147 gr. M80 pull handloads

[Hogshooter]

What kind of groups are you all averaging with 147 gr. M80 pulls ? I pick up some and loaded them with 16.5 gr. W-296 (I have 8 #'s so I would like to use it), CCI 41 primers at an OAL of 2.16. I have not played with any other loadings as of yet but am not happy as these are shooting 3-4 MOA at 100 yds. 220 gr. SMK subs are shooting about 3/4 MOA at 50 yds. SBR is running a 10.5" Rainier Arms standard barrel (1:8 twist) I have been reloading for 45 years for multiple ( 25+) calibers for both AR and bolt guns. My ARs all shoot 1/2 - 3/4 MOA once I have worked up a load. Even my LMT MWS 7.62 carbine shoots 1 MOA. With these things shooting 3-4 MOA I do not know if I am just chasing my tail by trying to work up a load using them. I have not fired any factory ammo thru the rifle. Any feedback is appreciated.

[jas8340]

Are the pulls a little beat up? Usually pulls suffer in accuracy from the process. Also, did you ladder up to 16.5 gr? Just curious.

[Hogshooter]

The pulls have a few marks on them but don't look too bad. No, I did not ladder up to 16.5. Just loaded them as per data from several sources. Not showing any pressure signs. If they are capable of better accuracy I will do a ladder starting at 15.5 and work up.

[RussVert]

I use them all time, COAL of 2.15, and I push them with 20gr of 1680. I find they are more accurate at higher velocities.

I will be working a ladder using 4227 next week. I plan on starting at 16.5 and taking them to 17.5.

[JeffWard]

I've loaded them up with a "rough" ladder for accuracy and 4227. I've gotten 2.0" out of them at 100 from my 8.25" 300BLK. The same barrel shoots 125gr SMK to about 1.25" at 100.

I use the 147s mostly for USCA matches with shots inside 50 yards. Great low-buck plinkers.

JeffWard

[AR-300]

I never had any luck out of M80s
4 - 6 inch patterns at 50 yds was the best I could get
Switched to Hornady 150 FMJ-BTs at the same price point
with much better results.
M80s vary widely in weight and length
More discussion here:
viewtopic.php?f=141&t=87569&hilit=accuracy

[paberglund]

I haven't had much luck with the M80 bullets either - 3-4" groups at 50 yards. Mine actually weigh 148.5 grains.

[JoeHarley13]

I went to my outdoor range yesterday. Using my Ruger Ranch American in 300 BLK, I was getting well under an inch at 50 yards. These were 4 and 5 shot groups off a bench. M80 pulls, loaded with 16.8gr W296 for supersonic and 5.7gr Unique for subs (although they ran a little fast at 1,130 FPS so I was real surprised they grouped as well as they did).
So, M80s do work reasonably well, but their prices have climbed too high for what the are. I'm Bought mine back when they were under $150/1000.
Today, my first choice would be 125gr Speer TNT ($99/500) followed by Hornady 150gr FMJBT. Either will probably beat the pulled bullets for bench accuracy, but I was pleased with my results.
The Remington ranch is turning in some very pleasing results.

[doctorhvac]

296 likes to be on the upper end as far as pressure goes. You shouldn't be too far away from max at 16.5. What kind of speeds were you getting?

[Hogshooter]

Weather has been so crappy here I have not had a chance to run them over the chrono.