A Frames

[JimAB]

Hi guys I just joined your forum. I did a search but either I was screwing the search up or there isn't anything on A Frames. I'm having a little problem finding a satisfactory load for my son-in-laws 257 Weatherby and 120 Swifts. I've heard that A Frames are not tack drivers but one inch to inch and a quarter groups would be great. Does any one have experience loading them and is there a rule of thumb with them. ie. load on the hot end or a little slower.

Thanks
Jim

 

[browningbbr]

I had lots of problems loading A-Frames for 7mm, .30-06 and .300 SAUM. I just could not get good groups despite trying several powders, powder charge levels and seating depths. I finally gave up and went to Barnes TSX. TSX grouped well in all 3 guns and performed flawlessly on a recent plains game hunt.

 

[Heeler75]

JimAB, first, welcome here. Second. Call Swift direct. They can help you out with loads. They did with me when I was looking for load info. And as a matter of fact, Swift has published their 1st Edition Loading Manual. It can be found at Cabela's also.

I'm using the 175gr A-frames over 56.1 grains of IMR-4350 in my 7mm Mag and able to get good groups with them.

Good Luck.

 

[JimAB]

Thanks guys.
Just back from more tries. Maybe on the 257. Third shot went for hell, first two 3/4". Ultra Lightweight.....third could have been too hot a barrel. Did how ever get my best group with 140s Swifts in my 6.5/375 Ruger. +3/4"@3320ft/sec. So there is hope for the 257 Wtby.

Heeler75 I have their manual but may take your advice and give them a call and see if they call shed some light on the 257.

Thanks again
Jim

 

[Heeler75]

Jim,
No problems. Also let them know what you are shooting, rate of twist, etc. Let us know what you find out.

 

[RayAtkinson]

Rifles are individuals, just because a certain bullet or load will shoot in one is no guarantee it will shoot in another..The only way to know is to try them and try them with different loads.

 

[Talisker]

A-frames and Partitions are not made like more common bullets based on target bullets. You have two cavities front and back to get centered in the jacket, and it is highly unlikely either one will shoot as accurately as a target type bullet with a thinner jacket. Bonded core bullets are making some inroads into the territory that Partitions and A-Frames once commanded. The Swift Scirocco II, Hornady Interbond and Nosler Accubond are in this category. The Partition seems to open better at reduced velocity, but the bonded bullets will probably retain more weight and produce a bigger mushroom.

With accuracy being the most important factor, that is where I would place most of my efforts in choosing a bullet. If it comes down to a tie, I will pick the less expensive bullet so I can shoot it more.

 

[Diamondhitch]

I shoot a Weatherby SBGM (older version of the ultra light weight) in .257 WBY in and it loves the 100gr TSX. Velocity does not seem to have a great affect on accuracy in my gun with that bullet and RL22. This setup just got back from Africa with devastating results on game up to the size of Waterbuck.

 

[colorado]

I have and still do shoot the 300g A-Frames out of my 375 Weatherby. They are very accurate in my rifle. I think I would go for a Nosler Partition in a 257 Weatherby though, they will kill anything you would want to shoot with it, open up nicely at 600 plus yards and still penetrate and cause devastating damage at 10 yards. I shoot the 150g Partitions in my 270 Win at 3000 fps and my 270 Weatherby at 3300 fps and they are hell on wheels.

 

[Divernhunter]

We used 120gr A-Frames in my daughters 257R and got 5 shots into one hole at 100 yards. Also she killed everything with one shot and shot 10-12 animals in africa. I am getting ready to test 100 and 120gr A-Frames in my weatherby soon. They work fine in my 25-06 also.

I used the 225gr A-Frame in my 338Win mag and all but one were one shot kills. The one was my fault. I shot 13+ animals plus about 30 monkeys.

If you have a very thin barrel then be sure to let it cool. Besides if you do your part you will only shoot one shot or maybe two when hunting. If you need more then it is probably time to regroup and figure out what you are doing wrong.

All of my rifles I did better at the max end of the loads.