04 July 2006 Update

I put a 4X scope on the rifle to test the loads at the range.

I cleared a lot of brass of bullets and powder, factory Winchester and Factory UltraMax Pb stuff, to get the brass for reloading the Barnes. Most of the factory groups were unremarkable but decent. Mostly I just plunk rounds into the berm to empty the brass but I did fire several strings onto paper with the factory rounds.

The Winchester factory went to ~1.494" for a six shot group I shot on paper.
The UltraMax lead rounds on paper went into ~1.93".

I only had 5 of the 30 grains of RE7 loads and didn't want to shoot up all my ammo so 3 shots and they went into ~.449.

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I fired the 32grs and 33grs of RE7 loads I had left from a few days back, again recapturing brass.

32gr RE7
Touching the rim: on pressure ring
0.4188" : 0.4188"
0.4186" : 0.4187"

33gr RE7
Touching the rim: on pressure ring
0.4191" : 0.4191"
0.4184" : 0.4184

(I have mixed lots of brass and I suspect the two dissimilar readings on the 33gr loads may be due to this Lot issue.)


I had a macro picture taken of the .377" 255Gr Barnes Original bullet I recovered. The posted picture is a small version and the link will lead to a full size image (~1meg). I believe I'm seeing some scuffing at the leade until the rifling lands get a good hold and also I see no indication of any contact with the grooves... You all can judge for yourself and let me know if I'm all wet.



377" Barnes Original post firing in a Marlin 336CB 38-55 24" barrel, 30grains of RE7 chronograph ~ 1850 fps muzzle.

[Linked Image]



Hi-Res .377" Barnes Original post firing in a Marlin 336CB 38-55