Wolf Ammo Keyholes in my 43 LB

[Brian Dick]

Your barrel may look "mint", (I hate that term), to the naked eye but if it's seen a diet of cordite loaded Mk.7 of which there is high probability, the wear pattern in the throat from the hot burning cordite will cause instability with boat tail projectiles.

[Patrick Chadwick]

There we go then, a minor undersize and a lack of bearing surface combine to make a keyhole. That one's good for all of us to know.

Well if anyone took the trouble to follow the link I posted, they would have found this effect described in detail. I get that "lone prophet in the wilderness" feeling when I repeat that boattails are a modern fad that do not give the best accuracy in just about every pre-WWII milsurp I have tried, with the exception of Swiss rifles and USA-built 30-06s. Who cares if the boattail has a slightly flatter trajectory at ranges that you are never going to use if it means that the accuracy goes to pot?

[Brian Dick]

I can't agree more Patrick. We've discussed this issue to death on this forum for many years. The BIG problem is that the reasonably priced Wolf, PPU and S&B ammo are all loaded with boat tails to Mk.8z spec.. If they are smaller than .311 in diameter, it just adds to the problem. I tell people who are shooting a rifle breeched up with a new Lothar Walther, Armalon, Criterion or fresh out of the wrap ROF(F) No.4Mk.2 rifle to have at it with boat tails. If they have a run of the mill rifle that's actually seen service, the problem may rear it's ugly head!

[Dalebert]

Brian - I agree that "mint" may not be the proper term. After all the rifle has been shot at least a few times by me and the prior owner. My point is that it appears to have came into the country as an unissued piece. I would be surprised if it's had a 100 rounds of any type through it.

I agree with Browning's and other assessment. Undersize, boat tail bullets don't work.

My target looked exactly like little johns

Patrick - I do appreciate your advice on avoiding boat tails is older milsurps as I am a reloader. I've not had especially good results with some of my milsurp reloads and maybe that's a partial reason why.

[Brian Dick]

Unless you or the previous owner took it out of the factory wrap, "unissued" is another term that I hate! It could be just the undersize projectiles. All you can do is buy and try.

Make up some rounds with 180 grain flat base Sierra Pro Hunters or their equivalent and I'd bet your problem will be solved.

[30Three]

While we are on the subject of flat base versus boat tail ammo; I have a question!
Does anyone make flat base target bullets?
I ask this because we are unable to use hunting ammunition for our service rifle competition in France, and I can only find boat tails in target type bullets.

[Mk VII]

BES make Mk.7 types in England, but the cost would probably be unacceptable to get them over there.

[Patrick Chadwick]

I ask this because we are unable to use hunting ammunition for our service rifle competition in Franceicon, and I can only find boat tails in target type bullets.

What is the exact wording of the regulation? (Yes, in French, please) If you are reloading, then it all comes down to the definition with regard to hunting. After all, you can use target ammo for hunting. It's one of those ridiculous barriers drawn up by some bureaucrat who has never been an active shooter. It looks as if some creative interpretation is required.

[Patrick Chadwick]

I fear that one day, many of us are going to end up doing this:

https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=48031

[browningautorifle]

Well if anyone took the trouble to follow

Why do I get the lecture? You make it sound like you're the only one that's not had his links read here. I wasn't referring to you or anything you said, nor do I wish to. I saw your long winded post in the thread and when he found out HIS bullets were slightly small, it solved more than your conjecture can. Keep me out of your issues.