45 Pac-Nor-New Vortex Viper 09/06/2010

[boarhog]

This was the first chance I’ve had to try the new Vortex Viper 6-20X50 scope, on the Pac-Nor 45. I also wanted to compare IMR-4198 with a new lot of H-4198.

All loads were 40 cal, 200 gr XTP, Harvester smooth blue sabot, Fed 209A primer, and 62 grains of either IMR or H- 4198 powder.

Target # 4- Was the same target I used for scope adjustment on the JHM 50 w/new Boyd’s Thumbhole stock that I pillared and bedded. The load was 62 gr IMR-4198. Shot #1 was 12” left and 6.5” high, shot # 2 was 5.5” left, at about the right height, so after another 20 clicks RT, shots 3, 4, & 5 grouped into 7/8”. AV-2704, ES-47, SD-16.

Target # 5- Same as above with 62 gr IMR-4198, but I only had 3 more vials of powder with me. Shots 1 & 2 were touching, and that got me excited, but shot # 3 dropped low for an overall 3 shot group of 1 5/8”.

Target # 6- Same as above with H-4198. This load was very consistent, with an AV of 2694 fps, ES-8, SD-2. I feel like this load should group better, and will definitely be trying it again. 3 = 1 3/8”, 5 = 2”

Overall, there was less difference between the 2 4198s than I expected




Boarhog

[Dave W]

Good shooting. If you swab between shots-any noticeable difference if one is cleaner than the other?

[boarhog]

They were both very clean. Much less on the patches than duplexes using 5744 as booster, and a little cleaner than using N-110 or 4759 as booster with N-120 or N-130. Sabots were not as stressed as I've had before. I think I could bump either 4198 up 2-3 grains without any trouble. Like I said above, I was expecting there to be a more noticeable difference in speed and/or accuracy. At this point, I wouldn't have any qualms about hunting with IMR if I couldn't find the H version.

[Jon]

Bearhog. How did you like the viper scope? Is it the 30mm.?
Jon

[boarhog]

Jon,
The Viper I have is a 30MM tube. 6-20X50 with the BDC reticle. It seems as clear and bright as my Weaver Classic Extreme 2-10X56. The side parallax adjustment was very good also, and the tracking adjustment seemed very accurate. 20 RT clicks moved the POI exactly 5 inches at 100 yards. So far, so good!

[Richard]

Robert..........Looks like the scope is working out for you and your shooting shows it! Nice groups.
Richard

[rossman40]

I ran the pics thru OnTarget and it says you got a 1.625" on #5 and actually a 1.875" on #6. What is interesting if you look at the Mean Point of Impact (MPI) of the two groups there is less then 3/8" difference.

[ET]

Boarhog

Looks like you are having fun at the range and narrowing your group sizes.

As for the Vortex Viper I too have found the adjustment to be as precise for the 1-click=1/4”. Also after the adjustment no settling shot is required, it’s there where it should be.
I’m very happy with this scope for the money spent.


Ed

[Jon]

Boarhog and Et thank you for the info on the scope I could not beat the sale price so I got the target dot The gun it's for is not done yet so I havn't had a chance to try it. As it turns out it may be longer for other reasons. Good shooting and good info on the 2 4198's.
Jon

[boarhog]

Ken,
What is the "On Target" thing you were using? I didn't have a good caliper here at home when I was measuring groups and taking pix. Ended up using an old wooden yardstick.
Rob

[rossman40]

OnTarget is a program that lets you take a picture or a scan of a target and analyze it. You can then add all kinds of other data/notes and save it so you have a electronic record of the target. Here is a article/review,,

www.6mmbr.com/ontargetsoftware.html

I find it handy, I can even be sneaky and take a picture posted and analyze it. I have found that while just a phone camera works it helps to have a better camera (3 MP or better) and take your picture square to the target with the vertical plumb.

[boarhog]

Ken,
That looks like a very handy program to have! Thanks!

Jon,
I hope to see a good range reportvery soon with your new rifle and Vortex scope!