results from new router and chrono

I packed up camp and for relocation/reprovisioning:

• use public library wifi
• check for USPS general delivery
• check for discounted meats at the local grocery
• fill water on way to new camp

router testing

This was the first real use of the Opal router. It worked great, as has been my experience with all GL.iNet routers so far. I street-parked next to the library and told the Opal to scan for networks. I picked CPL Public WIFI¹ and within a few seconds my network had switched over to that connection.²

I updated all my devices, made an online backup, and downloaded stuff I had batched up and ready to go. Easy peasy.

router interface

After connection the Opal’s web interface looks like this:

For first-timers here are the notable bits:

• the router is active in Repeater mode (top left)
• I have renamed the router iPhone (top center) for reasons beyond the scope of this write-up
• it has one LAN client, the Cudy LTE router, (center right). There are no WLAN clients because my devices connect to the Cudy instead.
• it is repeating locally on both 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands (center). Neither guest network is active but both are defined, again beyond the scope of this write-up.
• DCHP lease info (bottom). Note the common 192.168.1 range; this is why it pays to define one’s router on something unusual like .13 or .201 or something; it avoids IP collisions that interfere with repeating.

relo

I picked up ~20 gallons at Jagger, with the host’s prior permission. I headed out to another BLM area where I knew the campsite had a giant berm on one side for some test shooting.

chrono testing

I was only checking handloaded ammo with the chrono so the short distances didn’t matter. Wasn’t shooting at targets for accuracy assessment.

.380acp

First up was the tiny Ruger LCP (accessories).

I started with Berry’s 100gr plated RN over 2.8gn of win231. I’d shot this starting load before and liked it; very soft while running the blowback action flawlessly. Hodgdon³ and GRT estimated ~800fps. I averaged 690 over the chrono, ~14% down on velocity (assuming I’m using the chrono correctly). This substantial difference was true for the other Berry’s loads I shot (see below). Not sure why this is, but since the round is doing what I want and doesn’t have to reach expansion velocity I won’t change this load.

The 102gr Golden Saber were quite close to estimated velocity: 843fps (+2.5%) over 3.1gn of win231 and 900fps (+4.5%) over 3.3gn.

The factory ammo with this projectile is rated 815fps, so either load should “work”, although Lucky Gunner only showed partial expansion at 907fps. In cases of non-expansion (heavy clothing fouling the ‘tip, for example) the lighter load might be safer.

Note: I bought a few of these GS as “loosies” at a store that had them in bulk. I have three more that I will load up at some point.

9mm

I shot the 9mm from a 3.1” Kel-Tec P11 (accessories) and 16.5” Hi-Point 995TS 9mm carbine (accessories).

Berry’s 147gn plated RN

Over 3.4gn of win231. 832fps (-6.75%) from the pistol and 943fps (-15.5%) out of the carbine.

Speer Gold Dot 124gr

Over 4.1gn of win231 (starting load) 885fps (-6.25%) out of the pistol and 1003FPS (-19.75%) out of the carbine.

Over 4.3gn of win231 978fps (-0.25%) out of the pistol and 1091fps (-15%) out of the carbine.

Over 4.5gn of win231 (max book load) 1016fps (+0.25%) out of the pistol and 1158fps (-12%) out of the carbine.

Lucky Gunner shows 18.6” penetration at 1069fps. XTP says optimal velocity is around 1150fps. They also show partial expansion and penetration at 16.7” at 955fps for the 147gn.

I think the max load is the winner.

8mm Mauser

Some experimentation in this group.

S&B 196gr SPCE

Weird eurostyle bullets, apparently intended to hold the base intact while hunting. I got them in some 8x57 JRS I accidentally bought; I pulled the bullets and primers (hey, there’s still an LRP shortage going on).

Over 45.4gr of win748 it averaged 2371fps (-8.5%). In this batch I ran two experiments.

reclaimed LRP

For some I re-used primers I’d gently and slowly pressed out of the JRS cases; no significant changes in FPS or appearance.

LPP

For two I used LPP, as I’d read of others doing in times of shortage. No FPS change but the primer did appear more flattened. There was still a bit of a radius on the edges and the primer didn’t appear to flow beyond its normal circumference and the firing pin mark was normal. Conclusion: will work at middling pressures in a pinch but LRP are preferable when available.

Hornady 170gr SST

Over 43.5gr (starting) of win748 at 2507fps (-4.5%).

Over 45.5gr of win748 at 2525fps (-7.5%).

Over 47.5gr (max) of win748 2743fps (-3.25%). For the curious, this is 2,840ft-lbs of energy. The 8mm Mauser serves the same role for European hunters as .30-06 does in the States.

reformed .270 and .30-06 cases

The 8x57mm cases I’d reformed from both parents functioned fine, no neck splits, increased bolt lift effort, or other signs of problems. Two of the .30-06 cartridges took slightly more effort when closing the bolt but lifted normally afterwards. I suspect after this fire-forming they will chamber better in the future.

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Srsly: do not take my word (or anyone else’s) on matters of reloading. Get some manuals, start with light charges and work up, etc.

1. CPL == Capitan Public Library ↩

2. the Cudy sees the Opal as it’s upstream WAN and uses that when there is an active connection. When there is no wifi connection it defaults back to mobile data. I connect to the Cudy rather than to the Opal for normal use. It can take a few moments for the Cudy to recognize that the Opal WAN has connectivity. If the Cudy had GL-iNet’s ability to remember many APs and hop between them I’d use the Cudy alone. But it only has a single defined AP at any time, requiring manual intervention unless one has back-to-back connects at the same ESSID. ↩

3. albeit with 3.75” barrel rather than 2.75” ↩