Rem 721 vs. Win 70
Ambrose
Member Posts: 3,209 ✭✭✭✭
As you all know, gunpowder is hard to find, so I thought I'd try to find a alternative for my favorite .30/06 load. I have been using IMR4831 with the 180 gr. Sierra flat base bullet. I found a can of IMR4451 at the gun show. I had not done much experimenting with that powder but it seemed similar to IMR4350 and the load data looked promising. I was trying for around 2700 fps with the above bullet.
While I was at it, I thought it would be interesting to test the new load in a couple of my older rifles. My 721 was made in March, 1950, and sold new for around $80. It has a Lyman Challenger scope with a 4" dot. My 70 dates to Sept., 1953, and sold then for around $125. I has a Weaver KV with a post. The reticules in those scopes, while great for hunting, do not lend themselves well to precision aiming. (Of course it does not help, either, that the guy yanking the bolt handle and jerking the trigger is a week short of his 84th birthday). Both rifles have 24" barrels. The range results of four 5-shot groups with each rifle at 100 yards follow:
The 721 fired the best group @ .96" with the average for the four groups 1.74" and the average velocity 2695 fps.
The 70's best group was 1.19" with the average 1.58" and the velocity 2723 fps.
It was a fun range day, wringing out those old rifles. I think that load is successful and I'm looking forward to trying it out in some of my other rifles.
I hope you guys are doing well and have a good Christmas.
Comments
Thanks for posting. Did you let the barrel cool between shot?
I, too, used IMR 4831 in my .270 loads for years. Why? Because it was good enough for "minute-of-deer" at 100 yards. However, Going out to 200 yards, it was terrible.
. A while back I switched to IMR4350 and started to experiment with seating depth from the rifling lands.
There's still room for improvement, but I'm pleased with the 200 yard accuracy.
Now, if I could just find some more 4350 at a reasonable price.
Great report. I am guessing your standard deviation, SD, was fairly low from the accuracy you were getting out of those classic old work horses.
Merry Christmas to you as well. Bob
I just went through the same excercise, but I used IMR4166 which sold for $39 a pound. I didnt see much difference and havent decided if I will go back to 4350 when it is available. 4166 is supposed to be cleaner and better?
I have a couple of pounds of Russian Kazan powder and its marked 30-06S.The recipe on the can is for heavier bullets in 30-06.I no longer have a 30-06 and have not found load data for what else it can be used for.
Easy answer, the 721 should out shoot the 70 with most any comparable load.
define OUT SHOOT????????????
Like is the sound louder or ????????
Sez you...
Just what a hobby is about , comparing firearms. Great report
Be careful about disagreeing, you might get hammered. I have a couple of Model 70s in my safe that are some of my best shooters. I did get my butt kicked by my grandson with a Mossberg Patriot