With the good result from the 6.5×06 and continuing good weather, I wanted to make another trip to the range on Sunday. So I quickly loaded up some ammo. I loaded the gun I had shot previously (I will call this one the heavy barrel) and another one also in 6.5×06 (the lightweight). Hoping I could find a single load that would shoot in both guns.
- Started out at 100 yards with good result from from the lightweight 6.5×06. Then problems with the ammo for the next group. Excessive pressure. So I stopped.
- Went to 200 yds with the heavy barrel and the loads that shot well the previous day. First group, not good at all. Second group – same problem as the light weight. Excessive pressure. Again, full stop.
- I did have along another gun that I was able to sight in – an AR-10 in 308 sporting a Lilja barrel. Lilja products shoot! Just enough rounds to break the gun in and then I was shooting on paper. At 100 yards, with only a 4x scope, shot just over 1/2 inch (.503 to be exact). So the trip was not all a waste.
On the drive home I realized my mistake. I try to double check all loads and powders before I load a batch of ammo. But I think I confused my powders numbers – Vihtavuori 150 instead of 160. Luckily a few ruined cases was the only result. So more reloading and waiting for more nice weather.
Hatcher's Notebook 