Thread: 7x57 newbie reloading

Hi team

Have taken the plunge into reloading as I wasn't to impressed with the factory offerings!

Loaded up my first rounds last week and had a range session which threw up a few questions. Hopefully someone might be able to shed some light on.

Firstly some spec:
7x57
Rifle: BSA with Douglas 23" barrel
Powder: AR2209
Norma brass
All shot at 100m

First load was 139 SST. Sweet spot seemed to be 49-50 grains (no pressure signs) but first shot was always 1.5'' or so high. Next two shots would be sub-inch. Any ideas as to why this would be? I thought possibly it was cool barrel? Will need to shoot some groups with this load to see what happens perhaps...

Second load was 162 ELD-X, what was strange with these is they shot ~7'' lower than the 139gn projectiles. I didn't expect that marked a drop at 100m! they also "patterned" rather than grouped. Best group was approx 4'' (with 45gn powder). My first thought was to check the barrel twist which it appears to be 1:10, not ideal for the heavy pills. They where seated to 3.1" COL (max for my magazine) this is a long way off the lands in this rifle. I was really hoping that these projectiles where going to work in this rifle but initial tests suggest not... Is there anything else i can try to get these to shoot well? I have seen people loading these a bit hotter with good results (47gns), would a bit more velocity help? Not sure if I'm missing anything else?

Cheers!