Acrobatic Projectiles

[DDelle338]

  I posted this over on the Encore Contender Rifle Board but thought this is where it should be.
I reloaded and shot my first batch of ammo for this barrel. The barrel is an Eabco 26" .223, with a 12" twist. The 12" twist is supposed to be good for 40-50gr bullets. I loaded Sierra 45gr spitzers, Hornady 45gr Hornets, and Winchester 46gr HP's. I used H335 for all. I loaded 4 different weights of powder for each bullet. Starting about a medium pressure and moving up towards the max listing.
The first bullets fired were the Sierras, nothing to brag about, not very good honestly. But the first Hornady fired went throught the target sideways! Out of 20 rounds fired, 8 were tumbling when they hit the target! What's the deal? Am I pushing them to fast with a mid range charge, to slow? I would expect this from a 70gr bullet, but not a 45. Oh, yes, I meassured the twist at 12" with a cleaning rod and tight patch.  Any ideas? Opinions?

[Jerry Lester]

You got me?

I've got a 1 in 12 twist Ruger 77 MK-II, and it stabilizes even Sierra 65g BT SP's, as well as even their 69g Match Kings with maximum loads, although I haven't tried that particular bullet at longer ranges(past 100 yards).

Stabilizing bullets isn't dependent on the twist alone. It's a product velocity, and twist combined to produce sufficient RPM's.

[~Ace~]

First thing.. Check the Crown, normally a bad crown is ampified with Flat base bullets, when exiting the barrel the gas escapes through the Ding on one side causing the projectile to De stabilize.

My Handi Rifle in .243 was Keyholing when I got just a bit above Mid load with 75 grain V-Max, I dropped back 3/4 of a grain (Varget)  and they worked Very well.

[DDelle338]

  I think I found the cause. After speaking with Ebon Brown from EABCO, I measured the bullets. The 90% of the bullets in the box were .223" in diameter. Even though the box is marked .224.

[Jerry Lester]

  I think I found the cause. After speaking with Ebon Brown from EABCO, I measured the bullets. The 90% of the bullets in the box were .223" in diameter. Even though the box is marked .224.

Yep, that just might be it. Keep us posted.

[DDelle338]

  I spoke with Hornady yesterday. They said they are sending me a new box of .224's. I told him of my concern about the bullets coming apart at the velocities I'll be pushing them at. He assured me that these .224's are designed for these velocities and they will not start to come apart.
  I know from experience that no matter how good the Q.C. is, there is always the possibility of something slipping through. I'm happy they are stepping right up to make it right for me/the customer.

[SingleShotShorty]

Try some 50 grain Nosler Ballistic Tips loaded with ( Load removed by Mod ) I get very small groups with this load and have not found a 223 that doesn't like it. Be aware that this load is above Nosler manual max but shows no signs of excessive pressure.

We DO NOT POST OVER MAX LOADS ON THE OPEN FORUM

so if you can not back up a load with good data from a powder , firearms or bullet maker don't post it here .

Richard