Hello All,
First off, I'm a total know-nothing newbie -- but an enthusiastic one that wants to get better at this ML thing. Good thing that there are a lot of really smart, helpful folks here at this forum. Thanks.
After struggling with my new TC Omega all Summer, I have finally got something that resembles "grouping". Meaning that I'm getting close to sub-MOA at 100 yds. To sum it up, what finally turned the tide were the new Remington 209ML primers.
OK, here's what I'm shooting:
TC Omega SS 50 cal., laminated thumbhole stock
Bushnell 3200 Elite 3 X 9 X 40 (Firefly reticle) with Maxima QR rings and mount
SVL Limbsaver recoil pad (put that on after 10 rounds [ouch!] -- it really works)
90 grn. BM3
260 grn. PR Dead Center
I couldn't seem to hit a bullet with the broad side of barn until I tried the Rem 209ML primers. I also had pretty good luck (~1.25 in. groups) with 209ML primer/90 grn BM3/Hornady 250 SST, but I just about broke my Power Rod trying to shove the SSTs down. The PR DCs work in my Omega, so it looks like I'll take them whitetail hunting.
Before this, I tried standard Rem primers (very dirty) and CCI primers (much cleaner).
As to my propellant choice, no, I have only tried BM3 and I'm not likely to experiment at this point. My son-in-law has a TC Encore and shoots Pyrodex -- hey, what's that smell? -- and Trip-7. No thanks. I don't care about crud rings, but I have never had that problem with BM3. My problem's always been with grouping.
So, I have a question:
Has anybody else experienced improved grouping and/or less crud with the Rem 209ML primers?
I plan to continue working up my loads, but I'll have to wait until the temp cools off a bit before I can finalize my hunting load.
Thanks,
J.P.