OK...here's the data.
All rounds fed and extracted well when fired...Hoot, looks like we have the same issue regarding this
The details:20" Bushmaster barrel
Temp 78, Sunny, wind NW@15mph
Bullet - 225gFTX
Taper Crimp only - .476
All Rounds were loaded with 38.0gr Lil Gun
All Rounds seated to OAL of 2.115
All cases were prepped and were once-fired (Hornandy), Flash holes deburred. Each case was 1.689-1.690
An expander die was NOT used
Data:
Wolf Small Rifle Magnum Primer:
V1-2135
V2-2068
V3-2013
V4-2148
V5-2094
Group was not so good....about 4 inches, Mainly verticle (stringing)...the windage was spot-on, but the target wasn't stable in the wind, so I'm gonna have to throw out the accuracy on this day.
First shot had a primer that appeared to be flat, The rest were fine.....Sooting was BAD...so bad that the soot caked in the rim on the 4th and 5th shots (bullets pulling?)
No hangfires
CCI 400V1 - 2145
V2-2232
V3-2140
V4-2161
V5-2136
Primers looked good
Groups the same as above
Sooting was the same as above
No hangfires
CCI450V1-V3 Error
V4-2170
V5-2250
Primers good, Sooting still the same, groups about the same. No Hangfires
Same case data, same loading procedure-Hornandy XTP Mag 240gPrimer - CCI 400
Bullet - XTP MAG 240g
Seated to 2.060 COAL
Taper crimp only - .475
Lil Gun @ 34.0g
V1-2122
V2-2130
V3-2126
V4-2101
V5-2117
Primers good, groups much better - way high of set zero (8 inches), but fit nicely into a 2" grouping
Mild sooting noted
No hangfires
36.5gV1-2114
V2-2225
V3-2111
V4-2267
V5-2226
Primers good; No hangfires.
Sooting returned on final 3 rounds, but not as bad as with the 225gFTX
Grouped right with the 34.0g charge, with 2 flyers off center about 2 inches to right.
And finally....Factory New Hornandy 250gFTXV1-2161
V2-2100
V3-2144
V4-2124
V5-2075
Groups about 2.5"
Some minor sooting of cases.
BTW...all loading was done with a Lee Hand press......Still waiting on my RCBS press to come in....I just couldn't wait.
OK...there ya have it......Looks like I have some figuring to do....My most consistent load was the 34g behind the XTP...more experimentation to come. Any advice or observations are appreciated. I'm sure I missed something.