I’d run 24.4gr and play with your seating depth. 002 neck tension. That’s what I run. I have a tikka with a 26” preferred barrel blanks, stainless barrel.
I use N540 with 77gr scenars and 75gr hornadys. From 16" and cheap brass 2720fps but from lapua brass I got 2790 without pressure marks but it I keep it around 2720. Just got some 77 TMK to try and I already took my longest mag (HK) to have the longest COAL just barely fit in there.
... just started breaking in a new .223 Rem (1:7) with 75grn Hornady and 80grn SMK and N540 and its producing some really decent groups, despite the new barrel and brass. Hope the testing delivers!
Per the research done by AMP and others, the brass returns to its fired hardness after sizing. So I don't think annealing is the root cause, might be wrong though.
Looks like a nice bullet to hunt bigger game with. Personally I would get a different front rest and get rid of bipod…. Jumps too much. You have a good bench! Target a little big for 100 Yards. What type of redicle? How often do you clean the gun? Is it a custom barrel ? Might be a 150-200 Yard hunting bullet?
@barrydeacon3551 a bunch of guys on the forum have used it on antelope and deer out west with good results. The gun was custom built with a proof research barrel, scope has an EBR-7C MRAD reticle. With the suppressor on I don't normally go over 200 rounds before cleaning. Without the suppressor I wouldn't be afraid to double that. I always clean it before I start testing a new projectile or powder just to eliminate inaccuracy variables.
