Thread: Funky speeds - Riddle me this

Originally Posted by R93

You can have loads that vary by 150-200fps and still shoot awesome groups at normal zeroing ranges.
There will be something amiss in your preparation to be getting a high ES. It is rarely powder.
Start looking at headspace, neck tension and even change primers.

Sent from my SM-T510 using Tapatalk

One thing I had noticed is that the powder (H335) sometimes sticks to the inside of the neck, instead of it dropping down.

I'm usually pretty careful about it but could miss the odd one.

Any tips on what I should be looking for to ensure consistency with headspace and neck tension? I'm pretty new to this, sorry.

Originally Posted by Edunn

One thing I had noticed is that the powder (H335) sometimes sticks to the inside of the neck, instead of it dropping down.

I'm usually pretty careful about it but could miss the odd one.

Any tips on what I should be looking for to ensure consistency with headspace and neck tension? I'm pretty new to this, sorry.

Set your dies up for minimal shoulder bump. Don't mix headstamps. Keep them in batches that have had the same number of firings. Clean the lube out of the inside of the cases after you've resized them (even OneShot that claims not to contaminate) and trim them all to the same length. The headspace comparator kit will show you how consistent your base to shoulder measurement is. If you're using a regular FL die then neck tension is what it is - you need a bushing die (and high quality / neck turned brass) - or a collet die - to start playing with neck tension. Annealing helps too if that's an option for you.

Originally Posted by Pommy

Set your dies up for minimal shoulder bump. Don't mix headstamps. Keep them in batches that have had the same number of firings. Clean the lube out of the inside of the cases after you've resized them (even OneShot that claims not to contaminate) and trim them all to the same length. The headspace comparator kit will show you how consistent your base to shoulder measurement is. If you're using a regular FL die then neck tension is what it is - you need a bushing die (and high quality / neck turned brass) - or a collet die - to start playing with neck tension. Annealing helps too if that's an option for you.

Great info, thanks!

I'm always using the same brass (same firings too). Could do a better job of cleaning lube out. Always trim to same length. I'm not sure how to set up the die for shoulder bump, but will get on the google for that.

I am using a regular full length sizing die for both my 7mm rem mag and 7mm08. Kind of hesitant to fork out for another die without trying the other stuff first.

I'm keen to get things as precise as possible, but the reality is it will be used for hunting once I'm set up - not chucking pills at steal at crazy distances. If I can reduce the ES without having to buy too much gear that will be awesome.