Ok, some results at 25m, 3 shot groups
.224" Sierra 45gr Hornet
23gr 2207. .357" group. 3363 fps
23.5 gr. 2207 .376" group 3400 fps
23.7gr 2207. .552" group 3423 fps
.221" Sierra 40 gr hollow point
24gr 2207 .24" group 3462 fps
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Ok, some results at 25m, 3 shot groups
.224" Sierra 45gr Hornet
23gr 2207. .357" group. 3363 fps
23.5 gr. 2207 .376" group 3400 fps
23.7gr 2207. .552" group 3423 fps
.221" Sierra 40 gr hollow point
24gr 2207 .24" group 3462 fps
conclusion?
I think the Sierra #1385 40gr hp is the go. I think it will be worth trying without resizing down to .221"
If I can get a .24" group @25m to translate through to 1" at 100m, I'd be happy.
The soft point 45gr hornet #1210 was very good, but might be better with a lighter load as Hornets ain't really going 3400 fps! probably 100fps slower!
Attachment 255437
Best group at very right at 3 o'clock
the hottest hornet load data I could see for 40gr was 2800fps so we're a fair bit ahead of that,Quote:
Originally Posted by Crusty
When you say .221" Sierra 40gr, did you size these down? if you did how did that go, if the .223" do shoot better it would probably be better to resize the .224 projectiles seeing as .223 seem to be harder to find.
I've got to clean and deprime all my brass today so will load up some more to test once they're all dry,
I'll test my loads at 25m to get a closer comparison to your numbers, also easier to see with the 4x scope :XD:
I'm going to retest the scope theory before I go and drop a bunch of money to buy a new one, so more results should coming soon.
I meant 't 1,000 fps slower, not 100 - typo.Quote:
Originally Posted by NAKED_GOOSE
The .221 were sized down from .224 using a push through die from CH Tool and Die in the USA.
I'll see if I can get some more of the .224" Sierra 40gr hp and try them unsized. I think the reason these were shooting well at .221 is the length - they are reasonably short.
I'll check all my brass for pressure signs and let you know if anything is a worry. The higher loads make the brass flow and the cases get longer and the necks thicker.
Parallax could be an issue for your scope - have you checked?
It'll be interesting to see what happens with the .224 projectiles in your rifle, I just finished cleaning out my suppressor after slipping and packing it with mud :/
Aside from the mud it was surprisingly dirty so I'm wondering if I might gain some accuracy from that, brass is all drying below the fireplace at the moment but should have some loaded up by tomorrow for testing,
Honestly don't know much about parallax, don't think my current scope is adjustable for it either, I'll do some googling and see what I can find on the topic.
IMO avoid parallex adj scopes. Just one more thing to go wrong.
Just get fixed parallex at abt 150 yards for centre fire rifle.
Hey Goose, I'm not suggesting you get a parallax adjustable scope.Quote:
Originally Posted by NAKED_GOOSE
Check your scope for parallax error - on some scopes, especially some cheaper ones, they can have significant parallax errors which will add to your issue.
Line your scope up with a target and then move your eye around to see if the crosshair moves in relation to the target - it shouldn't.
If you need glasses but adjust the eyepiece focus without your glasses on, this can cause a parallax error.
Discovered this myself, was about to throw a scope out. Readjusted for my glasses and the error went away.
I'll check against a target next time I'm out, I pretty much set the scope to 9x for anything over 40m so that could be the issue, the nikko being a fixed 4x would likely eliminate that?
If you are going to continue shooting below fifty yards go and buy an air rifle scope. Parralex set for closer range and they are built tough so should last for years,a much cheaper option for now.
Interesting thought, I'm hoping to get the accuracy sorted out then be shooting between 50-150m as a general all around usage rifle, cattle are currently in my shooting paddock due to all the rain we've been getting, so shooting is delayed temporarily.
Went out again, shot a group with the burris on, then 2 more groups with the nikko on, bugger all difference so the first test must of been a fluke.
