I finally found a "decent" load for my NEF Ultra 223. It refuses to shoot 40gr V-max bullets less than 1.5" and 40gr NBTs hover around an inch. I'm using H335 and IMR 4198, Win brass, Fed Gold Medal Match primers, COL 2.245". So I tried some Speer 52gr Varmint HP (not Match HP) and it's looking much better. Last outing I saw the potential. Today I got a few decent groups with different powder weights both 25.0gr and 25.5gr of H335. That's about 3000fps. I really wish it would shoot the lighter faster bullets...
I still have a heck of a time shooting 5-shot groups because this darn NEF has such a "challenging" trigger and lock time issues. I can actually see the hammer creep forward as I increase pressure on the trigger until it breaks. Sometimes the trigger feels like 3-4 lbs and crisp, while other shots it feels like 20 lbs and creepy like it's NEVER going to break. The factory did a trigger job on it, but it still sucks. I am able to call the fliers most of the time, there always seems to be one.
Anyways, the best 4 of 5 are satisfactory for this rifle. I don't think it'll do much better than that for 5-shot groups. I will play around with the C.O.L. anyways to see if I can shrink things down to around 1/2". Then this rifle is headed to the back of the safe to be used as a loaner rifle. It's just too picky about how you have to pull the trigger, lay the stock on the rest, and it won't shoot the light varmint bullets that I like. I may even sell the durn thing. I definately won't buy any more NEFs.
Wide 3-o'clock called flier
Low 5-o'clock called flier
