Fox copper bullets.

[gixer1]

I bought a box of the fox copper bullets in 123gr 6.5 to load up to try and future proof my creedmoor and I just cannot get them to shoot, not sure if I’m missing something with this so thought I’d check to see if anyone has any good ideas as I’ve rattled through 34 rounds with no really pleasing results so not sure whether to persevere or try another brand.

So far I have loaded the following and with the following average velocities -

41.0gr = 2610fps
41.5gr = 2640fps
42.0gr = 2660fps
42.5gr = 2688fps
42.8gr = 2702fps
43.0gr = 2675fps
43.5gr = 2720fps
43.8gr = no chrono reading due to technical difficulties.

I also loaded 3 rounds at 44.0gr and 3 at 44.5gr however these were considerably compressed and when I checked were showing over pressure in QL so I pulled these and the bullets were damaged by the kinetic hammer.

The below are some of the groups and they are ok, but just not getting the accuracy I would like, I have also included the 140gr Sierra groups this rifle can consistently achieve when I do my bit so I don’t think it’s the rifle, it will do close to the same with 120gr sierras as well.

All the rounds have been seated at 2.73” OAL with RS62 and cci450 SMRP’s and Lapua brass.

Am I expecting too much of these? Has anyone been getting good groups with them? They just don’t seem very consitant.

Any input welcomed.

Regards,
Gixer

 

[gixer1]

Additional photos. Including the 140gr sierras.

 

[monarman]

Take 3 of the best of the fox loads and pull the tips out with pliers and try another group......
My mate had a similar issue with fox loads and once the tips were pulled the groups closed dramatically.
I didn't get chance to try properly but I had some factory fox in 243 that shot better when I pulled tips... and I shot a fallow and a roe with them and both killed extremely well.

 

[Coddy]

Could you MV Node been in the range of 42.5gr to 43.0gr.
Load a single bullet in 0.1gr increments in that range (Saterlee method).
Find the Node then work on seating depth.

 

[gixer1]

Take 3 of the best of the fox loads and pull the tips out with pliers and try another group......
My mate had a similar issue with fox loads and once the tips were pulled the groups closed dramatically.
I didn't get chance to try properly but I had some factory fox in 243 that shot better when I pulled tips... and I shot a fallow and a roe with them and both killed extremely well.

Thanks Monarman, not sure I want to have to pull the tips out of bullets before loading them...I did hear about this from someone else too so wonder why fox put them in there in the first place!

Regards,
Gixer

 

[gixer1]

Could you MV Node been in the range of 42.5gr to 43.0gr.
Load a single bullet in 0.1gr increments in that range (Saterlee method).
Find the Node then work on seating depth.

I’ve loaded a few batches of 42.0gr as these seemed the most promising...just seems to be very hard work to get them to group...

 

[User00040]

I’ve loaded a few batches of 42.0gr as these seemed the most promising...just seems to be very hard work to get them to group...

Deer don't need a 3 shot group... if you shot three times at something and it didnae move, you probably shot a tree or rock...

 

[gixer1]

Deer don't need a 3 shot group... if you shot three times at something and it didnae move, you probably shot a tree or rock...

Aye, but it would be nice to know the bullet is going to be as close as possible to the same place if you fire again. And it would be nice to know it’s as consistent with copper as it is with lead.

 

[User00040]

Aye, but it would be nice to know the bullet is going to be as close as possible to the same place if you fire again. And it would be nice to know it’s as consistent with copper as it is with lead.

Sure, but a 3 shot group isn't a large enough sample size to determine consistency.

Precision ≠ accuracy

 

[Malxwal]

I think I'd be giving up on those given those groups. I found the Barnes TTSX pretty damn easy to get grouping into a thumbnail with the 270. I thought the benefits of chamberings like Creedmoor were that they weren't too fussy ?

 

[ashray]

ahh,the wonder bullets just are not that wonderfull !! lets all by a box and pull the tips so they will group , christ. go lead free and go bust!

 

[YoungGun]

I think I'd be giving up on those given those groups. I found the Barnes TTSX pretty damn easy to get grouping into a thumbnail with the 270. I thought the benefits of chamberings like Creedmoor were that they weren't too fussy ?

Barnes ttxs are really easy to get shooting with the Barnes published load data.

 

[gixer1]

Sure, but a 3 shot group isn't a large enough sample size to determine consistency.

Precision ≠ accuracy

Nah...worked for years for other calibers...firing more shots isn’t going to make the three existing ones closer together!

 

[gixer1]

I think I'd be giving up on those given those groups. I found the Barnes TTSX pretty damn easy to get grouping into a thumbnail with the 270. I thought the benefits of chamberings like Creedmoor were that they weren't too fussy ?

Apparently they are!

 

[Malxwal]

Barnes ttxs are really easy to get shooting with the Barnes published load data.

I went by their OAL, did a wee bit of deductive work comparing the Sako factory load which seems to use a fast powder with less than 90% case fill, hey presto.

 

[Malxwal]

Apparently they are!

I think those are real tears in that emoji.... After all, you are a Creedmoor owner

 

[Penyard]

Seating depth adjustment is where I would be heading next

 

[Malxwal]

Do Fox offer advice on loading akin to that offered by Barnes ? The TTSX data advises OAL and that they may require more jump too.

 

[baguio]

I'm sure that Muir will be along shortly but I agree with Malxwal. Take the best load you have and fiddle with the OAL.
DO NOT start damaging the bullets with pliers or anything silly like that. Honestly, I thought that I had heard it all!
I'm sure that you will be able to get them to group. They just need a little more effort.

 

[SDM]

Pull the tips and try them