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Posted: 8/19/2013 5:44:20 PM EDT
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I do have this cross posted on the SH, and CZfirearms and have had very few responses as I expected. So I thought I would see what you guys had to say as well.
I will start with the rifle. CZ 527 Kevlar Varmint .223 1:9 Vortex PST 4-16x50 Warne Permanent High rings Every shot was performed while resting on a bipod and rear bag. All shots were at 100m roughly 87deg and 3-7 mph breeze. I was shooting directly into the wind and it was a steady breeze. The OCW test was done round robin style. I started off at 24.0 and worked my way up to 26.0 by increments of .2 Components used: (new FL sized) Lapua Match Brass CCI 41 Varget 69 SMK COAL 2.26 Apparently this rifle does not like mild loads... 
Here is where it gets interesting, but I still feel that it should be doing better.
The highest shot on 25.4 was the first of the group that was fired. 
The lowest of the group was me shooting one of my 25.2 loads at the wrong target. 
Farthest left hole on 25.8 was an ever so slight pull on my part. If it were not pulled I would guess the one next to it would have been 2 n 1. 
So from what I can tell, the hotter the load the more it liked it. I have yet to see signs of pressure at 26.0gr of Varget with a COAL of 2.260. These groups all placed in the 0.8 MOA with the exception of 25.2 Is this the best I will see from this particular setup? I always thought these rifles were real shooters. Next chance I get I may test with a few hotter loads to see if they tighten up at all. I just find it odd that I can't seem to get this rifle to shoot as well as I had hoped. Any ideas? Should I play with seating depth with one of these loads to see if that helps? Maybe once I go through all my new brass the bump sized brass will perform better? |
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Myself. I would try another powder. I have found these two powders to shoot better than Varget and are much easier to measure. As they can be dropped directly from a powder measure without trickling. IMR-8208 XBR and CFE 223. When you work up, use half grain steps. Find a promising load, then fine tune. You are using a bench and double sandbags? Didn't mention in your post.
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Quoted:
Every shot was performed while resting on a bipod and rear bag. All shots were at 100m roughly 87deg and 3-7 mph breeze. I was shooting directly into the wind and it was a steady breeze. The OCW test was done round robin style. I use a bipod because that is what I will be using when in the field. This rifle is intended for varmint hunting. I am working up a load with the 69gr SMK due to my 50gr loads are not performing at the distances I extend to. Normally I do my loads with .5 increments, but due to performing an OCW test I though It might be best to stick to a .2 or .3 increment . As far as measuring goes my RCBS chargemaster does just fine with Varget when using a McDonald's straw. When you say fine tune how do I do this? Would I be able to alter my seating depth for a shorter COAL to hopefully decrease my groups to a respectable .5-.7 MOA? |
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I have three CZ rifles and all three of them are "real Shooters".
Mine are all wood and have been free floated and bedded. I see that yours is factory equipped with an Aluminium bedding block, so you should be GTG there. Does your CZ have a Single Set Trigger and are you using it? Makes a big difference off the bench. You mentioned your installed "high" rings, are you getting a good cheek weld with them, or are you off the stock just a hair? It's possible your CZ 1-9 doesn't like the 69gr bullets, but before you give up on them, I would do as already suggested and start experimenting with other powders. I know, it's tough to experiment when there is nothing to experiment with. You can also experiment with your OAL. Have you checked the chamber to find your Max OAL with the 69gr Sierra's? What is the Max OAL that will fit into your Mag? There are several ways to find the Max OAL for Your rifle. You can use a gauge or your can do it without a gauge. Nosler #6 has a detailed explanation on finding your Max OAL on page 43. If you do not have Nosler #6 you can read it here. http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/showthread.php?t=97328&highlight=coal |
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I'm a big fan of TAC in the bolt guns and the AR platform with the 69 grain SMK.
I've not experimented with the XBR powder yet, but everything I read is VERY good. I've not had much luck with Varget in my rifles, but some swear by the stuff. I think what dryflash is saying...by working up in half grain increments, you'll find something that likely shoots very well, then you can start playing with COAL and tenth of a grain increments. I've not noticed much difference in my .223's a tenth of a grain either way from my pet load...I have noticed in the bolt gun, mine like to be loaded a little closer to the lands, and I'm not restricted to the magazine length like I am with the AR. eta- slow typing tonight 
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Quoted:
I can't seem to get anything above 55gr to shoot well in mine, I was hoping 60-69 would perform. Its still early, but I am having trouble bonding with this rifle. Did some playing around with bullet seating with a charge of 25.5gr varget and seemed to have found the sweet spot. 
2.260 still shot just as bad, but when I shot with 2.265 it seemed to be more of what the rifle liked. I still need to see if it likes hotter loads around 26.5gr and see if I can find a node there, but this will work for now. |
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