It seems like you are trying to achieve great accuracy.
When you expect to get your new scope in? That will make a great difference.

I'd stick with 77s.

UPS transferred the shipment to USPS for delivery so any month now.

It seems like you are trying to achieve great accuracy.
When you expect to get your new scope in? That will make a great difference.

Lovely day at the range today. It was only half full with no wind. The guys to my right were shooting a 1910 era lever action 30-30. I told them that their problem is that the rifle is only accurate while riding a horse and possibly with a cowboy hat. The guy on my left was shooting a new black powder rifle. Although it uses powder slugs, it still seemed like a lot of work.

Finally got to use my 300 BLK upper. I moved the Barska x18 from the AR-15. I tried using a .83" riser but couldn't zero the scope so took it off.



I loaded 50 rounds of 1680 powder from 15 to 19 gn using Hornady 130 gn SP bullets at 50 yards. No issues with cycling rounds. However, it took me 25 rounds to figure out that the riser wasn't working, 15 rounds to zero in after removing the riser, and ten rounds in the red. I could have been more accurate at the end, but I was too excited about the results.



MN 91/30. Rx15 at 39.1 to 39.5 gn and Hornady .3105" FMJBT bullets at 50 yards. I hit the metal target at 100 yards 4 out of 5 times. The 39.4 gn were the most accurate, and these were the last of the batch. I did buy Speer .311" bullets because they were cheap. We'll see...



MN 91/30. Win748 at 35 to 37 gn and Hornady .312" SP at 50 yards. These have worked well for me in the past at 35 gn of Rx15. The results with this powder were inconsistent. The 35.5 gn were not accurate and the 36 gn were the most. I hit the metal target 3 out of 5 times. Probably will try 36 to 36.5 gn next time.



I bought another mount for the VEPR x39 scope. I shot 15 reloadable rounds and was only able to recover 10. As someone said, it's amazing how brass is able to disappear. I bought another clip for my brass catcher but I realized I need to get 1" scope rings for it as well. 



I'm having trouble using Photobucket to insert photos. Let me know if you have a better alternative.

I actually don't mind case prep.

Odd day at the range today. I didn't feel accurate. The first 20 to 30 shots were large groups and the following were better, perhaps after the bore heated up. The trend was happening with the AR-15 and VEPR x39 but not with the 300 BLK.

AR-15 with 55 gn FMJBT at 19 to 23 gn CFE223. From the upper left, target 2 is 19 gn, 3 is 20 gn, 5 is 21 gn, 6 is 22 gn, and 9 is 23 gn. Target 8 is the initial shots of the 300 BLK at 19 and 20 gn A1680. I tried out my new Vortex Crossfire II scope. The picture was really clear, but I wasn't happy with the inconsistent results. I started at 100 yards but was spraying bullets with 4 inch groups. The bell rang after the first ten shots, then I moved the frame to 50 yards. The results were better with the 22 gn grouping best. I'll probably try 21.7 to 22.5 gn next time. I removed the .5" riser I had on it and moved the scope back an inch cause I think it was too far forward. The asshat screw on the riser was frozen and had to drill it out so back to Amazon it goes.

300 BLK. These are the new .308 FMJBT 147 gn bulk bullets at 18 cents each and using 21 to 23 gn A1680. The main point was to determine if they were accurate with these 30 rounds at 50 yards. I think they'll do. I'll try 100 yards next time. I did have a bit of trouble with the 22 gn set with the rifle not cocking, but I think it was a problem with the lower receiver. It seemed to clear up with the 23 gn set so will give a more thorough cleaning.

VEPR x39. I made 50 rounds of .310" SP 123 gn and these were the 25 to 27 gn H335. The 27 to 29 grouped less, so will probably try 26 to 27 gn next time. I was happy to recover all 50 cases considering how far they're thrown. I'm planning to add the brass catcher when my 1" scope rings arrive.

I shot 8 rounds of the 300 BLK and hit the chain on the 4" target plus a shackle on the 8". I also smacked it around a bit with the other rifles.

AR-15 with 55 gn FMJBT at 19 to 23 gn CFE223. From the upper left, target 2 is 19 gn, 3 is 20 gn, 5 is 21 gn, 6 is 22 gn, and 9 is 23 gn. Target 8 is the initial shots of the 300 BLK at 19 and 20 gn A1680. I tried out my new Vortex Crossfire II scope. The picture was really clear, but I wasn't happy with the inconsistent results. I started at 100 yards but was spraying bullets with 4 inch groups. The bell rang after the first ten shots, then I moved the frame to 50 yards. The results were better with the 22 gn grouping best. I'll probably try 21.7 to 22.5 gn next time.

