First session was with two powders only; IMR 4831 and Reloder 19. Bullets were seated .005 from the lands. Rifle is a M700, floated barrel and Rifle Basix trigger at 12 ounces. Barrel is 24" with a 1-in-10. Temperatures were mid-sixties, wind was 20-30 mph with occasional 40 mph gusts, (typical Wyoming spring!).

WW brass, neck sized with Lee collet die, WW standard LR primers, distance-to-lands determined with Sinclair tools.

IMR 4831 @ 56.0 = 3430 fps avg., 45 fps SD.
No obvious pressure signs, .70" MOA

RE 19 @ 59.0 = 3645 fps avg., 45 fps SD.
Bolt starting to get stiffer. Primers and pockets OK, .80" MOA

It appears the two loads are revealing successive "sweet spots".

I started both of these loads 3-4 grains below the above figures and the groups started to shrink about halfway up the ladder.

My next session will include IMR 4350 and I will be pushing the 4831 a little more. Additionally, I'll be dropping the RE 19 back a bit until groups begin to open.

Let me know how your trials go.

Good shooting and be safe.

Regards,

~Holmes

[This message has been edited by Holmes (edited 04-17-2002).]

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quote:

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Originally posted by Quarter Round:
Holmes, Just picked up a bottle of Rel 19 and will start at 53 gr. with Rem. brass and CCI 200LR primer. Do you have any comments on the Sinclair measurement tool and the Basix Trigger?
Charles

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Greetings Quarter Round, et al,

The Sinclair OAL tool is my first such device. I have always used the smoked bullet in a snug neck method previously.

I had some concerns about consistency at the beginning and I called Sinclair and talked with the folks. They believe there is really no feasible manner in which to be absolutely certain how far off the lands you actually are. Too many variables, e.g., amount of pressure upon the projectile against the lands, variations in the bullets at the ogive, etc.

Sinclair feels that the measuring tools, when used in a consistent manner, will simply allow you to duplicate your dimensions once you find the sweet spot.

I've been using the Sinclair tool for several months now and really like it. Much of the appeal may be my predilection for gadgets, widgets, and anything else that will propagate data for my hand loading! Once I find the OAL the rifle likes, I take a measurement with the Sinclair comparator also for the data book. This way, if I lose my dummy cartridge, I can still duplicate the dimension from my records.

The Rifle Basix trigger has served me well. Installation was straightforward with no pins needing attention. After installation, I had some questions about adjusting the unit so I called the folks at Rifle Basix and they were friendly and helpful. I have increased the pull to 16 ounces as I was getting pin drop a little too easily at 12 ounces. I will be experimenting with the engagement adjustment to see if I can get back to 12 ounces with a field-safe firing pin. All in all, I am very satisfied.

I am, however, concerned about a poster in another thread here at AR regarding his experience with the same trigger. He reports poor finish and function in addition to less than courteous service. Hmmm....

I have several hundred rounds through my M700 since the trigger installation and no worries so far.

I'll be testing several new loads this weekend using the 85 BT and will report the results.

Last weekend I was whackin' the dogs and the weather was just wonderful, low 70s and the breeze was around 5 mph which is incredible in Wyoming! It was one of those days where I just couldn't miss. Dogs flyin' everywhere!

I started the day using an 1885 Winchester low wall .22LR with a tang sight and global front. Fun out to a hundred yards with the WW power points. When the dogs wise up to my rimfire, out comes the quarterbore. A Weaver V16 handles the visual, Stoney Point Stix keep the world steady, and I provide a hand brewed solution.

A feller havin' this much fun MUST be breakin' some kind of law!

Regards,

~Holmes