VV N-133 vs Benchmark

[skipper]

Today was my last load test before my Panda goes on record next weekend for the Postal Shoot. I did a ladder test with VV N-133, Benchmark and even one five shoot group with RE-10X. I had been wanting to try the 40 gr. Bergers with 25.1 RE-10X since my XR-100 liked them so well. I started with the RE-10X group. The first shot out of the cold clean barrel was right of the rest of the group. The group was good, but not good enough. Next I tried VV N-133 with the 35 gr. Bergers. The second from right group on the top row was the result. Right away I knew this was going to be a tight competition. Still, the best two groups of the day were with 26.8 gr. of Benchmark and 25.7 VV N-133. (third row 1st and 2nd from left) Both loads were using fully prepped Norma brass, CCI BR-4 primers and the 35 gr. Bergers.

The size of the groups shot with N-133 didn't grow much even though the ladder test spanned a range of powder weights from 24.1 to 25.7. I can't say the same about Benchmark. Group size really opened up between weights that grouped well. For that reason, I feel like VihtaVouri powder is more forgiving of variances in charge weight. VihtaVouri powder grouped as well or better than Benchmark. Now I just have to clean my rifle, start reloading for next weekend and decide which powder gets the nod.

Watch out Postal Shooters, I'm gunnin' for ya'.

[WrzWaldo]

That's a bunch of nice groups skipper!

[jo191145]

For the time being anyway I'm glad I'm not shooting in custom class
Nice shootin Skipper.

[Lee C.]

Thats some real nice shooting Skipper.

[WHISTLEPIG]

I believe that is the best set of targets I have seen out of a .204. Bravo, Skipper.

[Rugerdogdog]

LOL!!! Your biggest group (25.6 of Benchmark) is a little tiny bit smaller than my smallest group!!! Do you ever miss what you aim at with that thing!?!?!?!?!
It's a beautiful thing.

[Hawkeye Joe]

Nice shooting Skipper. Looks like N-133 is getting the nod to me. If you want to give somebody a chance on best group, use the Benchmark . I presorted, sorted, and sorted again. Can't wait to just go shootin without all the paperwork . No 100 yard targets from me till the shoot .

[Vartarg]

I took my Ruger M77 heavy barrel to the range Saturday morning, with some ladder loads of N133, 35gr Bergers, RP brass and Rem 7 1/2 BR primers. The best group was clearly at 24.9gr (.368), though 24.7 and 25.1 were also up there. I was going to do the postal shoot with 25.1 of RL10X and 39gr Sierras, but now I'm not so sure...more time at the range needed.