What are your goals with this load if you don't mind me asking? If "best possible accuracy" is desired with this load, increasing with 1 gr increments with a 223 is too large a gap. You could possibly completely miss a node and not know it.

What are your goals with this load if you don't mind me asking? If "best possible accuracy" is desired with this load, increasing with 1 gr increments with a 223 is too large a gap. You could possibly completely miss a node and not know it.

Yeah, that's why I said my next batch will be between 21.7 and 22.5. I'll make it in 0.2 gn increments. The next load after that will probably be in 0.1 increments. Usually by that time, I get bored with the load and switch to a different bullet/powder combo. I recently bought Hornady 62 gn bullets that are burning a hole in my reloading shelf, so I might try it with IMR4895 or Varget if I can my hands on a couple bottles later today. Going back to H335 or CFE223 are also possibilities.

The question is how much confidence to I have in my new Vortex scope. The Barska x18 I transferred over to my 300 BLK worked flawlessly, but that was at 50 yards also. A successful day at range means you walk away with more questions than answers.

The question is how much confidence to I have in my new Vortex scope. The Barska x18 I transferred over to my 300 BLK worked flawlessly, but that was at 50 yards also. A successful day at range means you walk away with more questions than answers.

I got a Vortex PST 1-4x for service rifle matches since they are allowed now and I'm pretty impressed with the tracking on this PI made scope. Its been repeatable so far.

Yeah, that's why I said my next batch will be between 21.7 and 22.5. I'll make it in 0.2 gn increments. The next load after that will probably be in 0.1 increments.

For accuracy wise, not sure you're grasping the concept but carry on. 

I got a Vortex PST 1-4x for service rifle matches since they are allowed now and I'm pretty impressed with the tracking on this PI made scope. Its been repeatable so far.

I took the riser off so hopefully that will increase repeatability. I added the riser in an attempt to keep my head more upright. I was going to move it over to the 300 BLK but one of the screws were frozen so I had to drill it out. Back to Amazon it goes...

For accuracy wise, not sure you're grasping the concept but carry on. 

So what are you saying?

I think your scope is too far back.
Get into position and then mount the scope.
Make sure your head is upright as much as possible.
For reference:


This is what NTCH looks like for me. Most shooters that have transitioned to optics from irons have the ocular close to the brass deflector. This is shooting from standing, sitting and prone.
CHeck out these loads here:
http://precision.whiteoakarmament.com/info-reloading.html

With the AR most load development has already been done.

So what are you saying?

There's many theories as to what gets the best accuracy (ie optimum barrel time, harmonics, optimum charge weight, etc...). You may or may not be on that quest, I don't know. With 223 and the small amount of powder involved, 1 gr is too much of a spread if the search for accuracy is the goal. You should see a far spread with your groups than tighten up than spread back out. That's how you know you are reaching a node. I would say load 3-5 rounds (depending on shooters skill and ability) at .5 gr preferably .3grn increments. Shoot groups allowing barrel to cool. Where you see the groups tighten up, load a few in .1 grn increments up and down of that load. With a magnified optic, I would expect quite a bit better just my opinion. Faster burning powder like H335 would be best in the lighter 223 bullets.

There's many theories as to what gets the best accuracy (ie optimum barrel time, harmonics, optimum charge weight, etc...). You may or may not be on that quest, I don't know. With 223 and the small amount of powder involved, 1 gr is too much of a spread if the search for accuracy is the goal. You should see a far spread with your groups than tighten up than spread back out. That's how you know you are reaching a node. I would say load 3-5 rounds (depending on shooters skill and ability) at .5 gr preferably .3grn increments. Shoot groups allowing barrel to cool. Where you see the groups tighten up, load a few in .1 grn increments up and down of that load.

Yes, generally that's what happens except I shoot groups of 20 instead of 3 to 5. Just my preference. If I did it the way you mention, my trip to the range would last 30 minutes and that's no fun. I do give it a short break in between loading the next 5 round set, but I admit that I tend to rush things when I'm having fun. I'd say my quest is to discover what works best so I can decide what to try next time.

With a magnified optic, I would expect quite a bit better just my opinion. Faster burning powder like H335 would be best in the lighter 223 bullets.

I've already done that and moved on. I do agree that I shoulda had better results with a scope, even if it is brand new. Either it's weather related or a problem with the riser that I just removed or maybe I was having an off day. I look forward to my next visit to the range to find out. 