Guess that means its either me or the rifle, I might try some groupings with my 22lr and see how good/bad they are, wont be a direct comparison but at least its some more info, it should make it more obvious if its my shooting thats the issue,
shooting 3-4cm at 25m, prone, off bags, moved the load up to 23.4gr of 2207, didn't seem to do much, I did notice the parallax effect with the burris on 9x zoom, I brought it down to 5x zoom and I couldn't notice it anymore, didn't notice it at all with the nikko 4x,
Burris
Attachment 255659
Nikko
Attachment 255660
Attachment 255661
2 or 3 clicks to the right
I say twelve clicks right
Indeed, It does need to go right, was only setup quickly to get some grouping as I had just swapped the burris off, I imagine it'll be closer to Micky's estimate as its only at 25m
I've got a handful of .223" projectiles so I'm going to try them with the same load, if they don't improve my groups significantly I'm out of ideas, probably time for a 223, at least then I'll be able to shoot projectiles of a reasonable weight.
Anyways off to the reloading room.
welp .223" projectiles didn't really help, pulled the 4th shot which is the odd one out of the group there, 5th was back on though,
that was my last idea to improve things, a 223 is more appealing by the day.
any last ditch ideas? unfortunately don't have anyone else to shoot groups with the rifle to rule out me being the issue.
Attachment 255663
What scope is on the 22lr...
Ok.allow me to make an observation I have made before....and make an assumption. You are aiming at the blue blob??? Aiming to hit,the blue blob??? And look at size of blue blob and size of group....they are the same. Now that blue blob isn't terrible for aiming point IF and ONLY IF you cut it into four bits with cross hairs...
Add up how much you paid for the whole rig, add in ammo components used so far and now compare it to a new 223.
Take into account the struggles you are having to get your riffle to shoot and there you have it, buy once buy right.
Sorry if this makes you feel bad but sometimes something a bit cheaper isn't always the best option.
The other thing is you could also have bought a fast twist for heavier projectiles to use on deer.
All the best with your project, I really do hope it works out for you.
Yeah mate I hear you on that..but as it stands he still doesn't know if issue is gun,scope,bases or nut behind the butt. Could buy super accurate.223 and still shoot same size groups.
Some one needs to help this bloke.
Well I would in heartbeat but I'm too plurry far away to do so. A couple of hours to allow him to fire a good accurate rifle sorts out the nut behind butt bit. Someone else to fire his rifle and possibly swap out scope n mounts will sort that bit out too.
I'm a bit far too.
Just another 4x, cant remember the brandQuote:
Originally Posted by Micky Duck
the blob is about 1" I find that the reticle is covering 90% of the blue blob so I can't really spit it up, I have tried using tape in a + shape but I just find that the 4x isn't enough with my eyesightQuote:
Originally Posted by Micky Duck
You're all very correct with these thoughts, I'm a bit of a sucker when somethings cheap, especially if its something obscure but that's bitten me in the ass this time,Quote:
Originally Posted by 7mm Rem Mag
I guess somewhat luckily even with all the components im still under 1/2 the cost of a new howa mini in 223, but I'm on the lookout for one of those now.
This projects probably coming to a close, Its either something wrong with me or the rifle :XD:
Currently I think its either me, or the rifle, the only thing I haven't been able to swap out on the rifle is the scope rings as they're an odd size, none of my other rings fit,Quote:
Originally Posted by Micky Duck
I appreciate the thoughts, this rifle will be going into the back of the safe for awhile, I'll see if I can find a howa mini, at least then I'll be able to shoot heavier pills and have something thats known to be accurate, then at least I can work on shooting technique to improve things,Quote:
Originally Posted by Micky Duck
Even if I get this rifle shooting "well" it seems they aren't the most accurate from factory anyways.
Thank you all for your help so far, I think I'll go play with my 12.7x44 rolling block, playing with black powder is always fun :P
Just a thought, as I understand it, this rifle has had the barrel shortened & threaded for a suppressor ex factory, probably since it arrived in NZ. I wonder how good a job was done on the shortening? That may not be helping your accuracy.
True, surely there is a good bugger on here that will go to a range with this man and rule out shooter error. Sorry I'm too far away also.Quote:
Originally Posted by Oldbloke
There is a chance that the threading/shortening job is causing issues, the rifle has also been bedded before I got it, this could also be causing issues, the crown of the barrel could also be causing some issues,Quote:
Originally Posted by shananah
I think the bedding or the crowning is the two most likely issues on the rifle, I'll do some more shooting with other rifles and come back to this one with a fresh mind on it, should be able to see if my shooting is the issue doing some grouping with them instead of finding someone else to come and shoot this particular rifle.
