Shot a few loads today. Velocities were measured with a Magnetospeed. I shot groups with and without the chrono. Didn't seem to change POI much at all. Need to shoot it more to say that with confidence.
200 SST, 47gn 8208 XBR, 2660 Avg, 1.0" 3-shot group 180 BT, 48.5 8208 XBR, 2782 Avg, .9" 3-shot group 200 AB 46.8gn 8208 XBR, 2644 Avg, First two in .8" third pulled or way out (2~"). Yes, I should have done 5-shot groups.... 180 AB, 48.5 8208 XBR, 2788 Avg, accuracy has potential. I screwed up a shot and ended up with 1.5". Was playing with a new rest no rear bag combo. Not sure I'm liking it. Plan to try the bipod and rear bag next trip out.
Since I had just a little bit of AA2230 left I played with it and the 180 BT. The Barnes data shows a max of 49gn for the 185 TTSX and 185 MRX and a velocity of 2798 (24" barrel).
48gn, 2803 FPS (one shot - I had previously shot up to 47.5) 48.5gn, 2829 Avg, big group 49gn, 2853 FPS. Didn't shoot the rest as I thought that was too fast even though there were no other indicators (no flat primer, no ejector mark, no stiff bolt).
Next step is to load up 5-shot groups of the 180 BT and AB with 48.5 8208 and confirm it really does shoot well. If I can ever find more AA2230 I'll use it with the 160 TTSX. for now I'm happy with the 2780+ of 8208 and the fact that it is very temp resistant.
