Short trip to the range this afternoon to test the handloads:


Hornady brass, new
Hornady 108 gr ELD-Match bullets
H4350, 40.5 grains
Federal 210 match primers


Didn't chronograph the loads, but the point of impact was roughly the same as the 108 gr Hornady factory ammo at 450 yards. All I did today was shoot at a steel gong, 450 yards away, from the bench/bipod. Worked great! I did miss the gong three times. Entirely my fault.


When I stuck rigorously to the fundamentals of marksmanship, the bullets were impacting in a rather nice, tight, cluster on the steel.


I think that for now, I'll stick with this load, maybe tune it a bit. Can't play much with the overall length, 'cause they've got to fit into, and feed from, the detachable magazine.


Very satisfying! Am up to 27 rounds through the rifle at this point. Getting to know the scope/rifle/ammo combo pretty well so far.


I need to think about a coyote/antelope/deer load for this thing... Not sure how the "match" bullet performs on game, so I think I'll investigate the 103 grain Hornady ELD-X hunting bullet as well. But reality is that this rifle is mainly a marksmanship training/range toy.


Funny, I already have a used "APA Little Bastard" muzzle brake for it. It's supposed to be considerably better than the muzzle brake Ruger equips the rifle with. I'll make the swap sometime soon. Not strangely at all, there really isn't much recoil to deal with, the 6 Creedmoor in such a heavy rifle.


Regards, Guy