I really appreciate that so many people would be willing to help, but I must say in black and white that I wouldn't be comfortable at this stage with having someone else coming to shoot my rifles, nothing against anyone on the forum or anything like that.Quote:
Originally Posted by 7mm Rem Mag
I'm going to go get some groupings with my 22lr, should be posted up soonish, might give an indication on my general shooting ability with a rifle I've been using for ages.
only had a chance to get 1 grouping while sighting it in as it was starting to rain, was still fairly decent (atleast compared to the 220 groupings) 1.3cm 5 shot group at 25m
I'll go out again to get some more when the weather clears up a bit, I could use the practice anyways
Attachment 255722
Don't shoot at a t shoot at a X that way you can centre reticle north south east n west. If you get me drift. Your cross hairs won't cover the X as that's sticking out in the ne,nw. Se,sw position. Try it. It works.
Mate, last I heard he was shooting off a fence post!Quote:
Originally Posted by Micky Duck
Before you worry about that, he needs to set up along the lines of bench rest.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Micky Duck
I'll setup my next target like that,
I have a howa mini on the way so guess we'll get to see if its me or the 220 rifle pretty soon.
Hah, don't worry I sorted that out a couple of pages back when I was informed I was being stupid shooting off a post, I'm shooting off soft bags prone on the ground, Will have a shooting bench sorted once the ground dries up enough to get some posts rammed in,Quote:
Originally Posted by Oldbloke
Going to soft bags was noticeably more stable but my groups still aren't good, my first solid try off bags was on page 6 with the wet target, anything prior to that is off the fence post, theres a noticeable improvement from the post, but still 8cm groups at 50m and 4cm groups at 25m.
As above, I have a 223 on the way so I'll get to test if im the issue or not, at least if im the issue I'll be able to shoot pills over 40gr inaccurately :XD:
"but still 8cm groups at 50m and 4cm groups at 25m."
What can I say,,,that's terrible.
You must know someone that can assist, not too far away??
Might be able to convince a family member to try and shoot the 220, not sure how they'll group at all as their eyesight is worse than mine :XD:
Should have a howa mini in my hands within the day, ammo will probably be Tuesday or so as I'm waiting on cases and some heavier projectiles, guess I'll be able to confirm soon enough,
although the 1.3cm grouping at 25m with a 22lr should indicate I'm at least capable of some sort of accuracy, the 220 grouping was 3x that at the same range.
Buy some factory loads to start with. Fiochi seems to be accurate for everyone who's tried it.you get new brass and get to test rifle with a known good load.
Should be able to get some 223 rounds tomorrow, no clue what the local H&F stock though,
Have the howa mini in hand, much nicer rifle than the 220, fitted up the scope and suppressor off the 220 onto it,
As long as I can get some MOA grouping with the howa I'll be selling the 220,
Better luck with the 223 mate.youQuote:
Originally Posted by NAKED_GOOSE
Went out with the howa mini today, went much better than the 220 did, seem like I might shoot a bit better left handed,
the howa doesn't like 55gr's by the looks of it, the 62gr's I loaded went well, 5 shot groups at 50m were 1cm left handed and 1.5cm right handed, could of just been the wind or coincidental but I'll test that over time.
Didn't find any factory ammo when I went in so ended up loading my own, 24gr of 2206h for the 62gr and 24.5 for the 55gr,
Will load up some more and push out to 100m and see what happens
55gr projectiles
Attachment 256465
62gr projectiles L/H 5 shot group
Attachment 256466
62gr R/H 5 shot group
Attachment 256467
The 55s need tried again
I'll do some further testing with the 55's at a later date but with the 10 rounds I loaded the groups were all pretty wide compared to the 62's,
I've got way more 62's on hand so I'll just continue developing a load for them,
I'll have to figure out the 55's eventually as to my knowledge the hornady 62gr bulk stuff isn't being made anymore so I'll be left with the 55gr as a cheap projectile choice.
