Finished fire forming yesterday. The rifle has now had about 150 bullets down the tube. Using 168gr Golden West fmjbts. driven at 2100 fps. the accuracy got better the more it was shot. This bullet has never had great repetabiliy no matter what rifle it was used in.
The last 10 shots formed a 1 1/4" group @ 50 yds.New sporter barrel, fire forming, crummy bullets*** Not too shabby roger

More range data:agin, Shaw 24" light weight, long throated barrel,Stevens Mod. 200 action and stock. Temperatur about 82 degrees at 9:15 and 100 degrees at 2:00. Cross wind up to 10 mph. at times

SL 42 cases, #34 primers 929gr. IMR 4198,

150 gr. BT-sp, oal=2.505", 2360 to 2391 fps. Good once hot.

150gr. FMJ-mil., 0al=2.540", 2359 to 2392 fps. 3 shot 3/4" group at 50 yds.

148.6gr sp., oal=2.435", 2354 to 2395 fps. No Good.

110gr. Polycarb tip,30.7gr., IMR 4198, #34 primer, SL42 cases, oal= 2.350" 2658 to 2696 fps., NO GOOD.

.257 Roberts RP cases, #34 primers,36.2 WCC846,

148.6gr. sp, oal= 2.533", 2355 to 2410 fps., looks mild, not all bad.

150gr. BTsp., oal=2.472", 2380 to 2395 fps. 3 shot 1/2" group @ 50yds.

150gr. FMJ., oal=2.580", 2297 to 2376 fps., 3 shot 3/4" group @ 50yds.\

150gr. BTsp., 33.7gr. DP74, SL 42 cases, #34 primers, oal= 2.440", 2289 to 2310 fps., 4 shot 5/8" group at 50 yds.

148.6gr. sp., .257 RP cases, #34 primers, 33.7gr. DP74, oal= 2.470" , 2284 to 2325 fps., 5 shot 1 1/2" group at 50 yds.
NOTES:
Lost about 1/3 more of the SL42 cases and non of the Roberts cases to split necks.

No loads appeared at all hot.

30-30 muzzle energy levels were easily obtained.

It is quite possible that the long throat adversly affects the accuracy of light, short bullets.

The extraction, ejection design of the Savage action does not well lend itself to these short cases.

Not sure what direction to take from here. roger

Will you seat the bullets out further?

quote:

Originally posted by boom stick:
Will you seat the bullets out further?

Only if I get some heavier and longer bullets. roger