Post by GLSHOOTER on Aug 24, 2013 13:23:42 GMT -8
I got interested in F-Class shooting last year and decided I needed to give it a go. I started out shooting 500 yards with a 6X45, moved to a 6X6.8 and then a 243 LBC. I learned a great deal on wind etc. but the allure was not the 500 yard line for me it was the big 1000 that fascinates me. The 6X6.8 and the 243 LBC would stretch out that far but I wanted something with a bit more inherent reach.
Enter the 264 LBC. I ordered up a 24" bull barrel 264 LBC 1:8 from Black Hole and waited like any good guy. The tube showed up and I had Ritch put it together for me. Like many things in life things happen so the upper sat in the corner while I attended to the various things we all encounter. The 1000 yard matches for the winter here in Phoenix will be here soon and I finally got some time to get some loads together for a first shake down.
I wanted 100 good cases and had some new Alexander stuff on the shelf. I selected the 123 Nosler Competition bullet for my long range as the BC is listed at 0.510. I wanted to see if or how overall length would make a difference so picked three powder charges from some reference material I had from other shooters and set the rounds up slightly off the lands and pulled them back a few thousands at a time. Just a quick try out for a get acquainted day out in the desert. Rather than waste the big boys for sight in I decided to grab some Sierra 85's for initial rounds down the tube. I will use this one on PD's down the road so a varmint load would be needed anyway.
Here is the rig as tested. 6.5X20 Vortex Viper scope, 24" 1:8 3 groove polygonal Black Hole stainless bull barrel. The gas block is a JP but will be switched to a BTE as soon as I can pick one up. The lower is a basic home build with a a Geissele High Speed Match trigger with two pounds of #8 shot in the butt. The rifle will be shot sans bipod using a Bald Eagle front rest and Protector rear bag.
One I got out to the desert I did a quick bore site and used up four rounds getting on the paper at 100. I had only loaded ten rounds of the 85's at two charge levels with five at each so decided to shoot two three shot groups. Once I got ready I put on my game face and went to work. After the first two groups I almost put the gun away and you can see why here.
I wish they all shot that well and I wish I shot that well every day. I am far from being competitive bench rest skilled.
I proceeded to shoot the 123 Noslers and found that they need some more work. Sub-MOA was achieved with all three load levels with six of the nine charge/depth combinations hitting that goal. It is obvious that the barrel is a shooter and will take a bit more study. Here is one that I think is a keeper that I will reshoot on my next trip out. The others showed some promise and I will be tweaking on them. Good but not 1000 yard good.
The loads across the board showed no pressures with swipes being non-existent. The speeds were starting to get up to where I want them but anything at 2650+ will be OK with me. I want to play with a bit more seating depth and bump the charges up a bit. The poly rifling is really paying off in the velocity department and seating long is helping also.
Like I said a first attempt. I hope to find many more little bug holes hiding in this barrel. With luck I will be able to shoot myself into Master Class this winter.
Greg
Enter the 264 LBC. I ordered up a 24" bull barrel 264 LBC 1:8 from Black Hole and waited like any good guy. The tube showed up and I had Ritch put it together for me. Like many things in life things happen so the upper sat in the corner while I attended to the various things we all encounter. The 1000 yard matches for the winter here in Phoenix will be here soon and I finally got some time to get some loads together for a first shake down.
I wanted 100 good cases and had some new Alexander stuff on the shelf. I selected the 123 Nosler Competition bullet for my long range as the BC is listed at 0.510. I wanted to see if or how overall length would make a difference so picked three powder charges from some reference material I had from other shooters and set the rounds up slightly off the lands and pulled them back a few thousands at a time. Just a quick try out for a get acquainted day out in the desert. Rather than waste the big boys for sight in I decided to grab some Sierra 85's for initial rounds down the tube. I will use this one on PD's down the road so a varmint load would be needed anyway.
Here is the rig as tested. 6.5X20 Vortex Viper scope, 24" 1:8 3 groove polygonal Black Hole stainless bull barrel. The gas block is a JP but will be switched to a BTE as soon as I can pick one up. The lower is a basic home build with a a Geissele High Speed Match trigger with two pounds of #8 shot in the butt. The rifle will be shot sans bipod using a Bald Eagle front rest and Protector rear bag.
One I got out to the desert I did a quick bore site and used up four rounds getting on the paper at 100. I had only loaded ten rounds of the 85's at two charge levels with five at each so decided to shoot two three shot groups. Once I got ready I put on my game face and went to work. After the first two groups I almost put the gun away and you can see why here.
I wish they all shot that well and I wish I shot that well every day. I am far from being competitive bench rest skilled.
I proceeded to shoot the 123 Noslers and found that they need some more work. Sub-MOA was achieved with all three load levels with six of the nine charge/depth combinations hitting that goal. It is obvious that the barrel is a shooter and will take a bit more study. Here is one that I think is a keeper that I will reshoot on my next trip out. The others showed some promise and I will be tweaking on them. Good but not 1000 yard good.
The loads across the board showed no pressures with swipes being non-existent. The speeds were starting to get up to where I want them but anything at 2650+ will be OK with me. I want to play with a bit more seating depth and bump the charges up a bit. The poly rifling is really paying off in the velocity department and seating long is helping also.
Like I said a first attempt. I hope to find many more little bug holes hiding in this barrel. With luck I will be able to shoot myself into Master Class this winter.
Greg