sight in my 03a3 and it shot MOA and the kid killed his deer at about 70 yards...any load good enough to hit a dessert plate would have been fine...super accurate condor bullets where like overkill on a 100 lb doe... would have preferred the old nosler Ballistic Tips I used to use in the gun...but NOOoooo can't use lead in condor land...

[RobG]

You are shooting a hunting bullet.
You are probably shooting a thin profile barrel which heats and cools possibly changing your POI. Could be the cause of stringing.
Trigger control is all you.
The TSX won't be the same loading as the X. Keep working at it.

[choprzrul]

You are shooting a hunting bullet.
You are probably shooting a thin profile barrel which heats and cools possibly changing your POI. Could be the cause of stringing.
Trigger control is all you.
The TSX won't be the same loading as the X. Keep working at it.

Is it just me, or does it look like the first 6 shot group with the single hash marks string up and down; while the double hash group of 6 strings left and right? If it was barrel heating, wouldn't I get consistant strings patterns?

I think that I am going to repeat the entire process to see if I get repeatability.