31 March 2007, 17:49
LeverboyIs a Weatherby Vanguard in .257 capable of better groups than these??
Started playing with the Vanguard and some reloads. So far this is as tight as i can get at 100 yards. The first pic is a 120 grain Nosler and the second pic is a 100 grain Nosler. All using IMR 7828. Any input would greatly be appreciated. Its my first time loading for a Weatherby caliber and my first go at owning a Weatherby rifle.
31 March 2007, 18:20
molar1IMR 7828 is a good powder for the weatherby magnums. I would try some different bullets with this powder and see how they shot. If groups didn't improve, I would try RL-22.
01 April 2007, 08:03
muzzleblast525I was shooting IMR 4381 and got MOA with 100 grain bullets. I'm trying to find the load I was using, but since I've sold the gun, I'm having a hard time.
01 April 2007, 09:32
500grainsCalling SuperSpeed, please attend to this question. Thank you.
01 April 2007, 10:04
SuperSpeedAssuming they are 1 inch squares on the grid I think that looks pretty good.
If you aiming point was the same for both loads then you have a pretty good composite group.
If the rifle is as it came from the box, that is, pressure point bedded at the forend tip, allow time between shots because that allows the barrel to settle back to its original position.
Of 3 X 120 and 3 x 100 (assuming same aiming point) you have 5 of then close enough to an inch.
If they are partitions then they are not the best bullet to test with.
Advice from other posters is right about 7828, other bullets and also Re 22.
Good test ammo for a Wby is usually the factory loads with Hornady bullets.
You will also find as a general rule (but plenty of exceptions) if the freebore is tight, the barrel, bedding and scope/mounts OK then their best loads will be as good as anything but often they will not shoot as well with as wide a range of loads and they can be real shitty with loads they don't like.
On the plus side, which I think relates to the freebore, they are more likley to put the first shot from a clean barrel or a barrel with cold hard foulding into the group.
Mike.
01 April 2007, 11:16
Blair338/378quote:
Originally posted by SuperSpeed:
Assuming they are 1 inch squares on the grid I think that looks pretty good.
If you aiming point was the same for both loads then you have a pretty good composite group.
If the rifle is as it came from the box, that is, pressure point bedded at the forend tip, allow time between shots because that allows the barrel to settle back to its original position.
Of 3 X 120 and 3 x 100 (assuming same aiming point) you have 5 of then close enough to an inch.
If they are partitions then they are not the best bullet to test with.
Advice from other posters is right about 7828, other bullets and also Re 22.
Good test ammo for a Wby is usually the factory loads with Hornady bullets.
You will also find as a general rule (but plenty of exceptions) if the freebore is tight, the barrel, bedding and scope/mounts OK then their best loads will be as good as anything but often they will not shoot as well with as wide a range of loads and they can be real shitty with loads they don't like.
On the plus side, which I think relates to the freebore, they are more likley to put the first shot from a clean barrel or a barrel with cold hard foulding into the group.
Mike.
Mike,
I bet a trigger job would help too.............
My 257's LOVE RE 25, try that ASAP!!!
02 April 2007, 14:38
ldkierI've had my best results with RL 25 for 115-120 gr bullets. RL 22 for 100 grainers. My WBY was a MK-5 with a 26" BBL though.
02 April 2007, 15:11
Kiwi VinceI am not sure if the Vanguard has the guarantee the MkV has but its well within that, 3 shots under 1 1/2".
If that is a hunting rifle those groups are pretty good but you will improve on them by following what the others said.
If that was my deer rifle I would be pretty happy as it is and any improvement would be a bonus.
09 April 2007, 05:13
jstevensRL22 and the 100TSX works for me 3600+ and .5-.6 at 100 yards.
10 April 2007, 00:13
BlueprintedI think you are close. Have you messed with your seating depth? Should be able to shave a little more from that group. I start off at the lands or what fits in the box, which ever comes first then move it in .005 at a time. Looks to be MOA as is.
10 April 2007, 08:57
BuliwyfGood shooting. If you make changes i.e. seating depth, primer, etc just make one change at a time. Take your reloading equipment to the range if possible. Targets look good.
11 April 2007, 01:04
makeminestainlessquote:
Originally posted by Blueprinted:
I think you are close. Have you messed with your seating depth? Should be able to shave a little more from that group. I start off at the lands or what fits in the box, which ever comes first then move it in .005 at a time. Looks to be MOA as is.
With Weatherby freebore you likely won't reach the lands. I have a 300 Vanguard and just load to as long as the magazine will allow. Longer is better for me usually.