Got out early this morning. Rain, Rain, Rain.... and Wind, Wind, Wind.... New load.... I wanted to work a cheaper load to practice with. Not bad considering these loads where never tested in my rifle before and never worked on it yet. Couldn't get the target to print out right so I just used my own target. Also, used "On Target" software to measure targets. Rain really f*cked up the paper so the 'grease ring' is hard to see. You can download the software and use it to measure targets for free at ontargetcalc.com . It is really easy and accurate to use.
Rifle : Barnard single shot three lug action, CG two stage trigger.
Stock : Robertson Composites with Barnard aluminum bed block
Barrel : Bartlein 5r .308 95 Palma chamber
Bipod : MWerks
Rear Bag : KHSC special
Scope : NightForce 12-42X56MM NXS NP2DD reticle
Load=
New Winchester Brass. Sorted necks to within .001" neck wall variance, reamed flash holes to a consistent diameter, and reamed primer pockets to a consistent depth.
Primer. PMC Large Rifle
Bullet. 168 gain Nosler Custom Comp
Powder. Varget 43 grains Thrown on RCBS Chargemaster
OAL. 2.800" Avg per Avg bullet length.
Best group : 0.470 MOA
Worst group : 1.247 MOA
Avg MOA : 0.9716 MOA
Load 2 =
New Winchester Brass. Sorted necks to within .001" neck wall variance, reamed flash holes to a consistent diameter, and reamed primer pockets to a consistent depth.
Primer. PMC Large Rifle
Bullet. 168 gain Nosler Custom Comp
Powder. Varget 43.5 grains Thrown on RCBS Chargemaster
OAL. 2.800" Avg per Avg bullet length.
Best group : 0.592 MOA
Worst group : 0.988 MOA
Avg MOA : 0.799 MOA
Load #2 looks to be the more consistent, probably mess with the seating depth would bring the group in tighter still. Even though the rain and the wind made for crappy shooting, I though it was good to try out these conditions. I got soaked to the bone, all my equipment got soaked, rifle got soaked. Oh well, it was time for a detail strip and cleaning anyway.. haha... It is good to practice in all conditions to see where you're at.
Lessons learned:
1. A proper rear bag makes a difference when shooting small groups.
2. Even though there is a roof overhead, it makes no difference when the rain comes in side ways.
3. DON'T SHOOT WITH WATER ON THE LENS OF THE SCOPE. It moves the POI in strange directions. Hahah