09-21-2023, 10:16 PM
My first question would be how are you choosing your powder charges to test. Are you using a ladder for each powder with corresponding targets and then picking a load after seeing which load groups good and might/might not have good SD/ES or just picking a load at random and shooting it? If you are just picking a load at random then you could be shooting loads until you are blue in the face and never find a good one.
Also, you didn't say what type of rifle you are shooting, AR or bolt action.
Another thing is what shoots in one persons rifle may not shoot good in yours so you have to work a load up for your rifle.
Hodgdon gives a 28.5gr compressed load as max with a Sierra 123gr HPBT seated at 2.25" at 50,000psi pressure. This load may be too hot for the Hornady 123ELDM though. I have no experience with this load for the Hornady 123gr ELDM bullet.
Also, you didn't say what type of rifle you are shooting, AR or bolt action.
Another thing is what shoots in one persons rifle may not shoot good in yours so you have to work a load up for your rifle.
Quote:28.5gr of 8208xbr + 123gr ELDM loaded at 2.26" COAL = over pressure
Hodgdon gives a 28.5gr compressed load as max with a Sierra 123gr HPBT seated at 2.25" at 50,000psi pressure. This load may be too hot for the Hornady 123ELDM though. I have no experience with this load for the Hornady 123gr ELDM bullet.