Yesterday, I did some testing with my TC contender, 22 hornet and Lil Gun powder. I had done some research and got a lot of conflicting answers. My TC loading manual shows 12-13 grains of lil gun using a 55 grain bullet.
I got some feedback that 55 gr. is too heavy . Plus in looking at the hornady website, it shows 12- 13 grains for almost every bullet weight. An most powders are pushing the 55 grain at 2100 fps or so. But they show the Lil Gun way above the rest at 2500 fps.
And I got feedback from someone who said they see pressure signs with around 12 grs. So I reloaded some more, from 11.0 -11.8. Thinking I would not even shoot the 12-13 gr.
But at the range, I got some readings , but still learning my chrony. Got a lot of errors, I believe it was due to lighting conditions. Anyway, seemed to have a good node at 11.2 and 11.4 gr. With these , just a little over 2500 fps. AWESOME.
After the I had some more issues, but did get a reading at around 12.2 gr, 2400 fps. I ended up cautiously shooting all the way to 13.0 gr. and didn't see any pressure issues.
But I am very happy with the 11.2 and 11.4 velocities. My next step will be to load up some at 11.3 gr. and start experimenting with seating depth. These 55 grains have a cannelure, so I don't really know if I will deviate much from seating in the cannelure.
By the way, the TC barrel is the 14 inch barrel, and very moderate in recoil. This might end up being my favorite barrel. I also have 22 mag, 7 TCU , and 7x30 Waters.
Sorry, for the long read, but wanted to share.
Been loading 6.5 cm in alpha brass and having pressure problems on even moderate charge weights. I think some of it is tight chamber on Christensen arms MPR and some of it could be thick brass. I might have to get a neck turner
This is the newer OCD stuff. I ran some through my savage 10T and it wasn’t as bad but still showed pressure earlier than expected. I did find a good node there. I’ll chrono and see where it ends upDepending on the batch that is not uncommon. Their early stuff was very finicky. The newer ocd labeled stuff seems to be solid.
Heater running full blast, heat gun aimed at the lubrasizer, still not moving right.
Yep, I gotta agree. While waiting for the sizer to heat up I went back to the shed, to check for lead. Stumbled across a dozen roof jacks I had forgot about. Good day to melt and ingot those, after lunch.Powder coat for the win
This is the newer OCD stuff. I ran some through my savage 10T and it wasn’t as bad but still showed pressure earlier than expected. I did find a good node there. I’ll chrono and see where it ends up
Mine landed on a great node at mid range for powder charge.That’s been my biggest hangup of jumping to them over big blue. I would love to support a solid American company but I’m deterred by the early pressure issue at hand…….A good friend has a ton of early 6.5 creed brass that almost over pressures at most starting velocity specs.
I same with my 32-20. I am using cast bullets from Bear Creek because I am out of the Kings Ransom right now.Reloaded a couple hundred 25-20 Win. RP brass, WSR primers, 2400 powder, 86 gr Hornady soft points. I hate to think how much these cost but it’s reload or go home because there’s zero new ammo. I paid a Kings Ransom for every component. The rifle is a Cody Ballard low wall. All up, it’s all smiles every time it goes to the range or woods walking.