Terminal Ascent accuracy issues?

[rockymtnsam]

I picked up a box of Federal Terminal Ascent for my 6.5 PRC last week. I’m shooting a Seekins Havak PH2, and every bullet I’ve put through it so far (140 AB, 142 ABLR, and 147 ELD-M) has shot sub MOA, the rifle is much more capable than I am.

Yesterday I went out to shoot the 130 grain Terminal Ascent and could not get them to group at 100 yds to save my life.

A couple of quick points:

1. I did not clean my rifle after the last time I shot it, and am wondering if the cooper/lead combo is somehow causing accuracy issues since my barrel wasn’t clean.
2. I put the 140g Nosler Accubonds back in, and shot 3 holes touching at 100 immediately after shooting the TAs. Then I dialed to 350 and hit steel dead center. Doesn’t seem like a rifle issue.

Has anyone else had similar issues?

 

[TxhunterPRC]

I have not had that issue with the TA's. Although mine is 7 PRC, they are the most accurate and consistent out of my rifle between them and both ELD's. Which copper bullet did you shoot? In my 300 PRC, if I tried shooting non-coppers after shooting LRX's the accuracy was terrible until I deep cleaned the barrel and then it goes back to normal accuracy.

 

[SDHNTR]

Why are you puzzled? Some guns/barrels just like certain bullets/powder/ammo combinations and dislike others. Quite normal.

 

[rockymtnsam]

I have not had that issue with the TA's. Although mine is 7 PRC, they are the most accurate and consistent out of my rifle between them and both ELD's. Which copper bullet did you shoot? In my 300 PRC, if I tried shooting non-coppers after shooting LRX's the accuracy was terrible until I deep cleaned the barrel and then it goes back to normal accuracy.

Makes sense. I was just thinking because the TA is a copper shank and lead core that it may have something to do with the accuracy.

 

[rockymtnsam]

Why are you puzzled? Some guns/barrels just like certain bullets/powder/ammo combinations and dislike others. Quite normal.

Just kind of shocked I guess because the rifle has shot a few different rounds so accurately and I’ve read almost all positive reviews of the Terminal Ascent. But I agree! Especially since it likes the Noslers so much

 

[SDHNTR]

What one gun likes, or what reviews may say, means nothing in your gun.

 

[Chris_in_Idaho]

Yep, somewhere someone else has a 6.5prc that will put Terminal Ascent through one hole but won't keep 140 Accubonds on a dinner plate. Each barrel is an individual.

 

[Hrtbthntr]

I've just switched to 170 TAs in my 7prc.

1/4 inch 4 shot group at 100 yards. Much more consistent than hornady eldxs.

 

[davsco]

I've just switched to 170 TAs in my 7prc.

1/4 inch 4 shot group at 100 yards. Much more consistent than hornady eldxs.

nice groups!! but where are you getting the 7prc TA's?

 

[omicron1792]

TA was most accurate load I’ve ever shot through my 6.5prc. I didn’t like the terminal ballistics but accuracy was spot on.

 

[Hrtbthntr]

I got them from cal ranch in AZ.

 

[davsco]

I got them from cal ranch in AZ.

thx. they won't ship, bummer

 

[H82miss]

I have the same issue. I too have a Seekins PH2 6.5 prc. Shot Hornady ELD-X and ELD-M under .75" and shot TA in a 4" group at 100 yards! Same range trip. I really wanted it to shoot those TA's because I got a pretty sweet deal on 100 rounds of them.

 

[rockymtnsam]

I have the same issue. I too have a Seekins PH2 6.5 prc. Shot Hornady ELD-X and ELD-M under .75" and shot TA in a 4" group at 100 yards! Same range trip. I really wanted it to shoot those TA's because I got a pretty sweet deal on 100 rounds of them.

I've thought a lot about this video from Backfire where he talks to Ron Spomer who had a similar issue with copper bullets. I know the TA isn't a 100% true copper bullet, but I've thought about trying an in-depth cleaning and shooting a few more times.

I also was really hoping to use the TA specifically because of the results they provide on big game.

 

[H80Hunter]

I got some here a few weeks back. Seems like they’ll ship:

https://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/federal-premium-7mm-prc-terminal-ascent-170gr-cartridges-20-rounds/0000101808437