Author Topic: 376 Steyr and 260 gr Nosler Accubonds perform............... (Read 595 times)

Captainkev · « **on:** September 19, 2004, 11:58:39 AM »

Well, they performed at the range anyway.
Just got back from testing out the last of the handloads for the Steyr.
I have heard great things about the 260 gr Nosler Accubonds holding up very well in Africa against some very tough and large game. That was my primary reason for building loads with it for Elk, Muleys and Hogs.
Most of the reports back from Africa were from 375 rifles and 375 JDJ handguns.
After trying various powders, the Varget seemed to be the most consistent.
My gun is a Encore with a 15 inch plus brake SSK 376 Steyr Barrel.
Using 61 gr. of Varget at 2250 fps, the best group at 100 yards was 3/4 inch. The worst was 1 3/4 inches.
Using 62 gr. of Varget at 2466 fps, the best group was 1 1/2 inches and the worst was 1 3/4 inches.
When the gun got warm, the 62 gr. loads made the action a bit tougher to open as well, so I am going to go with the 61 gr. loads.
Just wanted to pass this on. If anyone has any other info or thoughts on this I would appreciate the info as I am still a rookie in the single shot game.

Thanks,

Kevin

MePlat · « **Reply #1 on:** September 19, 2004, 01:30:53 PM »

If you jumped 216 fps with 1 grain of powder I'd say you are right at the edge with 61 not at 62
I'd be careful or go to a slower powder.

billybob hunter · « **Reply #2 on:** September 20, 2004, 12:22:59 AM »

Captainkev,

62gr is the starting load for the 376 Steyr according to the Hornady website and 67.5gr is the published max load.

http://www.hodgdon.com/data/rifle/376steyr.php

Sounds like you're found some pretty good performance with a minimum load.

You might want to measure your throat and see if you're bullet is jammed into the lands or something like that. Of course, you need to be extremely careful when pressure signs are encountered. You might want to talk to JD about what you are encountering with a minimum load and see what he says.

I am fascinated with this cartridge and fully intend to have JD Jones build me a barrel with a muzzle brake for hunting elk and big nasties that bite.

How was the recoil?

Keep me in mind if you ever tire of that barrel... I might have some excellent trade material.... :wink:

$bob$

onesonek · « **Reply #3 on:** September 20, 2004, 02:14:33 AM »

I had similar results with Varget in my 9.3 (pressure signs on lower end of data). I switched to a slower powder (h4350), might work in the .376 as well, if you are looking for more velocity.
My thoughts are, 1-a tite chamber( not a bad thing), 2-a tite barrel (not a bad thing also). One or both can raise pressures faster than normal (the average of extremes). That's why CAUTION (start low,work up slow),is the #1 rule in reloading.
None of what you experienced is a bad thing, but I for one would give a slower powder a try. You can always go back to your Varget it load if it don't gain you anyhting.
Dave

Captainkev · « **Reply #4 on:** September 20, 2004, 08:42:22 AM »

Thanks for the replies.
Yes, 62 is the min load for this powder, and if I had more time before hunting season, I might play around with some slower powders as well.
But since Muley opens in about 2 weeks, and Elk a month later, I will just take the accuracy of the Varget for this season and try some other burns for next year.
Regarding the recoil. With the SSK brake on the barrel, it doesn't really kick much more than my 15 inch 308 barrel that doesn't have a brake.
Hope this helps.

Thanks,

Kevin

billybob hunter · « **Reply #5 on:** September 20, 2004, 10:04:37 AM »

Kevin,

Yeah... It does help... Thanks....

Hope you bust a big bull this year with it.... :grin:

$bob$