I was working up a load for my M70 Featherweight today. I was using Nosler 165 gr. BT's and working from the Nosler #5 manual. The best velocities I could get was 2961 fps with IMR 4831 and 2975 fps with H4350. These were with Nosler's and Hodgdon's max loads. I wasn't getting any primer cratering or stickiness just yet, but I don't know how much more I'm willing to go up. These loads are SLOW compared to the published velocities. I shot some Win. factory 180 gr. PP loads and they shot at 2971 fps. I need advice on this. I'm at my wits end with this gun. Not only is it slow, but it's in dire need of a bedding job. All loads showed indications of clumping two shots with a flyer 1.5- 3.5 inches away. There wasn't any rhyme or reason to the flyers. It could be the first, second or third shot to fly out.I was shooting from a stable bench, competition rests and rear bag and using wind flags. I'm almost ready to swear off this gun and go back to my old reliable 7mm STW. HELP!!!

Hey Partner, don't worry about published data... every barrel is a law unto itself. Though I only run 180's in my WSM, my rifle SAFELY takes several grains more H4350 than the Nosler manual's max. My barrel (22"... cut from 24") get's right at 2,900 with 180's... like yours, I got 2,970 (ish) with 180 factory loads when it's barrel was a full 24".

Brad

My Nosler #5 shows a max velocity of 3174 with imr 4831. I did not look at the Hodgdon site but imr 4350 has a velocity max of 3151 fps.

At www.imrpowder.com they show a max velocity of about 3080 with those powders and a 165 gr bullet.

What are your loads?

The accuracy is a problem. The velocity is not and that will end up ok anyway. You have to go thru the logical stuff for something being wrong. Start with checking for something loose.

[ 10-01-2002, 07:05: Message edited by: Don Martin29 ]

A couple of things...(1) doesn't the Nosler manual use a 26" barrel for their test loads, (2) are you using the same primer and bullet seating depth they used and (3) what about neck tension?

Partner...let me first say that I am in no way an expert on reloading, however, I am a good shot and have little problems shooting the cheapest to the best...BUT my semi custom 300WSM was a disaster. I had to send it back to a guy that as done two other guns for me that are simply excellent. Same problems you are getting with the flyers. Premium bullets, cheap bullets, different powders, primers, ect ect. As you have found the factory rounds are slow but apparently shoot the best in terms of accuaracy. In my opinion, anything over 3000 and this round goes all over the place one out of three shots and worst yet...as you have found, there is no ryme or reason to it. This round is a round that I really want to work! But until the real experts figure it out I think we will all struggle with it. I am so frustrated I am thinking of going to the Lazzeroni Patriot in the Savage.

Same caliber, different gun, same problems. custom 24" tube. two touching 1 flier...wish I had ordered a 30-06AI.
Dave

I have a Win Mod 70 LS. I had it recrowned, trigger Job, action reworked and it shot some pretty good groups with Factory 150BT. I had it Piller bedded/Free floated. I had the same problem with flyers. I put a pressure point up towards the front of the stock and it has worked great.

I had a 1 3/4" 10 shot group with the Factory 150 BT. With RL22 67 gr. 180 BT I get three shots touching consistantly. However, I am 200 fps slower than the manual with the Handload. I am getting 50 fps faster with the factory a little over 3000 fps.

The Nosler Manual is for a 26" barrel and my gun is 24". Not sure why my Handloads are so slow? Any suggestions?

Thanks

I hate to say it, but I bought the same gun, and had the same problems. I tried everthing you did, bedding, trigger, still shot 1 1/2 or better most of the time. Was so frustrated because I really liked the gun, and caliber. Finally had it rebareled with a Lilja. Added an extra 1 1/4 of length and am now getting the kinda of accuracy I want around 3/4in. Haven't shot through the crony yet will probably do it today. Will post the results later.

I will not say that it's the gun, or the caliber, because I have talked to others who have the same gun, or have the stainless version, or the Browning, who say that theirs is a tack driver. Sometimes you get a shooter, sometimes you don't. Don't give up.

Just back from shooting through the crono, and here are the results. Honady 150 grn SST on top of 65.5 grns H4350 average 3100fps. I'm satisfied.

CharlieB, What primer are you using? I bet those SSTs are going to do a number on those VA whitetails. If H4350 doesnt give you the accuracy you want try some Varget.
Dave

Dave, right know I'm using mag primers, but someone on another thread suggested standards, wich I may try after these are used up. As for the whitetails, I can't wait to try them out.

Gotta go, as you know it's bow season, and I'm headed out to try and whack one.