My set-up is a SS Encore w/ a 26" factory .223 barrel. Its topped with a Bushnell Elite 4200 4-16X40mm scope in Warne Maxima rings on a Maxima base. Holding it all together is a nice Pepper laminate stock set from Boyd Bros.
Conditions at the range were kinda poor. A breeze was blowing from the rear, it was overcast, and about 50 degrees. I set out to test some handloads that I had cooked up months ago. They consisted of Hornady V-Max 55 gr. bullets over Varget powder. I anticipated that they would be pretty accurate, and I was pleasantly surprised. I had six sets of loads that started at 25 grains and increased by half grain increments until I reached the maximum load of 27.5 grains.
My method of testing was as follows: clean barrel, fire one fouling shot, then shoot three three shot groups at 100 yards. Between each group I walked to the 100 yard point, marked the hits, then returned to fire the next group. After each string I cleaned the barrel and started over.
What I found:
The loads all consistently shot 1 1/4" groups or better. Most under 1 MOA. Interestingly the max load, which showed no signs of pressure problems, shot the tightest group. This is also a compressed load which I've read is supposed to be more consistent/accurate. Out of the nine shots fired, five made it into a ragged hole. I'm thinking of neck sizing only the next go around and using the max load. I'm pretty pleased at the accuracy attained and I think that I can do better under more ideal conditions.
Ranger413
