Nosler Accubond report

[jmoser]

Just sighted in with my first Nosler Accubond handloads - 7 mm mag 160 grain. I got a 3/4 MOA group with the bullets seated .035" off the lands - this is what Nosler recommends. I tried these bullets due to their very high BC and bonded construction for long range hunting / target shooting. I am very impressed so far - next up is 200 gr in my .300 Win mag.

So if you are thinking of loading Accubonds stick with Nosler's suggestions and try seating .035" off the lands.

[rzdrmh]

good tip, thanks.. kind of similar to the barnes triple shock that i loaded earlier this year - barnes recommended .03 - .07 off the lands. ended up that .05 shot about 2.5" at 200 with the '06, using the 168 grain match.

[jmoser]

FYI I also tried the same load at ~.020" off the lands and it was still OK but noticeably bigger group.

I feel that the high pressure magnums should have some 'jump' regardless of bullet; too easy to get unexpected presure spikes with the ogive stuffed in the lands before ignition.

I have talked to national match competitors; there is an equal split of those who load touching the lands and .025" off - these are 600 and 1000 yard shooters who do not compromise. I have worked up loads in standard calibers like .223 and .308 with sub-MOA at .025" off the lands - I think the 'just touching' seating mentality is a bit oversold as a universal bullet seating standard.

Also I used Retumbo powder - looks like it lives up to its promise in high pressure magnums as a consistent slow burn propellant. Did not chrono yet but Hogdon data says 2900 fps with a 160 Nosler partition; Sierra manual shows 2950 with their 160s. I estimate the Accubond should be close to 2900 with my charge and 26" bbl.