Smokeless initial shots disappointing

[Nhill]

I've taken a long time to piece everything together for my smokeless build.
cva apex
DNZ mounts
Zeiss Conquest
IMR 4198
200gr SST bullets
Federal 209a primers

It takes me 3 shots with 55gr to get pretty close to the target
3 shots 60gr gives a 2.5" triangular group
3 shots 57.5gr gives a similar 2"group.
All bullets were knurrled
I waited at least 15 minutes between each shot.

I intend to keep working at it, but after reading so many other's posts about their accuracy right off the bat, I am pretty disappointed.

100 yards
Red=60gr
Green=57.5gr

Any tips on what I should try next?

I felt really confident on all the shots, except maybe the far right red one. Maybe I just need a good rest, but I don't know...

 

[Rubberduck270]

Don't get disappointed. Mine didn't happen over night. And even though you waited between shots a cooling rod or device really helps keep the heat down. How far up did you knurl? Couple thousandths?

 

[fullstream]

I have the same set up. I am having better results (grouping) without knurling. It goes down pretty easy but the fps is the same as when knurled. Try a group unknurled would be my suggestion. Roost1 has a buddy who has an apex that shoots lights out so hopefully he will chime in.

 

[ratsnakeboogy]

What's your loading pressure?

What sabot?

Put it In a real rest for load development.

 

[Nhill]

Are you using lt blue or tan sabots?

Blue harvester

How far up did you knurl? Couple thousandths?

I knurled the whole side of the bullet. Are you just supposed to do the bottom edge?
I will also try some unknurled, it is still fairly snug without knurling (sight in shot)

 

[Rubberduck270]

Not how far up the bullet but rather how much did you increase the bullets diameter?

 

[ratsnakeboogy]

Just the sides is fine.

Try putting it on a bathroom scale with plug out and push a saboted bullet through. Need at least 30 pounds, I like 35.

Anything over 56 is gonna be pushing it right now. Too hot.

 

[fullstream]

Just the sides is fine.

Try putting it on a bathroom scale with plug out and push a saboted bullet through. Need at least 30 pounds, I like 35.

Anything over 56 is gonna be pushing it right now. Too hot.

I always wondered how y'all knew loading pressure. I learned something tonight :cool:

 

[Nhill]

Not how far up the bullet but rather how much did you increase the bullets diameter?

Duh, thanks... I don't have a caliper right now, so I can't say for sure.

 

[Rubberduck270]

If the diameters aren't consistent it will show in your groups. You can pick up some cheap digital calipers on amazon and check your diameters to make sure your knurling is consistent.

I'm working on a new cooling method that I hope to test out this weekend. I'll post results if it works. :grin:

 

[mike243]

I also was wondering how folks knew how much lbs it took to load a round lol,if when I get mine back Im going to try that ,another tip to put in a sticky for newbies

 

[mike243]

Well like any rifle you wont always get to use the bullet you want for best accuracy but the gun will always pick what it likes,the best you can do is find 1 in the weight range with similar #s ,I have been lucky with most of my center fire rifles but the auto 22's have been picky, sabots in my cva's didn't work out like I wanted so the powerbelts are my goto for them.Im sure the gun will shoot just need more trigger/testing.I love the mileage for the smokeless powder rifles,Im going to pu another lbs when I find some.

 

[WGK]

That's some great info. With the load pressure. I see already that this forum is going to help me a lot.

 

[Roost 1]

I have the same set up. I am having better results (grouping) without knurling. It goes down pretty easy but the fps is the same as when knurled. Try a group unknurled would be my suggestion. Roost1 has a buddy who has an apex that shoots lights out so hopefully he will chime in.

So far his gun as had great accuracy with 60grs or either N120 or Reloader 7 using smooth blue sabot and 195gr barnes. No knurling required for his gun. 200yds is the farthest we have shot it.

 

[Tar12]

I do not know what your cleaning regiment is but I have found from experience (20k shots give or take a couple..lol)most smokeless guns shoot their best by being shot dirty. I start with a clean gun and dont touch it after it has been sighted in. My .45 has not seen a brush for 2 years and is still spot on. Try it. You must service your breech plug once in a while or you will wind up with a stuck plug and or vent.

 

[ratsnakeboogy]

I do not know what your cleaning regiment is but I have found from experience (20k shots give or take a couple..lol)most smokeless guns shoot their best by being shot dirty. I start with a clean gun and dont touch it after it has been sighted in. My .45 has not seen a brush for 2 years and is still spot on. Try it. You must service your breech plug once in a while or you will wind up with a stuck plug and or vent.

This has been my experience as well, unless I blow a sabot it never gets cleaned except the plug and vent.

.