03-06-2023, 01:36 PM
Mark611 Wrote:My 18'' 27.1gn 2495 AVE, the 24'' 27.1gn 2540 AVE, my 18'' 27.4gns 2505 AVE, all of these loads had an ES of less than 21. and the SD's in the 7"s. the 18'' I used Starline Brass, the 24'' yesterday I used Hornady Brass, all the Brass I have used in these 2 tests using AR Comp and the 120gn SMK's were new unfired cases, I prepped them as usual then loaded them, as said these are to date my best loads ever from my Grendel's, I'm not trying to run max loads even tho I'm pretty close to it now IMO, with this powder, I'm happy with the results, I also tried A2460 @27.1 and 27.4gns with Hornady brass and 123 and 120ELDM's both shot 4'' groups or worse!!!! from the 24'' tube, same distance, I'm going to give the ELDM's 1 last chance with AR Comp, I have not tried this combo yet from either of my rifles, if they don't shoot, I'll have a bunch of them for sale!!!!
Mk611:
I have said it many times on this forum. If your barrel won't shoot 120 SMKs very, very, well with any standard load for the Grendel, or .260, or 6.5 CM, et. al., then you need to get a new barrel.
They are not a high speed ULD or VLD but that is what makes them super tolerant to things like powders and charges, seating depth, throat types and lengths, twist, etc. Tangent ogive bullets tend to give these advantages but the 120 Match King not only has these features but is also a very good overall length for a short case like a Grendel.
With the 120 Match King you are almost guaranteed to find a sub minute load on your first try. Go to the Secant ogives and no matter what you do, you may not find a decent load. If you do find one, I bet it will have taken a while and you won't be able to vary from it without having problems.
LR-55