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I'm more of a browser than poster, however I just wanted to share my load testing session I did.
This is on a Shadow 2 with Primary Machine milling service to mount an SRO and weight reduction. It does have CGW springs and the obvious non-stock grip.
I've been using Bear Creek 200 grain 0.401" bullets for my 2011 that I shoot in Limited class; I have had no issues with these bullets and have stuck with this company as I try to support the remaining gun-related companies left here in California as much as possible. I'm a fairly new shooter in USPSA and do it just for fun.
In summary, I'm amazed in the consistency of the load and how it performs on my gun. I tested 10 bullets before loading and all were 0.357" in width. Weights were all within 1 grain +/- of 147. Ammo were all made on a Dillon 650 using Lee dies, however I did weigh each charge with my FX120 scale.
Bear Creak moly 147 grain 0.357" bullets
Vihtahvuori N320
Federal once fired brass (for anyone interested, I actually found someone online that sells these in batches of 3K for $95 shipped).
Federal magnum small pistol primers (same ones I use for my .40S&W loads)
1.097" COAL (max 1.099" with these particular bullets)
Crimp at 0.38"
I've only got about 200 rounds through the gun, all Bear Creek 147s and no sign of leading.
All were 5 shot groups, wrist supported on bench. 16 yards distance (I think for future testing I will test closer or use bigger targets?, as at this distance with my eyes, the red dot covers the whole round target).
The only time I have experienced consistent SDs below 5 were with my precision 6.5 Creedmoor loads and that entails a lot of other steps (Lapua brass, Berger bullets, annealing, turning necks, weight sorting brass/bullets, using arbor press, etc).
I'm sure I can chase a more accurate load, however these loads are good enough for me for their intended purpose. I should probably have tried hotter loads, however this was my first time actually using a chrono with this particular gun and wanted to stick to published data and am risk averse.
I just thought I would share.
- Richard
This is on a Shadow 2 with Primary Machine milling service to mount an SRO and weight reduction. It does have CGW springs and the obvious non-stock grip.
I've been using Bear Creek 200 grain 0.401" bullets for my 2011 that I shoot in Limited class; I have had no issues with these bullets and have stuck with this company as I try to support the remaining gun-related companies left here in California as much as possible. I'm a fairly new shooter in USPSA and do it just for fun.
In summary, I'm amazed in the consistency of the load and how it performs on my gun. I tested 10 bullets before loading and all were 0.357" in width. Weights were all within 1 grain +/- of 147. Ammo were all made on a Dillon 650 using Lee dies, however I did weigh each charge with my FX120 scale.
Bear Creak moly 147 grain 0.357" bullets
Vihtahvuori N320
Federal once fired brass (for anyone interested, I actually found someone online that sells these in batches of 3K for $95 shipped).
Federal magnum small pistol primers (same ones I use for my .40S&W loads)
1.097" COAL (max 1.099" with these particular bullets)
Crimp at 0.38"
I've only got about 200 rounds through the gun, all Bear Creek 147s and no sign of leading.
All were 5 shot groups, wrist supported on bench. 16 yards distance (I think for future testing I will test closer or use bigger targets?, as at this distance with my eyes, the red dot covers the whole round target).
The only time I have experienced consistent SDs below 5 were with my precision 6.5 Creedmoor loads and that entails a lot of other steps (Lapua brass, Berger bullets, annealing, turning necks, weight sorting brass/bullets, using arbor press, etc).
I'm sure I can chase a more accurate load, however these loads are good enough for me for their intended purpose. I should probably have tried hotter loads, however this was my first time actually using a chrono with this particular gun and wanted to stick to published data and am risk averse.
I just thought I would share.
- Richard
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