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September 10, 2008, 05:25 PM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: June 18, 2008
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 229
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your method for new load testing
So recently I decided to try a new powder for .308. I was using Reloader 15 and now I'm going to try Varget. My question is how do you find a new load? What intervals in powder weight do you use (of course starting at the bottom and working up)? I've heard people say that they work up in tenths, is that necessary when you aren't near max loads? Do you prefer 3, 5, 7, or ten shot groups to prove accuracy? I'm sure you all get the idea. I was just curious what works for all of you so that maybe I can save myself time in the testing process (and money).
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September 11, 2008, 11:28 AM | #2 |
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Join Date: June 18, 2008
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 229
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I'm a little surprised nobody has posted yet. I'm just wondering what you all have found to be the most time and cost effective method for testing loads. I've read that the seven shot group is supposed to give you the most data with the fewest shots. Just wondering what you all use.
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September 11, 2008, 11:45 AM | #3 |
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Join Date: January 4, 2006
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 547
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I start from the minimum load and work up in half grain increments. Once I find my most accurate load this way I work up or down in .2 grain increments to try and tweak the load. After I find the "sweet" spot for powder I start changing OAL by .025" up and down to try and find the sweet spot that way. I usually use 5 shot groups to test accuracy but occassionally with purely hunting loads use 3 shot groups. Remember to only change one variable or brand at a time. Hope this helps.
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September 11, 2008, 12:18 PM | #4 |
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Join Date: December 3, 2002
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I shoot 3x5 shot groups in 1.0gr increments, then fine tune from there. Final evaluation of a tuned load is to load 20-30rds with half of them being 0.3grs light and the other half being 0.3grs heavy. Then I shoot 5 or 10rd groups with mixed charges, the purpose being to make sure the load isn't picky about charge weight variation.
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September 11, 2008, 12:32 PM | #5 |
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Join Date: February 13, 2006
Location: Washington state
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I do it the old fashioned way: load 50 rounds of each variation (bullet type, seating depth, primer, etc) with each 10 rounds powder charge at .5 gr increments. When I see which one shoots best, go abck and work that 1.0 gr window with 5 rounds each at .1 gr increments. If I find what I'm looking for great, otherwise start playing with seating depth or bullet type.
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September 11, 2008, 03:39 PM | #6 |
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Join Date: August 1, 2008
Location: Athens, GA
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Whatever floats your boat
I usually use a method somewhat similar to Boltgun71 and Scorch, except I start at the middle or lower middle of the chart. (Yeah, I know, but I'm sure I'm not the only one.) I load 5 rounds at .5 grain intervals, with charge weight being the only variable. Take to range, fire, if anything looks good I usually leave it at that, sometimes I'll try .2 or .1 gr increments either up and down, but to be truthful, I don't shoot consistently enough to be able to tell the difference in .1 gr increments or even .2. (Hence the 5 shot groups, I usually disregard the two furthest from group center) Normally it's bullet choice and seating depth that make the difference for me after I find a powder that the rifle likes.
Probably the reason for the sparse replies is there is no real right or wrong way to do it, just pick a method that fits your shooting style and time/money (or is that the same thing) budget. Some people get off on loading 500 different combinations and testing them to find that one hole group and some folks just want to save a little money and shoot decent ammo. |
September 13, 2008, 11:30 AM | #7 |
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Join Date: June 18, 2008
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 229
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Thanks, I realize that everybody has their method. I was just curious what experienced reloaders were doing and what works for them. Being new to reloading I'm trying to learn the most efficient manner to test loads.
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September 13, 2008, 01:03 PM | #8 |
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Join Date: May 18, 2008
Location: Sheppard AFB, TX
Posts: 568
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As I type, I have been trying to develop a load for my .308. Using H4895 and 168 gr Hornady BTHP molys, and my starting load was right at 40.0 grs with Winchester LR primers. I was supposed to go to the range today, but with the storms possibly moving in, I probably wont get the chance to try them out today. Oh well, maybe next weekend...
But I usually work them up in 10 rnd batches, usually uping the powder charge .5 gr, finding the right load and then tweaking it from there. |
September 14, 2008, 08:25 AM | #9 |
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Join Date: May 4, 2007
Location: People's Republik of Illinois...in "gun valley"
Posts: 366
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I start a few grains above minimum and work in .2 grain increments. 7 rounds per loading and work up from there. When I find one that is grouping I go to .1 grain increments on either side. Once that is narrowed down I start playing with the seating depth more. Have fun.
It helps if you whisper "sweet nothings" to your newly rolled rounds and put them lovingly into your range carrier until their fateful day arrives. |
September 14, 2008, 11:08 AM | #10 |
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Join Date: June 7, 2004
Location: AZ
Posts: 392
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I've been loading competition for 25+ years and go to Handloader Mag for basic loads. I reduce by 1 grain in rifle, fire 5 rounds for a chronograph. Then fire a five round group at 25 meters for zero, then 10 rounds at 100 meters from a sandbag. The chrono is important because it takes 2500 fps with a 175 grain bthp
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