Bigcrazy wrote:I do not own a chronograph yet, coming soon. the 39 grain of lil gun had some sooting. 40+ grains did not. I started at 39 and worked up to 43 grains yesterday. No pressure signs. accuracy was great but only shooting 50 yds indoors.....to damn cold out. 43 grains shot a .25 center to center group off bi-pod and no rear bag. I had already shortened the COL to 2.23 and crimped at .474 for next batch. I will try shorter and see how they shoot. 1 in 16 twist I was worried they wouldn't shoot good.
Very encouraging results! The 450b will shoot consistent good groups at the hands of a consistent shooter. Sounds like you found your first great recipe if it delivers .25 CTC at 50 yds. As you move the distance out, your technique and attention to detail at the reloading bench, will now be the factor that determines your group size with that 43gr load.
The 225 FTX is also a good bullet at around half the price of the 200 FTX. In my 1:24 twist AR 450b, the 225's are the most accurate bullet I've found for my loads, using Lil Gun. No two barrels are the same however. That's why we need to find what ours likes. I totally enjoy working on load recipes. The time spent at the reloading bench is entertainment for me. A lot depends upon how far away from the better half your reloading bench is located. I prefer a minimum of 1 floor and 2 doors away.
A Chronograph is a crucial tool for the reloader. It doesn't have to be some high buck, bleeding edge technology unit, to be effective. The basic Chrony F1 or Beta Master, with its remote display are affordable, especially if you watch for sales. The Competition Electronics and Caldwell brand units are good as well, for around the same price.
Thank goodness warmer weather always comes back, though it seems like an eternity before it does up in these northern latitudes.
Hoot