Post by: Jimmy33 on March 30, 2022, 09:45:25 AM
This is my first year reloading so I am learning a lot. This is where I’m stuck. I’m shooting a 270 WSM in browning X bolt long range with 67.5 grains of Ramshot magnum powder and 145 grain Hornady ELDX. I was seating the bullet at 2.80 COAL and I was getting very slight pressure on the bold handle lift. However, I was stacking bullets for my groups. The next three bullets I’ve made I seated the bullet out further for a COAL of 2.850. This made it so I had no pressure at all on the bolt handle but my groups grew to 1.5. My question is, do I just keep my original recipe even though I’m getting very very slight pressure on the bolt handle? Or would my magic recipe be somewhere between a COAL of 2.8 and 2.850?
Post by: Farmer72 on March 30, 2022, 09:50:53 AM
Post by: bobcat on March 30, 2022, 09:55:12 AM
Post by: Jimmy33 on March 30, 2022, 11:08:47 AM
Have you tried leaving the length where it likes it and dropping the powder charge a little to see if the accuracy holds and the pressure drops.Yes. I have run powder from 66-69.5. There were pressure signs from 67.5 all the way to 69.5. The groups were best at 67.5. At 67.5 its just the slightest bolt lift stick
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Post by: Jimmy33 on March 30, 2022, 11:09:53 AM
You're well below max with your powder charge. I'd be tempted to go with the load that is giving good groups. What might really help is to chronograph your loads, that would really give a good indication if you're over pressure. If velocities are close to or a little less than what your load data shows, then you're probably okay. Were there any other signs of excessive pressure?Yes, I have chronographed the loads. 67.5 is sitting at 3150 fps. No other signs of pressure. The brass looked good
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Post by: Farmer72 on March 30, 2022, 11:54:30 AM
Since I neck size mostly I start to get harder bolt lift after a couple loads since I am not bumping the shoulder very often.
Personally I would go with the load if it was my rifle/load but ultimately it is your decision with what you feel comfortable/safe with.
Post by: Jimmy33 on March 30, 2022, 02:14:26 PM
Was it new brass or once fired brass and was it full length sized?Once fired and full length sized.
Since I neck size mostly I start to get harder bolt lift after a couple loads since I am not bumping the shoulder very often.
Personally I would go with the load if it was my rifle/load but ultimately it is your decision with what you feel comfortable/safe with.
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Post by: Jimmy33 on March 30, 2022, 02:40:18 PM
Was it new brass or once fired brass and was it full length sized?Once fired and full length sized.
Since I neck size mostly I start to get harder bolt lift after a couple loads since I am not bumping the shoulder very often.
Personally I would go with the load if it was my rifle/load but ultimately it is your decision with what you feel comfortable/safe with.
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Post by: Forks on March 30, 2022, 05:27:52 PM
Post by: Jimmy33 on March 30, 2022, 05:37:13 PM
How was your group at 67? Did you load/test 67.3? If your not measuring in CBTO....time to consider it IMO.I did not load test 67.3. 67 was sitting at 1.5 moa
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