12-08-2016, 01:50 AM
VASCAR2 Wrote:Great looking rifle and sounds like you have a real shooter. I also have a 20" Shilen and it's a keeper. Just curious at what elevation your shooting. I've considered a Vortex 2.5-10X32 Vortex for my 16" Faxon. I assume your Vortex scope had enough internal adjustment to get to 1000 yards (34 MOA)? I know your swapping scopes so do you feel you need more than 10 power magnification at 1000 yards. I put a 20 MOA mount on my Shilen but I usually shoot at 350'-400' ASL. Decisions decisions but part of the fun.
My go to load for my Shilen is 31.0 grains CFE with CCI 450 primers in Lapua cases at 2.255 COAL with 123 Nosler CC. This load is MOA or better out to 880 yards for me. This load matches or exceeds the velocity I get for factory Hornady 123 grain A-Max depending on lot number.
Elevation 2,028 ft.
48 degrees
Barometric pressure 30.17
Wind 7-8 MPH
Density altitude 2,574 ft.
It was exactly 34 MOA internal adjustment so it was maxed out at 1,000 yards with that ammo on that day. The Vortex Viper HS LR 2.5-10x32 is an awesome scope and it is more than capable at 1,000 yards (I'm evidence of that considering I'm not the best of shooters). I just rather have more optic considering I'm going to try and push 1,200-1,400 yards once I get a handload that has the velocity to drive out.
With a 20 MOA mount, it would be perfect. That's what I intend on doing regardless. Zeroing at 300-400 yards helps as well.
I have yet to load CFE, but everyone Grendel wise seems to love the stuff so I'll certainly need to try it sometime soon. Thanks for sharing!