Quick reloading question

[ltsheets]

Well I made it out to the range for a couple hrs today to do some load testing on my 270WSM with 150 VLDs. Here is a picture of the best group group and the groups on either side of it. I'm thinking that since the groups on either side of the best groups are decent groups, that I'm safe to just go with the load that shot the 0.31 group? I'm still going to load up enough for 3 or 4 groups to test that one load and verify that wasn't a fluke group but wanted to see if you guys agreed with me.




Also, here are 3 groups from my 300wsm, same load to validate it being a good load. I'm assuming it's safe to say that the one bullet that didn't group well was probably me and not the rifle considering 8 of 9 shots were good?

[bboswell]

personally I think 0.5 grain jumps are pretty course. I would go back and try 56.3g, 56.5g, 56.7g

and do it over a chrono if at all possible.

[LWD]

On the 270WSM yes do load up three or four more sets of three and retest to confirm. If it's comparable, that's your load.

Unless you're benchrest shooting or shooting small case capacity cartridges, e.g., .223 Rem, I'm plenty happy with .5 grain increments on hunting calibers. In bigger capacity cartridges like my .375H&H I move in 1 grain increments.

LWD

[dustoffer]

I'm not a "bump the charge" guy. I would take that load that was the best, and then load 5 more groups of 3 rounds, 1 with the same OAL, one .005 shorter, one 010 shorter, one 005 longer and one 010 longer. Go back to the range, use your best shooting technique, don't heat up the barrel and see if you find the right stuff. IMO, the "sweet spot" in OAL which equates to bullet jump from the ogive to rifling engagement is the critical thing.

[ltsheets]

I did bergers recommended depth test with a med load of this powder before testing charges. That change your recommendation at all?

I'm not a "bump the charge" guy. I would take that load that was the best, and then load 5 more groups of 3 rounds, 1 with the same OAL, one .005 shorter, one 010 shorter, one 005 longer and one 010 longer. Go back to the range, use your best shooting technique, don't heat up the barrel and see if you find the right stuff. IMO, the "sweet spot" in OAL which equates to bullet jump from the ogive to rifling engagement is the critical thing.

[dustoffer]

Well, I've not used the Berger's procedure, but I would still nail down the sweet spot for OAL, and then tinker with the propellant charge in 1/10th gr increments. If by "medium load" you are half way between starting charge and max charge, that is lower than my usual start which was about 75% of the way between start and max. Doesn't mean I'm right and Berger is wrong though. I did custom accuracy workups for my local gunsmith's customers until he retired, and I got my technique off the internet from a barrel company or custom bullet company.

[Zen Archery]

But you missed the target.... Just kidding.

What is operators goals? Will determine end results?

If you just want to build an ultra accurate load. Ladder it by .01 gr. Then try different loads with different seating depths. But that costs a lot of time and money. But that is why you reload right?

[bboswell]

I'm not a "bump the charge" guy. I would take that load that was the best, and then load 5 more groups of 3 rounds, 1 with the same OAL, one .005 shorter, one 010 shorter, one 005 longer and one 010 longer. Go back to the range, use your best shooting technique, don't heat up the barrel and see if you find the right stuff. IMO, the "sweet spot" in OAL which equates to bullet jump from the ogive to rifling engagement is the critical thing.

I never bought into this much until I started loading Berger VLD's. I had a decent .5" MOA load in my 308 and found out on a hog hunt that it would feed great from the magazine most times... I then shortened COAL by .010 to guarantee feeding and instantly created a 2 MOA load.

[LWD]

I don't disagree with the suggestions for finding the absolutely most accurate load. But if these are hunting rifles then these results are beyond plenty good. I think the OP's question really went to confirming what he's got rather than improving it.

LWD

[ltsheets]

Thanks guys and yes this will be a hunting load. My goal is a solid .5 MOA or better load. That's why I'm asking if you think that group was just lucky or if you think it's more likely that I found a good load. I'd rather shoot a few more groups of that load to validate rather than a lot more trying to maybe find a one hole load if I'm lucky.

[zac221]

I shot a group with the 25-06 tuesday that measure .362 with caliper after reseting .257 and going outside to outside of group. Re-built round and shot next morning, got .5" 100 yards and 1" at 200 yards; weather was about 15-20 degrees cooler for second outting. Going to do one more test before I commit and build 125 of'em.. Usually how I'll test the round before building. Get a good group and try to duplicate 3-4 times with 4 shot groups to rule out fliers...

[dustoffer]

I never bought into this much until I started loading Berger VLD's. I had a decent .5" MOA load in my 308 and found out on a hog hunt that it would feed great from the magazine most times... I then shortened COAL by .010 to guarantee feeding and instantly created a 2 MOA load.

bbobswell--I have a similar situation with my .22-250. Shoots under .3" for 5 @ 100 yds with its favorite sweet spot, but they won't feed thru the magazine. So, it's one up the spout and one in the mag with the bullet laying on the ramp, making it a 2-shooter. That's just fine with pigs. Or, I can shorten the load as you did for magazine function and have 1.1" groups, which is just fine with pigs as well.

Manufacturers try to make "short handy rifles" but the throats in the chambers are not necessarily short and handy, leading to the problem. Another $$ solution is to have the barrel set back and the chamber re-cut without making the throat too long.

[coop]

Another thing you may already be aware of is humidity. Make sure you load at the same humidity.
Several years ago I had major problems with a proven load. I called Hornady and was ask what humidity I loaded at. I didn't know so I asked what there loads were based on and was told 40%.

My shop was not humidity controlled but when the humidity reached 40% I loaded a few rounds and was right back in the honey hole.
For grins during the hot dry summer I loaded the same load at 18% humidity and couldn't hold a 3" group at 100 yds. because the load was to hot. Live and learn.

JC