Criterion 18.5" is on....what im learning/learned so far.

dove down the rabbit hole, hit some walls, and found some answers.

-first criterion barrel. second 18.5" barrel

i got it back from the smith and i had a chambering issue with my 150gr fmj loads. i had to go from 2.735 to 2.705 to get them to chamber. after shooting it, that went away so there was a burr or ridge or something that shot out, quickly.

the second issue was very poor accuracy, about 4-6moa at best. Some back n fourth with the smith and criterion, and i then figured out the throat is SUPER deep for 175gr and bigger pills.

the third issue was heavy recoil. harsh, violent recoil. my load was BLC2 and the 22" is fine with that. its on the slower end but 2 other m1a enjoyed it. i had to go WAY slower on powders and get the port pressure down.

i al currently @41.8gr of 8208XBR, 150gr @2.800", way above the cannelure. accuracy is about 1.5moa. pressure is grear, recoil is low. adjusted the schuster to lock back and rounda come out and go into a big pile.

hopefully this helps those who want to load for an 18.5" and or criterion.

ill update when i make changes.