Took my 1955 Model 70 featherweight to the range today, planning to shoot up some loads I did up for my other 06 witch I just rebarelld to .280 AI.
The first load I tried clearly had a barnes t shock bullet hanging out of it, but I did nt know the load. I had 5 rounds on hand.
The first 3 went into .37 inches off the bench at 100 yards. I was amazed down right giddy. Of corse not knowing the load data I saved 2, I wrote down the OAL. Pulled the bullet, its a 168 grain Tripple shock, weighed the charge and it was 50.00. Looking at the barnes manual prety much confirmed my Idea that it was IMR-4064. That is the max in the book.
The book shows 2844 for that load, from a 24 inch tube,with a standard X bullet, I bet my 22 inch tube and the reduced preasure associated with the groves in the t-shock will probably lower it down to about 2700, or so, but I bet I can increase the load up to around 2800 prety easy and If I can get even double or tripple that size group I will be thrilled to call that my all around big game load with that fine old rifle.
If that is not good enough the other load had an unknown hornady bullet. I had 7 of those on hand. 3 into .285. I almost cried.
Pulled the bullet and its a 165 grain BT interlock. Powder charge was 61.4 and it looked like IMR-4350. Aittle bit warm but not bad The highest load I could find in a book was 59.5 grains. But I am prety sure it is IMR-4350.
That load should be near 2900 From a 24 and probably well over 2800 with my shorter tube.
needles to say I was almost embarrest to show my targers to the guy who was real happy with the .75 inch groups he was getting with his HB varmint rifle.
I will try the Hornady bullet as a deer load and would also call it great for black bear and if I ever get a chance a caribu load as well. I will get around to buying another box of the barnes bullet and if I can come close to duplicating the preformance I got from the combo today, I will call that my Elk load and bring it after eastern Oregon Elk this year (along with my 45/70) In a little while I will post on the small bore page about more good results with my Roberts...tj3006

tj, thats some great shooting,congrats!!!! iv'e never had a bad shooting barnes xbullet yet from when they 1st started makeing them till now!!!! i do shoot all makes more fun that way,sure is fun to suprise ones self now and again, regards jjmp