Sometimes a range trip goes better than expected.

[mitdr774]

Made a range trip with my dad today to check some 6.5-06 loads for an upcoming hunt. I was planning on using the 142 ABLR on this trip, but I reviewed some past targets and noticed a constant flyer in every group (three shot groups). If it was only in some groups I would assume it's shooter error. With about a month to go made the dumb but smart choice to switch to a different bullet. Looking through past targets again I decided to retest the Hornady 129 and 140gr InterLock bullets. I loaded up some test rounds for checking at 100 and 200 yards with new brass (Sig .270 converted to 6.5-06) and headed to my parents. To make my excuses and why I'm not bothering to show the 200 yard target I will say the 200 yard lighting sucked and my eyes are not what they were 20+ years ago. Both remained under 1 MOA, but more than double the 100 yard group size. I mostly blame myself. The 140 GR load averaged about 3050 fps and while it held a sub 1" group at 100 yards it was strung out at an angle. This could have been me, our just what it was going to do. The 129GR load averaged just shy of 3150 fps and is probably in my top 5 smallest three shot groups. I think it will be my load for the hunt.

IMG_20240908_173909530.jpg (3.77 MiB) Viewed 649 times

I also decided to take the CZ 6.5 Grendel for some shooting between groups with the 6.5-06 since the 6.5-06 tends to get a bit warm. I only shot a few test load combinations but was rather pleased with how the 120gr Gold Dot performed. I may try to play with this one some to see if I can get it to tighten up.

IMG_20240908_173921404.jpg (3.81 MiB) Viewed 649 times

And finally I loaded up most of a box of rounds for my deer rifle and wanted to confirm the load was good. I only shot this at 50 yards since my group sizes at 50 and 100 with this rifle are usually about the same, and where I nap in the woods I'm limited to a best case of just shy of 50 yards for a shot anyways. The middle group was from a previous range trip with the rounds loaded last year and the target was flipped for today's outing.

IMG_20240906_184250695.jpg (5.37 MiB) Viewed 649 times

IMG_20240908_174604663.jpg (5.88 MiB) Viewed 649 times

[Wambli Ska]

NICE! Those will work.