Testing .270 Winchester Handloads with Model 70 Winchester ~ Very Nice!

Published on April 16, 2023
Duration: 56:20

This video details the process of testing .270 Winchester handloads using a Winchester Model 70 rifle. The instructor demonstrates meticulous handloading techniques, including case preparation and optional neck turning for enhanced accuracy. He emphasizes the importance of barrel seasoning, using a chronograph for ballistic data, and employing a drone for downrange camera work. The testing involves incremental powder charge adjustments and careful analysis of group sizes to identify optimal loads, highlighting the performance of IMR4350 and H4831 powders.

Quick Summary

Testing .270 Winchester handloads in a Winchester Model 70 involves meticulous preparation, including case prep and powder selection. Using powders like IMR4350 or H4831, along with quality bullets, can yield excellent accuracy. Factors like barrel seasoning, scope adjustments, and accounting for mirage are critical for achieving tight groups and optimal performance.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Weather Change
  2. 00:45Handload Project & Accuracy Techniques
  3. 01:32Winchester Model 70 Rifle Overview
  4. 02:15Barrel Seasoning & Control Load
  5. 02:41Control Load Details: 130gr Hornady, H4831, WLR Magnum
  6. 03:32Drone Setup & Initial Shots
  7. 04:29Scope Adjustment & Zero Confirmation
  8. 05:39First Test Series: IMR4350 Loads
  9. 09:16Drone Operation & Downrange Camera Setup
  10. 10:20Testing 53 Grains IMR4350
  11. 11:13First Group Analysis
  12. 11:57Second Group Analysis
  13. 13:10Third Group Analysis
  14. 14:07Fourth Group Analysis
  15. 14:38Barrel Cooling & Mirage Effects
  16. 15:00Fifth Group Analysis
  17. 16:29Sixth Group Analysis
  18. 17:05Mirage Impact on Shot Placement
  19. 17:39Barrel Cooling & Next Loads
  20. 18:12Drone Flight & Surroundings View
  21. 19:03Drone Auto-Landing & Manual Override
  22. 20:32Battery Change & Final Rounds Prep
  23. 20:47Final Loads Testing & Mirage
  24. 21:28Understanding Mirage Effects on Target
  25. 22:05Drone Deployment for Final Groups
  26. 22:31Final Load: 54.5 Grains IMR4350
  27. 23:39Testing 55 Grains IMR4350
  28. 24:53Final Group Analysis
  29. 25:26Powder Stability & Extruded Powders
  30. 26:21Composite Group Firing
  31. 26:54Composite Group Analysis
  32. 28:44Final Performance Review & Rifle Appreciation
  33. 29:23Load Performance Summary & Bullet Comparison
  34. 29:55H4831 vs. IMR4350 Recoil Comparison
  35. 30:15Group Size Measurements & MOA Classification
  36. 31:15Mirage Impact on Grouping
  37. 31:54Final Group Results & Rifle Satisfaction
  38. 32:12Concluding Thoughts & Weather Conditions
  39. 32:70Thanks to Patreon Donors & Cost of Components
  40. 33:38Future Content & New Cartridges
  41. 33:58Call to Action: Subscribe & Bell
  42. 33:65Closing Remarks & Benediction

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key considerations for handloading accurate .270 Winchester ammunition?

Key considerations include meticulous case preparation, selecting appropriate powders like IMR4350 or H4831, and using quality bullets such as Hornady Interlock. Optional neck turning can further enhance accuracy. Proper primer selection and consistent powder charging are also crucial for achieving tight groups.

How does barrel weight affect shooting a Winchester Model 70?

A standard weight Winchester Model 70, compared to a featherweight, has a heavier barrel that reduces felt recoil and improves shooting stability. This extra weight also contributes to less barrel whip and can offer a slight velocity increase due to its longer length.

What is mirage in shooting, and how does it affect accuracy?

Mirage is the shimmering effect caused by heat rising from the barrel and ground, which refracts light and makes the target appear to move. This can cause shooters to chase the image rather than the actual target, leading to vertically strung shots, especially as the barrel heats up.

What are the benefits of using IMR4350 powder for .270 Winchester handloads?

IMR4350 is a stable, non-fussy extruded powder that provides good accuracy in .270 Winchester loads. It typically requires a lower powder charge than H4831, resulting in milder recoil while still achieving effective hunting performance.

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