Dropped back to the 185gr TTSX and tried out IMR 8208 and X-Terminator in some cruddy weather conditions.
Loaded in new necked up Lapua brass with CCI BR2 primers @2.865” OAL which is 50 thou jump in my rifle. Hawkins flush mag limit is 2.880". Temp was between 50-55 degrees with a gusty 20-25mph wind in my face.
Accuracy was nothing to write home about but was best at 46.3gr and I did not fire the 47.3 or 47.8 loads as I was starting to get some ejector marks at 46.8gr.
Did not fire the 48.0gr load as bolt lift started to get stiff at 47.5 and accuracy was deteriorating. Accuracy was 0.75" or better from 45.0-46.5gr with 45.5gr being 1/2" 3-shot group and 46.5gr being 3 shots into one ragged hole measuring somewhere in the 0.150-0.200" range. Really doesn't matter what it actually measured as for my purposes its sub 1/4". Gave me a big stupid smile on my face all day as I think I have finished load development. I gave up a bit of velocity with the 20" barrel but there isnt an animal in N.America that will know the difference between 2650fps and 2700fps. Going to load at 46.3/46.5/46.7 to see how wide the node is but I was beyond pleased with todays range session and I most certainly have my hunting load.
