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Old January 24, 2011, 09:21 AM   #1
tpcollins
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How should I start this load sequence?

I want to load 62gr Barnes varmit grenades over Varget in .243 for coyotes. The load suggestion is 39.3gr to 41.4gr. To build up a load, should I break these up at .3 grains intervals, .5 grain intervals, or pick a couple and go shoot? Thanks.
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Old January 25, 2011, 01:23 PM   #2
McClintock
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What I've done in the past is use .5 gr increments. Once you've shot and documented those groups, you should be able to see where in the charge range your groups start to tighten up. Once you've noted that, I'd load a batch (however many rounds you fire per group, 3, 5, whatever) .3 grains on either side (one higher, one lower) of the original charge that gave you the tightest group.

Example: Charge range = 39.3 to 41.4
First set of charge weights = 39.3, 39.8, 40.3, 40.8 grains. If you don't see pressure signs at 40.8, try 41.3...

Say, for the sake of argument, that 40.3 gr. gives you the smallest group. I'd load 2 more batches: 40.0 gr. and 40.6 gr. and see if there is any difference in group size compared to 40.3...

My $0.02. Or, you can always use Dan Newberry's method.

Hope that helps!

Cheers!
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Old January 25, 2011, 01:36 PM   #3
IllinoisCoyoteHunter
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I prefer to work in .3 grn intervals. I always go one set over the max load too...of course watching for pressure signs. My last load happened to group extremely well at .1 grain over the max published load. Use my advice at your own risk. Thats just my 2 pennies worth.
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Old January 25, 2011, 01:41 PM   #4
Brian Pfleuger
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You should consider using Dan Newberry's OCW method.


In regards to charge increment specifically, he recommends .7 - 1.0% of predicted max charge.
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Old January 25, 2011, 01:51 PM   #5
misskimo
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I been loading for my 243 here lately too. I been using 4064 though. Also like to know , Twist in my rifle is 1 & 9, What my range of bullets I can use?
Like my rem 700. 22-250. 1 & 14 twist. My bullet choice is 45 to 55 g. Kinda sucks since I bought a few boxes heaver than that when I first started reloading. Loaded up a few and got a few boattail hits. ( bullet hits target sideways)
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Old January 25, 2011, 02:03 PM   #6
Brian Pfleuger
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Quote:
Originally Posted by misskimo
I been loading for my 243 here lately too. I been using 4064 though. Also like to know , Twist in my rifle is 1 & 9, What my range of bullets I can use?
Like my rem 700. 22-250. 1 & 14 twist. My bullet choice is 45 to 55 g. Kinda sucks since I bought a few boxes heaver than that when I first started reloading. Loaded up a few and got a few boattail hits. ( bullet hits target sideways)

Use JBM's stability calculator...
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Old January 25, 2011, 03:13 PM   #7
Nevmavrick
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I would load probably 39.3, then +.5, +5 again, the +.3. I would then try a different primer at the upper load (It's still in the safe range, I would have the data from the previous loads to help judge) Then I might add another .3 gr and change the seating depth slightly. In MY case I would be using a chronograph, but that is only an aid. Just more info!
Have fun,
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