Eddystone P14 - Centenary CMP Competitor?

[ArtioZen]

Last weekend I hit a local CMP clinic to go through the rules and conditions of a competition shoot – learn, practice and compare notes with like-minded peoples. The weather was conducive with a bright sunny day, zero wind and 38 degree air temps – there was 6” of ice and snow on the shooting line which made movement back and forth interesting! Again many layers of clothes topped with a DPM smock, ski hat, two pairs of gloves and yellow lensed glasses for sun / snow glare.

New stuff on trial this outing:

My first run of hand loads – in a roughly established sweet spot – HXP cases – weight graded to <0.4grain, Sierra 0.311” 180g FBSP, 39grains Varget.

Using an L42 nylon sling, no spotting scope, borrowed a shooting mat from the club, still with the PH5B for now – not allowed under CMP, but OK for NRA – will dope and work with the ladder sight next time.

Learnings:

The L42 sling is too slippy on the DPM for my tastes – I spent a lot of time adjusting and never really got the sling lock that I need – back to leather 1907 pattern next time!
About 100 factory HXP cases from the same lot show an empty & clean case weight variation of over 5 grains centered around a 185 grain midpoint - weight sorting was very impactful on group size.

Dope was off 4” left for the Slow Standing string – shot 54 and gave up 20 or so points, but a created a 10” pattern (useful and more practice required!). I had time to spare – having a using a scope would optimize this and the points scored!

Sights adjusted for Rapid Sitting I shot a 91/100 with a 5.2MOA group – greater than halved from factory HXP. I have found that clean rounds (factory HXP needs a really good clean), assembled with alternating over-under rims in clean chargers are producing fast reliable reloads. I had 9 shots off in the allocated timeframe – so close (the only disadvantage to a bolt in my opinion).

Rapid Prone was similar – really missed the sling contribution in this one! Shooting a 82/100 with a 5.4MOA group (reduced by almost half) – 1.5” depressed in this position – due to differences in sight picture – can adjust for this next time.

Slow Prone produced 173 / 200 with a 4.42” group (again reduced by half) – had time to spare even with taking rests (groups of 5).

So pretty close to all rules and regs, scored 400/500 overall for 80% - not too shabby! I am very pleased with the results of this shoot despite the conditions and am happy with the rifle load and my form. The P14 gathers consistent interest from fellow competitors and inspires the local historians to tell stories – I also enjoy the novelty of a bolt action in a seemly semi-auto world and field questions from juniors on how I got all the rapid shots off! There were 3 Garand’s and an AR on the line (in the hands of seniors / competition preppers) along with lots of friendly help and coaching.

I slugged the barrel (my first time - will "rinse and repeat") and got a reading of 0.3121” – will look into 0.312” projectiles, also a collet bullet seating die – my RCBS has tell-tale tiny copper shards around the shell holder. I will also investigate case neck prep. - Any guidance greatly appreciated!

Now to find time for the next practice and competition dates with opportunities to reach out to 200 and 300 yards.