Gentlemen, your thoughts on this problem will be most appreciated.
I loaded an 8x57JS with 200gr Nosler Partitions, WLRM primers, W-W cases, and 51grs of Re-15. A total of 8 rounds were loaded and fired, with approximatly 3 minutes between firings. The temperature on that day was about 18 degrees C, with overcast. The velocities given by my Chrony were, in order-2488, 2519, 2524, 2531,2540, 2653, 2694, 2758fps. Yes, I realize that as soon as I hit 2653, I should have stopped and pulled the rest for components, but curiosity got the best of me and I had to see what the remaining rounds would do. You would expect vertical stringing, but I got horizontal stringing instead! This load shot 4 into an even 2" at 100m. I have previously used 50grs of Re-15 in this load for an average of 2510fps. Why the climbing velocities, could it be copper fouling? I just about had to mine the copper out of that bore, but that's normal for any Nosler bullet (200gr Partitions, 180gr B.T.) in my rifle. The rifle is a Husqvarna on a commercial 98 action.

I have experienced the same sort of thing in one rifle when using a certain type of powder but not with others so powder fouling may well play a part as well. After about 6 shots the velocity levels off and is subsequently quite uniform. I'm experimenting with different primers to see if it makes a difference. Also testing this powder in some other rifles. (VV165) Regards, Bill.