Starting Load for 10 Twist 32" Barrel FTR Rifle

[sevenmil]

I am looking at playing with FTR and just had a 10 twist 32" barrel fitted to one of my Barnards - I was planing to try both 155.5gn Bergers and also 185 Bergers.

I know I have to experiment with loads, but I'd like to hear what other FTR shooters have found worked in their 10 Twist barrels.

What are your favourite loads using 155.5gn and 185gn Bergers ?

[mike H]

I am looking at playing with FTR and just had a 10 twist 32" barrel fitted to one of my Barnards - I was planing to try both 155.5gn Bergers and also 185 Bergers.

I know I have to experiment with loads, but I'd like to hear what other FTR shooters have found worked in their 10 Twist barrels.

What are your favourite loads using 155.5gn and 185gn Bergers ?

With the different chambers and throating you are only going to get a conservative answer,46 to 47 grains of 2208 for 155 grains and 45 grains for 185 grain projectiles,I exceed the 185 grain load but you need to work with your rifle.
Mike.

[sevenmil]

Thanks Mike - any other experiences out there ?

[Barossa_222]

I usually work out of the ADI or Harvey's manual. Pick a powder that has the highest charge weight for the most velocity and least pressure. Come 2gr off max and start working up in 0.3gr or 0.5gr intervals looking for pressure. Find your ceiling and work within a range under that. If the gun is throated for 155gr pills it may be too short for 185s. Similarly if you've have it done for 185gr pills it may be too long to for the light ones.

[sevenmil]

Well I have run in the new Benchmark barrel and tried a few different loads over the past few weeks. At 300m, it grouped ok with 155.5 Bergers, 46.2gn 2208 and 44.9gn and 45.0gn 2206H, but not fantastic. Interestingly the rifle shot pretty well with 44.8gn 2206H, however not sure there is enough velocity for the longs. I have a 32inch 10 twist barrel, so I'd say the 155.5 Bergers are probably only travelling 2900-2950ps, I'll have to use a Chrony to check - I initially had a few shots running the barrel in at 600m with this load and it seemed to be ok, quite a few Xs and a number of 6's.

Anyone else running < 45gns 2206H in a 10 twist barrel ?

[sevenmil]

Tested the new FTR rifle again @700m on the weekend. First stage was ok, 60.3, but the second stage was very promising with 60.7, the last stage having 5 shots very close together in the X ring. I was using 44.8gn 2206H, so I think I have answered my question about this load having enough speed. Seems to have enough velocity after all…

[mike H]

Tested the new FTR rifle again @700m on the weekend. First stage was ok, 60.3, but the second stage was very promising with 60.7, the last stage having 5 shots very close together in the X ring. I was using 44.8gn 2206H, so I think I have answered my question about this load having enough speed. Seems to have enough velocity after all…

Now that you are going at 700 metres,I would suggest trying the longer ranges as soon as you can,as you know the target does't get any bigger,having experienced good results at 800 and 900 yards,but failing at 1,000 yards,you need to work at that range.
Mike.

[sevenmil]

Good point Mike - I am actually planning to do that this weekend @ 800m and hopefully 900m next weekend.

Hopefully she'll shoot well...