I think your scope is too far back.
Get into position and then mount the scope.
Make sure your head is upright as much as possible.
This is what NTCH looks like for me. Most shooters that have transitioned to optics from irons have the ocular close to the brass deflector. This is shooting from standing, sitting and prone.

My scope looks more like this but probably one more rail forward.

Check out these loads here:
http://precision.whiteoakarmament.com/info-reloading.html
With the AR most load development has already been done.

Probably, but I like to find out for myself. That's why I shoot 20 rounds each instead of 3. I do appreciate the feedback. Otherwise, I wouldn't post my results here.

Conditions were great at the range today. Unfortunately, I had to wait two cycles on the wait list. I think many people decided to go today before the rains start up again this weekend. By 3:50, I told the RO that I was done, and he called the cease fire since I was the last one remaining.

MN 91/30: I tried the new Speer 180 gn bullets from 35 to 39 gn Rx15.



I didn't adjust the elevation but made minor adjustments to the windage. The 35 gn were on the bottom and 39 gn on the top. The 37 gn grouped really well in the middle. What's interesting is the gap between the 38 gn and the 39 gn on top. I'll try 36 to 38 next time. Not too bad for 20 cents per bullet (plus shipping).



Turns out I had 25 more bullets of the Hornady .3105" FMJBT so decided to make all 25 with the same powder load of Rx15 at 39.4 gn at 50 yards. I suppose this is the best accuracy I can expect from these thinner bullets. It seemed to go in two groups on top and bottom. The one on the far left is from the guy in the next table over who I let use. Not bad since it was the first time he shot a Mosin.



AR-15: Still not happy with the results but thought the rounds were pretty to look at. I suspected that my problems I had last week were from the CFE223 so I switched to ARcomp. The groups are still 5" when I was able to get 2" groups at 100 yards with the same bullets. My next focus is on the only difference between then and now... the new Vortex x18 scope with the Nikon P-series mount. I have until 4/19 to return the scope so I have some time to figure this out. I plan to move the Barska x18 scope from the 300 BLK back to the AR-15 to see if I can restore it's previous glory. We'll see...



I also modified my VEPR x39 with higher scope mounts and plan to add bumpers to the dust cover to prevent the damage to my cases. Because of the wait list, I didn't have time to use the 300 BLK.

I started out with the MN 91/30 today but discovered that I left the reddot light on and I couldn't find my backup battery. Doh! Last night, I attempted to load the Speer bullets with Reloader 15 then discovered I loaded with ARcomp instead. I checked the Alliant website and they have reasonable load data for .308 bullets so I decided to see how they do. I shot five from the ARcomp and five from the W748 and was impressed. Not accurate when your reddot has no dot. The ARcomp were a bit higher than the W748.

The VEPR x39 worked well with the .310" Hornady 123 gn bullets and H335 powder at 26.2 to 27.0 gn. The 26.8 and 27.0 grouped well. Will try 26.6 to 27.0 next time. I'm trying to eliminate the case gouging that happens when the case hits the dust cover. I filed away part of the edge and applied a gel. It sorta worked but I need to file more along the top and apply more gel. Shooting the round tends to straighten out most of the gouge but not for long. The RO helped me find my brass in the grass because I'm red/green color blind. I lost four but he found two that weren't mine, so not bad.



300 BLK. Still having scope issues, but I think I've narrowed it down to my mounting technique. I have the torque screwdriver kit on order and will probably arrive Tuesday. It could also be the Nikon P-series mount I'm using. I had to move the mount over from the AR-15 because the 300 BLK ring mount screws broke off when I tried to tighten it back on. No matter how much I turned the windage, I couldn't get the 300 BLK scope to move left.

 
I shot up the 8" gong with the VEPR until I shot the left chain. With the shackles, it was easily repaired. The 6" gong kept flipping over so I'll need to shorten the chains which I was trying to avoid so it can make a more satisfying klong! sound while at full length.



An Australian showed up riding a bicycle. He said he was riding by, heard the noise, and stopped to check it out. I asked the RO if he can borrow eye and ear protection, then offered to let him use my AK47. This was the first time he shot a firearm. He didn't hit the metal targets but was able to break the chain again. I emailed him this photo, and he said he was going to send it to his mother so he can show her what he's doing in America.

I don't think handing a gun to a random stranger was a good idea.

Maybe. The ROs seemed appreciative. What they didn't appreciate was the guy a couple tables over who kept carrying his .22 rifle past the yellow line and pointing it everywhere. After about the third violation, the RO had to take him aside and give him a good talking to.

I don't think handing a gun to a random stranger was a good idea.