I have heard from a member here that the 180 grain Speer hot cor is a good penetrating round.

I never have recalled a load formula making a 2.5 inch shooter into a MOA shooter.

But trigger work , re doing the muzzel crown, barrel relief, and trying different bullets have.

Best of luck.

Good shooting there Fireball!

"Shoot low sheriff, I think he's riding a shetland!" B. Wills