So I’ve got a sig cross that I’ve got about 60-70 rounds through. So far I’ve run a mix of factory and a handload (one that has been 1/2” consistently in my RPR) I had on hand but nothing has been particularly impressive.
I know we’re pending a favored loads by rifle dataset but in the meantime are there any favored loads for the sig cross that have worked well for folks?
I’m in a similar position as you. I’ve also only put maybe 70-100 rounds through mine but that was all factory ammo. My best result with factory ammo was the 120g TTSX but in the last two weeks I’ve been playing around with several handloads. Right now I have maybe 10 separate loads at varying charge weights and seating depths with the 127g LRX and a mix of hornady and lapua brass. I’ll be going to my range sometime this week maybe next weekend so I’ll let you know what I find out when I get done.
Awesome, looking forward to hearing. Based on Jim’s points I’m thinking bullet and seating depth will be the first things I tweak. So far I’ve used the following bullets:
Figure I should probably try ELD-Ms and ELD-X next but also interested in the TTSX so was hoping that one would work well.
Here is my load for my Cross in 6.5 Creedmoor. I didn’t get very good results with factory ammo, but I’ve heard from several people who have used my load recipe here that it worked perfectly on their guns too. My boys call this “the magic load.” It’s consistently very close to a half minute on average.
41.2 grains H4350
143-grain ELD-X
Lapua small rifle primer brass
CCI small rifle primers
Averages 2,660 fps
2.78” coal
Base to shoulder - Shoulder set back to 1.539” with Hornady “d” headspace comparator. After firing, shoulder lengthens to 1.541”
Finally got 4 loads with the 127g LRX that have been the best out of the probably 20-25 I’ve tested. Two separate range days down and another before my season starts to test these 4 again and see if they continue to group well. I’ve tested from 2.720-2.780 COAL and my rifle seems to like that Barnes recommended 2.750 range the best. I’m by no means the best shooter in the world but I’m definitely happy with these groups focused on hunting and not precision shooting. I had a few shots that were slightly off but it was most likely shooter error and the fact that it was 85 outside and I probably could have let the barrel cool longer. I have to order more supplies so it might be a few weeks before another update.
First Load is 40.5g H4350 in Hornady brass at 2.749-2.752 COAL
Second Load is 40.8g H4350 in Lapua brass at 2.755-2.758 COAL
Third Load is 41.0g H4350 in Lapua brass at 2.751-2.754 COAL
Last Load is 41.8g H4350 in Lapua brass at 2.750-2.752 COAL
Thanks for throwing these up here. I’ll do the same once I can test a similar ELD-X load to Jim’s.
So short story, 143 gr ELD-X definitely seems to be the bullet of choice for Sig Cross.
Was shooting an average of around 1.5” with other various loads and factory ammo but shot 6 5-shot groups yesterday with the load below (only change from the prior load I was using was the bullet) and was averaging .810” with the new load.
Load:
Bullet: Hornady 143gr ELD-X (seated to a CBTO of 2.168 using Hornady lock-n-load comparator)
Case: 1x fired Hornady brass FL sized (bumped back .001-.002 to 1.554 with Hornady “C” headspace comparator)
Primer: Magtech 9 1/2 large rifle
Powder: 41.7 gr of Accurate 4350
Interesting to see that variation and that it’s shooting well. Helpful to see what variables are making it shoot well.
