Location: upstate New Yorkistan [the first openly totalitian republic of AmeriKa]
Posts: 1,260
My Marlin XS-7 Carbine
A few weeks ago I asked about making a carbine out of the XS-7 rifle. Well, I got it back from the 'smith and it looks and handles great. I only got to sight it in before handing for the woods, but it hits exactly where I aim. Once the season is over, I'll get to the load development work. Here is a picture of my new gun Thumper. A 7pound field ready 308 whitetail killing rig. Think of it as a poor man's model 7.
Location: upstate New Yorkistan [the first openly totalitian republic of AmeriKa]
Posts: 1,260
Quote:
Originally Posted by 99z28monster
looks great I like it, looks to be about 15 -16 inch barrel. How close am I?
18.25" long and it balances right under the action. Short [under 39" overall], light [just a hair over 7pounds loaded], inexpensive [less than $470 for the scope, gun, rings, 'smith work, sling, and tax], and hard hitting. What more could we as hunters ask for?
I've got a 308 with an 18" bbl, holds six rounds, about 39" overall, scoped (1 1/2X6), right at 6 1/2 lbs, but was not inexpensive. She is my go to rifle, and I love these lightweight carbines !! Congrats on a great choice !!
__________________ I keep tellin ya Doc, I'm in pretty good shape considerin the shape I'm in !!
Location: upstate New Yorkistan [the first openly totalitian republic of AmeriKa]
Posts: 1,260
Quote:
Originally Posted by 101MP
What type of scope did you put on your 308 and what bullets are you using? I am just asking because I have a marlin 308 on order.
I put a Simmons Master Series Pro-Hunter 3-9x40 on it. I have 5 different Pro-Hunters on my guns. They are Very good scopes.
I sighted it in with 165 grain Speer RN, but plan to try 150 grain SST, 170 grain Speer FP, 165 Sierra HPBT Gamekings, and a bunch of others over the Holiday weekend. I'll post the results when I get the info together.
Location: upstate New Yorkistan [the first openly totalitian republic of AmeriKa]
Posts: 1,260
Well, I got to the range today and had a chance to run a few loads thru my XS-7 Carbine. I'm just starting the process, but so far there seems to be a few bullets that show promise. I'll have to try them with some different powders and see if they continue to give good results. This gun will be used mostly inside 200 yds so most of these trial loads would serve that purpose with no further effort, but I like to work towards the goal of getting good velocity and accuracy.
Here are some of the results. I'll post pictures when I get a chance.
150 grain Hornady SST, 46 grains of IMR4064, CCI 200, Military cases
2556 fps for an average over 9 shots
2177 fpe
1.13" average
best 3 shot group 1.08"
150 grain Remington Accutip, 40.5 grains IMR3031, CCI200, military cases
2523fps average over 9 shots
2121fpe
1.26" average
best 3 shot group .96"
170 grain Hornady RN, 43 grains IMR4064, CCI200, military cases
2412FPS over 9 shots
2197FPE
1.69" average
best 3 shot group 1.17"
These are just the first attempts at finding a good load for this gun. As the day went on, the gun seemed to start shooting better, so I have hopes of getting some loads that are even better .
3031 is what I have found to work best from that bore size. Your best group with it is an indication of that fact. Bump it up a little and see where it goes.......
Location: upstate New Yorkistan [the first openly totalitian republic of AmeriKa]
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bailey Boat
3031 is what I have found to work best from that bore size. Your best group with it is an indication of that fact. Bump it up a little and see where it goes.......
I plan on trying same larger charges of 3031 under the SST/Accutip bullets. That load is one I worked up for my 750 semi-auto, so I know it's a little on the light side. I think I'll also try some Rel-15 if I get a chance. That is supposed to be very good in the 308.
Location: upstate New Yorkistan [the first openly totalitian republic of AmeriKa]
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I got to the range today again, and I now have at lest one excellent round for my gun, one really good round, and one possible round. Here are the results from today's range time.
165 grain Sierra HPBT, 44 grains of REL-15, CCI 200, military cases.
2508 FPS for an average of 9 shots
2303 FPE
.94" for an average of 9 shots
.784" best 3 shot group
150 grain Hornady SP; 46 grains IMR4320, CCI 200, military cases
2648 FPS average for 9 shots
2336 FPE
.719" average for 9 shots
.394" best 3 shot group
2375 FPS average for 6 shots
2130 fpe
1.18" average for 6 shots
1.02 best 3 shot group.
As you can see, the 150 gr Hornady SP with the 4320 is a clear winner so far. Good velocity and great accuracy. I plan on trying that powder with the 150 Hornady SST and Speer SP. I got that load from Ken Waters pet loads and the results are the best so far with my carbine "Thumper".
The 165 HPBT were also very good and that is the best that bullet has ever shot for me. I will try it with some 4320 and a slightly larger charge of REL-15 and see if things get better or worse.
The 170 Hornady FP show promise in the accuracy department, but I would like more velocity if I can get it out of this short 18.25" barrel. I'll try some more 760 and maybe some Rel-15 or 3031 to see if I can get over 2500 with that bullet.
I'll post some pictures when I get a chance and keep trying more combos when I get a chance.
Location: upstate New Yorkistan [the first openly totalitian republic of AmeriKa]
Posts: 1,260
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bailey Boat
You may also want to try some commercial brass instead of the military. Potential volume is usually greater and the brass is more consistent......
Getting enough powder into the cases isn't an issue, and I like the strength of the military cases. I separate them out by years and MFG so things stay pretty close as far as volumn and weight. I'm build hunting loads not target loads, so anything from 5."-1" is more than good enough for my needs.
I've have very bad luck lately with commercial cases. Federal 308 cases are junk and I won't use them. 1 or 2 firings and the primers disappear or the pocket expands so much they fall out with even the mildest loads. I sell every one I pick up and don't recomend them for anything.
The reason I suggested commercial brass is because it's designed for reloading whereas military stuff is intended for "one time use". I've never used Fed stuff and mainly stick to Winchester for all of my brass, no specific reason it's just worked out that way. I think commercial brass may be more consistent in production therefore better consistency when reloading.
I know you may not be looking for sub MOA, but it would be a nice side benefit wouldn't it?????
Location: upstate New Yorkistan [the first openly totalitian republic of AmeriKa]
Posts: 1,260
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bailey Boat
The reason I suggested commercial brass is because it's designed for reloading whereas military stuff is intended for "one time use". I've never used Fed stuff and mainly stick to Winchester for all of my brass, no specific reason it's just worked out that way. I think commercial brass may be more consistent in production therefore better consistency when reloading.
I know you may not be looking for sub MOA, but it would be a nice side benefit wouldn't it?????
Sub MOA would be nice no doubt and can be achieved with military cases. Military cases are very strong and they are used by many small commercial loaders for their ammo. I know commercial brass tends to be more consistant, but the military brass is cheap or free[from the range] and has given good results in the past. The primer pockets used to be a pain, but they are cake now. With the amount of ammo I shoot and the cost of commercial brass, any little penny saved is a penny that can be used for bullets and powder. I can honestly say that I have NEVER had a military case fail in any respect in any caliber I have used them in. I can't say the same for commercial cases.
