TargetTalk

I have a Winchester 52B that I've been shooting for the past 15+ years. When I started shooting it, I noticed that it liked Federal Gold Medal ammo better than any level of Eley. I didn't think much of it at the time, and just kept shooting Federal. Well an interesting thing happened to me this weekend - I got my hands on some Tenex EPS for free to shoot at an outdoor 3P match. Right off the bat, I noticed that I was having a hard time keeping the groups tight. For the very last target, I decided to shoot a box of Federal 922b, and instantly the groups tightened up.

So, the question I have, since I have a shot barrel (16.5"), does it like the Federal because it has a faster velocity? Is there any data or other anecdotal evidence to support my hypothesis?

It's going to be specific to your barrel.

My full length Anschutz loved hot Fiocchi pistol rounds. My short barrel Anschutz loved slower Tenex EPS. Oddly enough, I found my short barrel rifle to be less picky over ammo.

Just because it is Eley does not guarantee it will perform in your specific rifle. Velocity can be an issue here, but it would not be my first suspect.

Ken