270quest
WKR
Had limited time today but wanted to get the first rounds thru this little 6 arc and see if some of the goals I have for it will be achievable. I took 1 box of factory 108 ELM match and then loaded 15 rounds of the 106 TAP with H4895 - 27, 27.5, and 28.0. With the JO Bottom Metal, I am able to load out quite a bit longer than factory.
Couple things - I am not a big believer in extensive barrel break-in - just go shoot it and clean it occasionally. So, for this first go round, I cleaned before I left and then proceeded to shoot my session at the range which ended up being 30 rounds. I cleaned it quickly when I got home and that will probably be the process while I get the first 200 rounds down the tube.
Second my goal was to be able to shoot 106-108 grain high bc hunting bullets at minimum 2700, but ideally more in the 2750 FPS ranges. At the elevations I hunt, it makes it a 600+ yard rifle.
The Good:
Looks like I may have a fast barrel, and my velocity goals will be achievable. Over 16 Chronograph 108 Factory Loads I averaged 2681 FPS. With the 106 TAPS, 27.0 of H4895 averaged 2715 over 5 shots. 27.5 averaged 2755 over 5 shots, 28.0 one shot was 2800+ but was too hot so I didn't shoot any more.
The 108 Factory loads - first 4 got me on paper and where I needed to be, the next 16 I shot for velo and groups - 5,5,6. At the end the 16 shots went into a cone at about 1.5" - not too bad and probably would be a very good option if I didn't reload.
The gun has virtually no recoil and with the suppressor, I can see thru the firing process and had I been shooting steel or lr targets, would have had no issues seeing my shots. I swapped out the trigger to a timney - I appreciate it sooooo much more than the factory 2 stage.
The Bad:
The 106 Taps didn't shoot very good. The more I have been reading on these it seems guys are having some problems getting them to shoot and that was me. 27.0 load was 1.5" for 5 shots, 27.5 load jumped up to 2.25" for 5 shots. I also notice while checking out the rifle a very small area along the barrel channel where I feel like it may be touching the barrel or very close. To the point when I got home, I took the rifle apart, sanded that area out to ensure no contact, and bolted everything back together at 45" pounds.
Its light - even with the suppressor. I was reminded how much I have to control my holds/breathing when shooting these light rifles. Everything is magnified.
Early Thoughts:
I love the feel, the ergos, and the overall rifle. I think its going to be a dandy little rifle that's going to shoot. Barrel seems fast and if there is some speedup in 150-200 rounds even better. I don't think I am going to chase my tail with the 106 TAPS . The 500 I have will Probably go up for sale here soon. Probably work on a custom load with the 108 ELDM or a 105-108 Berger offering.
I am excited to be able to achieve some velocity goals with H4895 due to its temp stability. I did buy a few pounds of Leverrevolution, but if H4895 will get me where I want, I will gladly stay there.
Many more rounds to go down the barrel over the next couple of weekends. Will do some load development this week and see if we can get another 50-60 thru it on the weekend.
Couple things - I am not a big believer in extensive barrel break-in - just go shoot it and clean it occasionally. So, for this first go round, I cleaned before I left and then proceeded to shoot my session at the range which ended up being 30 rounds. I cleaned it quickly when I got home and that will probably be the process while I get the first 200 rounds down the tube.
Second my goal was to be able to shoot 106-108 grain high bc hunting bullets at minimum 2700, but ideally more in the 2750 FPS ranges. At the elevations I hunt, it makes it a 600+ yard rifle.
The Good:
Looks like I may have a fast barrel, and my velocity goals will be achievable. Over 16 Chronograph 108 Factory Loads I averaged 2681 FPS. With the 106 TAPS, 27.0 of H4895 averaged 2715 over 5 shots. 27.5 averaged 2755 over 5 shots, 28.0 one shot was 2800+ but was too hot so I didn't shoot any more.
The 108 Factory loads - first 4 got me on paper and where I needed to be, the next 16 I shot for velo and groups - 5,5,6. At the end the 16 shots went into a cone at about 1.5" - not too bad and probably would be a very good option if I didn't reload.
The gun has virtually no recoil and with the suppressor, I can see thru the firing process and had I been shooting steel or lr targets, would have had no issues seeing my shots. I swapped out the trigger to a timney - I appreciate it sooooo much more than the factory 2 stage.
The Bad:
The 106 Taps didn't shoot very good. The more I have been reading on these it seems guys are having some problems getting them to shoot and that was me. 27.0 load was 1.5" for 5 shots, 27.5 load jumped up to 2.25" for 5 shots. I also notice while checking out the rifle a very small area along the barrel channel where I feel like it may be touching the barrel or very close. To the point when I got home, I took the rifle apart, sanded that area out to ensure no contact, and bolted everything back together at 45" pounds.
Its light - even with the suppressor. I was reminded how much I have to control my holds/breathing when shooting these light rifles. Everything is magnified.
Early Thoughts:
I love the feel, the ergos, and the overall rifle. I think its going to be a dandy little rifle that's going to shoot. Barrel seems fast and if there is some speedup in 150-200 rounds even better. I don't think I am going to chase my tail with the 106 TAPS . The 500 I have will Probably go up for sale here soon. Probably work on a custom load with the 108 ELDM or a 105-108 Berger offering.
I am excited to be able to achieve some velocity goals with H4895 due to its temp stability. I did buy a few pounds of Leverrevolution, but if H4895 will get me where I want, I will gladly stay there.
Many more rounds to go down the barrel over the next couple of weekends. Will do some load development this week and see if we can get another 50-60 thru it on the weekend.
