Apex Sizing

[stanb8]

  I have been sizing my bullets for my 45 Remington smokeless somewhat loose compared to a sabot load with good results. Now I am sizing my apex 45 smokeless the groups seem to be all over the place with cci magnum, 56g. h4198, vegi. wad and 260g. harvester golds. Bullet drop from 25 yds to 120 yds appears to be a whooping 22". I know I need to do a 3 shot group from 25 yds. to eliminate scope problem, but I had so little daylight I cut corners and am trying to cover all basics before I return to do a three shot group. Does the apex require tighter sizing? Thanks in advance

[deadeer]

All barrels are unique in what they like. You obviously have something going on to have that much difference.

[Deleted]

I would guess you need more loading pressure as your velocity must be very low to experience that much drop

[Deleted]

The harvestor gold bullets are a plated bullet and most likely not a good bullet to use at smokeless speeds. I would recommend getting a box of 250 FTX or xtp bullets size them loose like your doing but knurl then back up a little bit for snug fit. Also if you have 4759 I'd try a straight load of 40 to 45 grains with the 250 grain bullet.

I just found cci magnum primers yesterday for the very first time and had to get a box. I have used regular CCI primers before with not so good results. I've read that the CCI don't seal very well. I have had great luck with Win209 primers but wanted to try the magnum. Just something to think about on the primers.

With the harvestor bullets it could be similar to shooting straight lead and could be filling your rifling with lead but that is an uneducated guess.

[stanb8]

The Cci magnums are too tight in my breech plug and I have decided to try the win. I also believe there Is a velocity loss and I feel no blowback at all. Thinking it is around the bullet and seeing what everyone else may think on the board.

[Deleted]

You may need a duplex load of you feel your losing pressure. With any of the break action guns I'd look at the pressure trace loads that are hyper linked and stay below 45k for pressure.

If you shoot 40-45 grains of 4759 you should still be in the safe zone. But check pursue trace loads to be sure.

Since your shooting the harvestor gold I'd get some jb Bore cleaner and clean your rifle.

Also I know a member who has shot the gold with some luck so I know it's possible. I'd still get some xtp or FTX and try a different bullet your rifle might not like them.

[stanb8]

Carlos had a range report where he used the PT Golds 260g.sabotless with 56g. of h4198 in a apex and he was rather happy with them, that's why I decided to try them. I have some FTX's coming. I've already looked at the pressure traces and have decided to stay 60g H4198 and below with 275g. and below bullets. Thanks

[linebaugh]

The first thing RiverRat said is likely your problem. The PT Gold is a great sabot bullet for the 50 but they are very soft lead alloy plated with copper and not a good candidate for sabotless. I can't see them holding up to much excitement.
Please take a look at Rainier Ballistics or Berry's plated bullets and you will see they are not meant for even the moderate velocity or pressure you are likely generating.

You might have a look at your riflings also because they may well be leaded.

Don't get discouraged because any true jacketed bullet you shoot will probably group for you right out of the gate.

[stanb8]

Thanks, I will try some different bullets. I appreciate all the input and help!