I'll post my first bunch of groups in case anyone is interested. I had a sample of .429" and .430" projectiles for a total of 30 rounds (15 of each), all loaded with the listed starting load of 20gr AR2205. The point of this excersise was to try to determine whether a larger bullet was more appropriate, and get a rough feel for how inherently accurate the rifle is. Ladder testing to come.
I over ambitiously tried to use the full target aperture to start with, however it was quite difficult to make out the black target due to lack of light (and reflective ink). I had to place my eye very close to the aperture to make it work. About half way through the group it was as if the aperture changed and it became harder to see through. By the end of the group I realized that stupidly the aperture was knocked forward due to the tang hitting my safety glasses
This invalidated the ENTIRE first group (FYI the lowest shot was the initial sighter):
- .429" first group
- IMG_7051.jpg (82.55 KiB) Viewed 3514 times
The next group of .429" I switched to red targets and made sure the tang was always upright. Still, I continued trying to use the full-sized aperture which was still proving to be tricky:
- .429" full aperture
- IMG_7050.jpg (76.39 KiB) Viewed 3514 times
I moved onto the .430"s
still trying to use the full sized aperture:
- .430" full aperture
- IMG_7049.jpg (77.24 KiB) Viewed 3514 times
The final .430" I switched to a slightly bigger aperture and instantly regretted not doing it earlier; the target suddenly popped and I was able to aim with much higher fidelity; I could see all the little wobbles as if I were looking through a scope. If only I had given up on the full-sized target aperture earlier
There was one flyer in that group which I called; so I'll call that group around 2.5moa:
- .430" final group
- IMG_7048.jpg (103.49 KiB) Viewed 3514 times
I noticed that my AR2205 loads wer quite smoky. Furthermore there was a little unburnt powder on the bolt face. Is this normal? Perhaps I need to increase my crimp?
Another thing, the primers are consistently bulging on one side:
- Is this normal?
- IMG_7053.jpg (119.17 KiB) Viewed 3514 times
But I've done some reading and I think this is normal for the 92 action; the extractor is the lower part of the bolt face; I read that it depresses back and the softer pistol primer extrudes back a little each shot. If anyone could confirm or contradict this It'd be appreciated.
Overall some mixed results but I think the gun has potential; I'll be happy if I can mechanically average 2moa before heading into some PCCLAS matches. Next step is to order some .430" lead and start on ladder testing. FWIW the barrel slugged to .430".
In2