I re-did some load development on the Patriot this past Friday with 180 grain SGK's. Initially, I had done the same development at an indoor range in Wichita (no wind) and shot a .550 4-shot group @ 100 yards with 62.5 grains of H-4350 & the 180 SGK bullet.
This is a sporter barrel and my smith told me to do only 3-shot groups, but I tried 5-shot groups this past Friday (and of course I had inconsistent wind--Sort of like hunting!)
With three shots I groups in the .4 range with the 62.5 grain load and in the .6 range with the 66.0 grain load. For five shots the lighter load essentially shot the same group as the heavier, just under an inch).
I'm going to work with the 66.0 grain load since at longer ranges a shorter time of light is more important when estimating wind in the field than the guns best accuracy on a calm day.
I still want to shoot the 66.0 grain load on a calm day @ 200 yards (sometimes these heavier bullets do better once they have some time to stretch out a little). Haven't chroned the 66.0 grain load yet. Will let you know the numbers when I get them.
I'm still plan to do some more load development with some different bullets between now and elk season.

Ernie

XP, what is the case length on the Patriot? I have a 26" 30 Gibbs barrel for my Encore and am thinking about having it shortened slightly and rechambered to something else. I was not sure if the case on the Patriot would clean up my chamber or if it is a shorter fatter case.

Thanks,