Accuracy vs Velocity

220swifty · #1 12-09-2007, 12:14 AM

Well boys, been plugging away at the loading bench, and finally got out to test some loads today. Put some 65 gr vmax loads together with varget for the 243. Now at the bottom end of the test loads, i got 3/4 inch groups, then it stayed at a consisitant 1 1/4" to 2 " all the way up to max. The manual claims 300 FPS in velocity difference between the accurate load, and the fast load. This wont be for paper punching, it will be for whacking coyotes and other vermin, what do you figure i should go with here?

#2 12-09-2007, 12:36 AM

I would try a different powder,or a different bullet.

220swifty · #3 12-09-2007, 12:48 AM

ive got no gripes about the accuracy, thsi is about the best this rifle has turned out for me in the 8 years i have had it. It is more a matter of "is the difference in accuracy enough to negate that extra 300 fps?"

Dick284 · #4 12-09-2007, 07:15 AM

Try cleaning the rifle and going back with your warmer loads. If it still does'nt shrink up, it's time to change powders, primer and or bullets.

EagleEye54 · #5 12-09-2007, 09:06 AM

What kind of rifle (make) are you shooting? How many rounds has it had through it?

I agree with the others...something ain't right. I'd start with the fundementals like copper cleaning, scope mounts, tight action screws, scope quality and function, trigger, bench situation, shooter consistancy (bench quality, posture, heart rate, timing, etc) enviornmental considerations (especially cross wind) and then if all is well, look at the loads.

Good luck with it.

220swifty · #6 12-09-2007, 09:49 AM

The rifle is a ruger M77 MK II All weather. The cleaning idea may have merit, but i am sure that mounts, etc are tight, The 3/4" group was turned in at the same range session as the 1 1/2" group. Technique was solid (until later in the day, when decided to miss some coyotes

) This rifle has a solid 500 rds, maybe closer to 1000 through it.

I will clean her and load up a batch of the hotter loads and see what results from that.

bradtothebone · #7 12-09-2007, 02:37 PM

try a slightly heavier bullet.....I used the 65s with varget as you, and had very good grouping with a stevens...... But when i tryed to use varget and 65s in my buddys rig, it didnt group nearly as well, it seems when i went to a heavier bullet that it closed up the groupings...... Might have to do with twist rate..... But if your set on 65s try a different powder, or seating depth.....you get my drift......

220swifty · #8 12-09-2007, 05:25 PM

ive posted on 3 forums and get the same group of responses. I am going to give the rifle a scrub, and **** around with seating depth. I want to smack coyotes with the load, and figure 1 1/2" to be minute of coyote for a ways out. If i can get better accuracy, right on, if not, oh well. Maybe i will go back to the tighter grouping load come gopher season. Thanks for the opinions guys.