Love mine, and that older T3 I picked up from you several years ago still hammers. The sponge paint job you had on it is just starting to wear on the forearm where the bag sits, but still shoots lights out. The CTR 20" I picked up and put on a diet is damn near as lite as the T3. the shorter barrel definitely makes it handy.
General,
No, it should not.
I generally get stainless versions just for corrosion resistance. I wouldn't be worried about having a chromoly one though either.
This is really helpful! Thanks. Hopefully I'll have time at the range this weekend to try some different powder charges.Yes, .5g increments. Sometimes I go to the range, other times I just shoot it in the ditch. Strictly looking for pressure signs. Once I find pressure, I use to back off 2g. Load 3 at say 47, the 47.5 and so forth up to right at Max pressure. Like in the pic below, at 49.5g, I still didn't hit any pressure signs, however things opened up.
View attachment 753194
Now, I do the same, but back off .5g from max, load them to where the boat tail meets the neck/shoulder junction and shoot 10 rounds for grouping.
Painless load development (mine)
Thats much better! it was only doing 2730 in 2 different 24 inch Bergaras. Was only 40fps faster than the 6.5 creedmoor factory ammo. Shot great though. Agreed. Different cartridge, but the factory Norma Bondstrike load only averaged 2684 in my .280 with a 22” barrel. It does shoot well though...rokslide.com
This is a good read and wish I would have found this a long time ago to save on reloading components.
I've heard worse ideas ;-) if I'm not careful I'll need a new safe soon
Buy the biggest one you can find. Problem solved.
Since I already have a 308, I'm thinking about getting another caliber like 6.5 creedmoor or maybe 7mm 08. But, I already have the reloading components for 308 and sure wouldn't mind not having to re buy everything. Do you think it makes more sense to get another 308 for a jump in quality from my ruger or get another cartridge to allow for different types of shooting. I'd like to have a good range gun but also something I would have no problem taking out for deer or pig. I'm open to any cartridge suggestions as well.
I know, It doesn't have to be as complicated or as expensive as I've made it with my 308. I like to use lapua brass, expanding mandrels, Redding dies and now getting into the competition shell holders for shoulder bumping, and will be using a Giraud tri way trimmer which is caliber specific. Not to mention comparator tools and headspace gauge. Probably looking at 400 minimum. For my budget rifle and level of shooting ability I go waaay overboard.
