Look like I won't need a new barrel
Some of the nice folks at Castboolits sent me some sized lubed and gaschecked 160 gr 6.5s. I ran another session of fire lapping as cast bullets work better on rough bores as they expand to fit the nooks and crannies. Bore looked about 80% when done.
The acid test was loading jacketed bullet and see how they did.
Took Sierra's "best load" (4895) for 140 SMKBTHP and put it behind 5 each of SMKs and 140 AMaxes.
Then picked a 4350 load and did the same. I figured the groups would open up as the jacket fouling built up in the bore.
First went to the two 4895 loads which did about 1.5". Then the SMKs with 4350, did 1",then the AMaxes which had 5 touching, 3 in one hole.
Do I clean it or not ? Was it the load and or the bullets ?
Still have not used the 1200 grit fire lapping. This is what makes shooting interesting !:D
Old M96 worked just fine on Speed Goat
The aformentioned load with the 160 Hornady dropped this 15" buck in his tracks.
Third Goat I have taken with 6.5x55s.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...08f150e5-1.jpg