Experienced handgun reloader getting into rifles for first time - Page 3

ghbucky · July 1, 2020, 06:00 PM

Finally charged some cases

I've got some loads to do function and pressure checks this weekend.

I'm not super concerned about high accuracy. Where I live the only options I have for regular shooting are 25yd indoor ranges.

The rifle has a Leupold red dot non-magnified sight on it. That should clue you in on the rifle's purpose.

Once I've got a couple of loads worked out and know where I am at with reliable, safe rounds I'll load up and head to my brother's place where I can get some 100 yd range work in.

At the end of the day, factory loads (if I can ever find some that aren't plinking rounds) will server my purpose, but I figured it would be fun to get back into loading and do something new.

ghbucky · May 1, 2023, 01:13 PM

I never updated this!

I dug this thread up to provide the link to another user, and I read through it again, and I never provided an update.

I did some upgrades on the rifle and found a nice range where I can out to a few hundred yards (2 hour drive, though).

I ended up being thrilled when I fired an honest to goodness sub-moa three shot group at 100yds.

Thanks again for all the help I was provided here.

**Unclenick** · May 1, 2023, 01:31 PM

Glad it worked out. Now you are likely going to catch the accuracy bug to see if you can improve further on that, not because you need to, but because you can.

Metal god · May 2, 2023, 02:48 AM

LOL ..... 3 years later you update a thread about starting to reload rifles . Hell you should be an expert by now . I'm going to start asking you for advice now haha .

Shadow9mm · May 2, 2023, 06:04 AM

Glad it worked out well. Few odd nuances like trimming, but hand loads for rifles have proved much better than factory ammo in my experience.

**44 AMP** · May 3, 2023, 05:08 PM

Congrats, glad it worked well for you!

I would point out that you're not just loading for a rifle, you're loading for a semi auto rifle, as well. Anything that runs in your semi auto will also run fine in manual actions, but the reverse is not true.

With a bolt action (for example) you can, if you choose, run loads and use brass prep techniques that are not suitable in some semi autos.

Not something you'll probably run into until you get into loading for different rifles.

May 1, 2023, 01:13 PM	#52
ghbucky Senior Member Join Date: June 12, 2020 Posts: 1,177	Update! I never updated this! I dug this thread up to provide the link to another user, and I read through it again, and I never provided an update. I did some upgrades on the rifle and found a nice range where I can out to a few hundred yards (2 hour drive, though). I ended up being thrilled when I fired an honest to goodness sub-moa three shot group at 100yds. Thanks again for all the help I was provided here.

May 1, 2023, 01:31 PM	#53
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	Glad it worked out. Now you are likely going to catch the accuracy bug to see if you can improve further on that, not because you need to, but because you can. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

May 2, 2023, 02:48 AM	#54
Metal god Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 6,876	LOL ..... 3 years later you update a thread about starting to reload rifles . Hell you should be an expert by now . I'm going to start asking you for advice now haha . __________________ If Jesus had a gun , he'd probably still be alive ! I almost always write my posts regardless of content in a jovial manor and intent . If that's not how you took it , please try again .

May 2, 2023, 06:04 AM	#55
Shadow9mm Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 3,977	Glad it worked out well. Few odd nuances like trimming, but hand loads for rifles have proved much better than factory ammo in my experience. __________________ I don't believe in "range fodder" that is why I reload.

May 3, 2023, 05:08 PM	#56
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,859	Congrats, glad it worked well for you! I would point out that you're not just loading for a rifle, you're loading for a semi auto rifle, as well. Anything that runs in your semi auto will also run fine in manual actions, but the reverse is not true. With a bolt action (for example) you can, if you choose, run loads and use brass prep techniques that are not suitable in some semi autos. Not something you'll probably run into until you get into loading for different rifles. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

July 1, 2020, 06:00 PM	#51
ghbucky Senior Member Join Date: June 12, 2020 Posts: 1,177	Finally charged some cases I've got some loads to do function and pressure checks this weekend. I'm not super concerned about high accuracy. Where I live the only options I have for regular shooting are 25yd indoor ranges. The rifle has a Leupold red dot non-magnified sight on it. That should clue you in on the rifle's purpose. Once I've got a couple of loads worked out and know where I am at with reliable, safe rounds I'll load up and head to my brother's place where I can get some 100 yd range work in. At the end of the day, factory loads (if I can ever find some that aren't plinking rounds) will server my purpose, but I figured it would be fun to get back into loading and do something new.