First test results with the 340224

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These groups where shot with a 1878 Sharps Borchardt with a modern 15 twist target barrel. The load was breech (note the spelling) seated in the barrel, using a 357 Maximum case necked to 33 cal (33 ELCO) with 13.5 gr of AA #9 and Rem 7 1/2 primers.

I only shoot at 200 yards in competition and my two best 10 shot groups this last year have been 1.44 and 1.35. My best 5 shot group has been .463 all scored and shot at sanctioned matches. The mold that shot those scores was a unmarked mold on Lyman blocks 1.19 long and weighs 240 gr.

When I received my mold, I cast up 60 or so bullets and never got it to cast w/o wrinkles, I took the best 30 bullets and lubed them (all grooves filled) with my Javalina Schuetzen Lube, made in Mosesto, CA. So, the bullets are not the best quality!

I fired 10 foulers and then shot the group next to the 3/4″ dot. I adjusted for POA and shot the score target and the clouds broke at that time and I had variable sun and over cast while shooting this target but, the wind was only maybe 2-3 mph.

The group sizes are 1.6″ with 8 in 1.1 and the other is 2.0″ even. I think it was pretty good considering the quality of the bullets and there was a noticable reduction in recoil over the 240 gr bullet and the POI was 2″ higher than the 240, maybe just because of the weght but, I think in part because the BC may be higher.

There are lots more things to try with this bullet and I think it will exceed my other mold with good bullets.

Frank

Topic

[frankelliottParticipant]

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The other target

[bjornborudParticipant]

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That’s some good shooting. Why do you think the mould wouldn’t produce good bullets? Not hot enough? In my experience Al’s moulds (especially aluminum) need to be run hot. The brass moulds are a little more forgiving.

[frankelliottParticipant]

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I’m not sure why, I cast those bullets the day that I got it and haven’t cast any since. I had the pot at 820 deg. , bottom pouring, as well as ladle and casting as fast as I could. It’s been a busy winter for me and that’s why it took me so long to get to the range. I will get it figured out before I shoot it again.

Frank

[SwedeNelsonKeymaster]

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frank

You designed a great bullet
Have a great delivery system and the ability to use it.

Thank you for letting us be part of it.
That is some very good shooting.

Bullet maker, maker
Al Nelson

[frankelliottParticipant]

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Thank you, Al. I appreciate the kind words and you make a high quality mold.

Frank

[anthonylafleurParticipant]

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Frank, finally had a brief chance to try the design in one of the 338s.
Rifle was a Ruger Hawkeye 338 RCM. Powder was surplus WC872 (GIBRASS). Bullet sized at .340. Cast from monotype/isotope, 1-4. Lubed with 50/50 and checks from Hornady,
Chronographed starting loads yesterday of 58gr at 1850fps. Plan was to work up to slight compression today, but weather wouldn’t allow it.
Severe overcast, and eventually rain, prevented chronographing today but I did have just enough time to work quickly up to  63gr sighting in for 50 yds before moving to 100yds during drizzling rain. 65.5 will give me slight compression, but that will have to wait.
Only had enough time for one group of 5 before the rain shut me down.
5 rounds measured 1 1/4″. From a lightweight carbine, it shows lots if promise.
Now…. If we could only get the heavier 338-’06 drawing going. 

I can’t post photos of the target, says the file is too big… At least I tried.

[frankelliottParticipant]

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Great shooting, caint,
How much does your rifle weght and how was the recoil?

Bjorn,
I cast again a couple of days ago, it casts good now. All I did was wash the mold out with soap and water. I always read the instructions last

Frank

[anthonylafleurParticipant]

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Frank, this Ruger HE sports a 20″ barrel and weighs in at 7.9 lbs scoped with a Nikon 3×9.
Recoil is relatively mild, if the shooter is used to full-charged medium game rifles in the 308-30/06 class… Of course I’m guessing I’m only in the 2000 fps range. I may have a totally different report if I’m successful at pushing them much above that with usable accuracy. 

[frankelliottParticipant]

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My lastest up date on this bullet:

My match season just started. This is from a CBA 100 yard group match held 3/7/15 (yesterday) at Roseburg, OR.

The name at the top is Mel Harris, he is a CBA shooter that holds 11 CBA records and has another one submitted, right now that should make it 12 records. It’s .184 five shots @ 100 yards. CBA may measure it slightly different but, I’m sure it will beat the current ~.25 one.

I believe that before the year is over, I can reduce the 5 shot groups down to the .3 range.

I have high hopes for this bullet.

Thank you, Al.

Frank

[bjornborudParticipant]

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Good shooting Frank. Read about Mel Harris’ Unrestricted Pistol in the Fouling Shot, that’s one mean looking firearm.

Right now I’m looking forward to the Eagan Mould group buy; curious how it will fit in my XCB rifle.

PS. I knew your mould would cast once you got it 100% degreased. I start the process with Comet and an old toothbrush and finish with dish soap.

[frankelliottParticipant]

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PS. I knew your mould would cast once you got it 100% degreased. I start the process with Comet and an old toothbrush and finish with dish soap.

Bojorn,

Thank you.

I used a mixture of dish soap and Boraxo with a toothe type brush.

Frank

[Author]

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