PPU Case Neck Sized

WLR Primer

38.5 gr N140

174 gr Sierra MatchKing

3.06 inch COAL

Fired from my No. 4 Mk 1/3 Fulton Regulated 69L Long Branch (barrel is center bedded), with Mk 1 aperture rear sight.  

Average of four 10 shot groups was 4.6 inches extreme spread at 200 yards prone in sling (2.3 MOA). The bullet MPI was 3 MOA below my regular match load (40.0 gr Varget).  

First five shots on the first group was under 1 MOA, but hit at the bottom of the black aiming mark with the rear sight set for my regular match load.  

I knew this was going to be a light charge, I’ll step up in 0.5 gr increments, but I’m quite pleased with this 38.5 gr load and would be fine for short range work.

This powder meters very nice in my Redding measure, the sticks are short.  I will not have to weigh all chargers with this powder.  

My friend who shoots the National Service Rifle competitions had settled on 40.0 grains and 174 SMK's for his number 4Mk1 rifle. He was getting good results with that. I have yet to try a load for the No4 rifles. But will probably start from 38.6 and work up in 0.2 increments.

I was back at the range yesterday.  Typical Alabama summer day, hot and humid.  No storms though...

I increased the charge weight from 38.5 to 40.0 gr.  That always seems to work with numerous other powders for me in the .303.   But not for N140.  Group sizes opened up a bit.  

Here’s the results of the center to center extreme spread, shot prone in sling, 69L No. 4 Mk 1/3 with Mk 1 service aperture sight, 10 round groups, 200 yards, NRA SR target:

 GP#   C-C (in)   MOA      Score   Notes

   1      4.30       2.16      84-0x   Shots low, raised sight 3 Clicks after this group

   2      8.00       4.00      97-1x   Vertical stringing, group slightly left

   3      5.12       2.56      97-1x   Group slightly left 

   4      4.61       2.30     100-4x  Held slight right to center group

 AVG   5.55       2.75        -

40.0 grains N140, 174 gr. SMK:

GP#   C-C (in)   MOA       Score    Notes

   1      5.63       2.81       95-1x   shots high, lowered rear sight by 3 clicks after this group

   2      5.98       3.00      100-2x  

   3      6.18       3.08      100-1x

   4      7.08       3.54        98-1x  two fliers to left not to call

 AVG   6.21       3.11          -

These two loads were shot on different days, I was getting tired by the end of the 40.0 N140 load test, you can see the groups gradually opening up.  However, my conclusion is that increasing from 38.5 to 40.0 grains gives no improvement.  I’m going to test 39.0 and 39.5 gr. 

The 38.5 gr load performed well except one group showed vertical stringing that was not called, excluding that group, the average extreme spread was 2.3 MOA which brings it in line with my 40.0 gr Varget match load.   It may just need a bit more powder to stabilize.

Why am I bothering to do this?  My go to powder VARGET has been unavailable for a few years and I need to find another good load for shooting matches.  

Zed, 

 I would be very interested in hearing how your 38.6 N140 load shoots, that’s essentially the same load I tested, same cases too.  I was using WLR primers, only 1/10th grain less powder.  Also, any info on your friends 40.0 grain load (average group C-C spread).

I went back thru my target score book yesterday and found that the 40 gr N140 load produced groups that are on average almost 1 MOA larger than my 40 gr Varget load.  Next time out, I will shoot alternate 10 shot strings with 40 gr Varget and 40 gr N140.  The 40 rounds (four 10 shot groups) I shot with 40 gr N140 should have been enough to get a stable average group size.   

These two loads do not produce the same velocity, I get a 2 MOA difference in bullet MPI at 200 yards.  

Don't get enough practice. On my last outing with the No1MkIII* I was using the 38.6 grain load as mentioned. My first group of 5 shot's (without looking through the spotting scope) where high on the target, edge of black. But group measured 5" across the diagonal, 4" deep and 4" wide. Shot at 200 meter's using sling in prone position. PH5A rear sight. I was pleased with that group size for me at that distance.

I believe the shot's were high because I have reworked the shimming under the know form and reset the fore end up pressure. It's basically standard bedding with a bit of attention to detail around the knox form and recoil lug fit. The next shot's were used adjust to get to centre target. So not as good. I've got a another batch loaded for testing now. I'll be having another look at the 7.62 with the SP7 powder as well; although I want to try the 140 in that too.

I've been shooting the .22's recently; hoping to hone my concentration to help with my irregular shots.

Today was very uncomfortable, 80 degrees and 90% RH.  I forgot to bring my fan, my glasses fogged up with every breath.  Had to hold my breath for 15 seconds until my glasses cleared to take a shot.  

I was back to test 39.5 gr N140 with 174 gr SMK.  Five 10 shot groups fired.  This load grouped very well in my 0LXxxxx Long Branch Mk 1/2.  Orthodox forend bedding (4.5 lbs at muzzle bearing).  Slung up in Prone, 200 yard groups were all under 3 MOA extreme spread, 9/10 rounds grouped on average at just over 2 MOA.  The odd flier was all on me and all were to call.  Decent X ring count, 4 to 5 out of 10 shots.  Perfectly good load for the Vintage Military Rifle matches.  

I then went on to test 39.0 gr N140 in my Fulton Mk 1/3 69Lxxxx Long Branch, groups were horrible, stray shots not to call out in the 8 ring.  After the second group, I suspected a problem with the electronic targets so I moved over one firing point and it was much better.  

Last thing I need is to start doubting these electronic targets.  This system at the Talladega Marksmanship Park has been a huge time saver for me, but I fear they are not being maintained adequately and the targets are getting shot out making the sound sensor calculations unreliable.  

I still have not got to the 200 metre range to try out myloads yet. I've been palying with the No8 last weekend.