I had the same thing happen in my 264, a 26 inch Winchester, with RL25 and 140 gr bullets. Out of a three shot string, #3 would be as much as 250 fps faster than shot #1. The phenomenon was very repeatable. The only explanation is that powder burn rate was increasing with increased barrel temps.
It could be a couple of things. One, RL powder is quite temperature sensitive. If you let the cartridge sit and cook a bit in a hot chamber before you pull the trigger you can significantly elevate powder temperature. RL produces more pressure as it gets hot.
The second effect is more likely if you have a heavy barrel. Short spaced shots with any powder can heat up the inside of the barrel, while the outside stays cool. When a barrel is heated slowly the bore opens up as it gets warmer. However, if it is heated quickly with short spaced shots the metal has no where to go, because the cold outer part of the barrel restricts it. So it actually expands in temporarily. The constricted bore can elevate pressures and velocity.
A couple of notes in response:
No, there was only a second or so of chamber time. I was sitting at the bench and shooting over the chrony. Just chambered the round and pulled the trigger.
The rifle is a Winchester 70 Classic with the standard magnum sporter weight 26 inch barrel.
One of the esteemed gun writers on this board (I think it was Denton) gave us a report where he compared burn rate of powder with barrel temperature as a variable. The temperature of the barrel has a greater influence on burn rate and pressure propagation than the temperature of the round as it is chambered.
So, if one works up what appears to be a perfectly safe and sane load in January when the temps are about 30 degrees, and then goes out to shoot that same ammo in August when the temp is about 105 degrees, one will most likely find a little higher velocity and pressure in August. Then add to that scenario a temperature sensitive powder like RL25, and the third shot in a string will expand the case head so much that it will no longer hold a primer or fit in the shell holder on the reloading press. BTDT
A few load notes:
140 partition.....63 gr H4831....November......3028 fps
140 partition.....66 gr RL25.....November......3090 fps
three shot string:
140 partition.....69 gr RL25.....November......3045 fps 1'st shot; 3188 fps 2'nd shot; 3309 fps with blown primer on 3'rd shot
140 Sierra spbt..61 gr H4831.....March.....2950, 2934, 3000 fps
........................63 gr H4831.....March.....2955 fps
........................65 rg H4831.....March.....3043, 3066 fps
........................66 gr H4831.....March.....3075 fps (w/ a pierced primer)
........................67 gr H4831.....March.....3085, 3145 fps
140 Sierra spbt..66 gr RL25......March.....3006 fps
140 Sierra spbt..67 gr H1000....August.....3015, 3004 fps
140 Sierra spbt..66 gr Magnum...May........2898 fps
........................67 gr Magnum...May........2951 fps
........................68 gr Magnum...May........2991 fps
........................69.5 gr Magnum May........3045 fps
........................70 gr Magnum...May........3038 fps
........................70.5 gr Magnum May........3080 fps
........................71 gr Magnum...May........3150 fps
........................71.5 gr Magnum May........3087 fps
........................72 gr Magnum...May........3155 fps
........................72.5 gr Magnum May........3133 fps
........................73 gr Magnum...May........3188, 3153, 3133 fps