Your opinions needed

[CZ527 Guy]

Everyone knows I am new to reloading and ask dumb questions BUT better dumb than dead. Is there anything that can be taken from this video ?


Thanks



I am always amazed at the unending search for more speed when a new round comes out. Doesn't accuracy count for something?

I reload for my Savage Axis II with a 22-inch Sporter barrel. I have based my reloads on Hornady's 105 grain BTHP ammunition. It measured the OAL @ 2.220". I stayed with their 105 grain BTHP bullet. I tested loads with Varget, RL-15 and BL-C-(2) powders.

I use "QuickLoad" software to help with my load development; in parallel with Hornady's reloading Manual and it's 6mm ARC sections for both gas operated rifles and bolt action rifles, like my Savage.

I found my most accurate loads were between 2500 and 2600 fps (calculated).

I had my best results using RL-15, although Varget did well. I tested Varget first and over the time I tested these three powders my accuracy started to increase. I may re-visit Varget at a later date to see how much of an improvement I have made. - LOL

The load steps I used for the RL-15 where in 0.2 grain and 0.3 grain increments. My best groups were at 26.5, 26.7 and 26.9 grains of RL-15 powder. I shot a final "ladder" test spaced at 0.1 grain steps and found a load of 26.8 grains was my most accurate.

My final load is 26.8 grains of RL-15 at an OAL of 2.22 inches using a Hornady 105 grain BTHP bullet. I am using Hornady 105 grain BTHP ammunition as the source of all my brass - to-date. I am de-priming, cleaning and then trimming and neck sizing all my cases in separate operations. I prime all my case by hand. I am using a RCBS 1500 trickle charger to generate my powder loads.

I am using a Lee 4000 progressive press. My final cartridge assembly uses my progressive press without the sizing die installed. I used it earlier in a separate operation to neck size the brass. 

I insert a clean, primed, trimmed and neck sized case in the press with each cycle of the press. I use the trickle charge delivered by the RCBS trickle charger and manually pour it into the case thru the Lee powder thru die which also bells the mouth of the case slightly to make installing the bullet into the case easier. I add the bullet at the bullet seating die station, which sets the cartridge's OAL and eliminates the belling done by the thru powder die. My last station has a Lee Factory crimp Die which places a uniform grip on the case neck and de-bulges any swelling in the neck that occurs when the bullet is seated.

After the cartridge has passed through those three stations, it is ejected in a plastic bin with a folded towel in the bottom to give the round a "soft" landing and keep them from bouncing out of the bin.

This load results in 1/2 MOA 3 shot groups at 100 yards. I have had one or two 1/4 MOA groups, but I am still developing my shooting position skill to get more consistent groups.  Once I start to consistently get 0.3" groups, I'll begin working on 5-shot groups.

Some of my calculated results from "QuickLoad" are:
Initial Pressure = 3,626 psi.
Maximum Chamber Pressure = 50,959 ft. lbs.
Muzzle Velocity = 2,607 fps.
Muzzle Energy = 1584 ft. lbs.
Ballistic Efficiency = 32.0%
Bullet Barrel time = 1.183 milliseconds.
Pressure at Muzzle = 8,023 psi.
Propellant burnt = 97.5 %.
Loading ratio - % case is filled = 97.6%
Charge fraction burnt at bullet start = 1.31%







https://youtu.be/VFEd0uJC4Ak