Tinkering Basics

ah141nj · December 7, 2008, 08:23 PM

Hi Guys,
Just started reloading. After some problems with my LCTP I ran 10 rounds friday night & 30 rounds last night. All fired flawlessly..I was a little shakey being a reload newbie.
My first 10 I used 4.3 grs of 231 with a 115 FMJ and 1.16 OAL
My 2nd set of 30 I used 4.6 grs of 231 with 115 FMJ and a OAL of 1.15
How do you figure out what way to tinker? Shorter OAL, Longer OAL, less/more powder etc. Less recoil = less powder?
What changes causes what effects?
Everyone wants better groupings.
I guess what I am asking how is better recoil, groupings & accuracy achieved with tinkering?

WESHOOT2 · December 10, 2008, 08:17 AM

Bullets often are the greatest contributor to accuracy.

Recoil is an enemy.

Process; the overall making of ammo matters.

1) First load for SAFE reliable function.

2) Determine components based on 'goal' (your goal is accurate ammo on paper?)

3) Study data; start in the low-middle of all offered data.

4) Changes to test include: Vary crimp, both more and less; adjust charge weight, using .1g incremments, both up and down, still following data guidelines; vary OAL but no more than .010", and never give up reliable function; test other similar bullets; test other powders; test other primers.
Single-headstamp brass in 9x19 if accuracy matters.

If you wish, being extremely specific, describe exactly, by brand, what components and tooling you have on hand. Weigh and measure bullets (recommend ten-thou mike for measuring diameters).
Describe precisely your launch platform.

Maybe we can help........

December 7, 2008, 08:23 PM	#1
ah141nj Member Join Date: November 6, 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 76	Tinkering Basics Hi Guys, Just started reloading. After some problems with my LCTP I ran 10 rounds friday night & 30 rounds last night. All fired flawlessly..I was a little shakey being a reload newbie. My first 10 I used 4.3 grs of 231 with a 115 FMJ and 1.16 OAL My 2nd set of 30 I used 4.6 grs of 231 with 115 FMJ and a OAL of 1.15 How do you figure out what way to tinker? Shorter OAL, Longer OAL, less/more powder etc. Less recoil = less powder? What changes causes what effects? Everyone wants better groupings. I guess what I am asking how is better recoil, groupings & accuracy achieved with tinkering? __________________ There's no such thing as a good gun. There's no such thing as a bad gun. A gun in the hands of a bad man is a very dangerous thing. A gun in the hands of a good person is no danger to anyone except the bad guys." -- Charlton Heston, 15 Sep 1997

December 10, 2008, 08:17 AM	#2
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	good enough to notice Bullets often are the greatest contributor to accuracy. Recoil is an enemy. Process; the overall making of ammo matters. 1) First load for SAFE reliable function. 2) Determine components based on 'goal' (your goal is accurate ammo on paper?) 3) Study data; start in the low-middle of all offered data. 4) Changes to test include: Vary crimp, both more and less; adjust charge weight, using .1g incremments, both up and down, still following data guidelines; vary OAL but no more than .010", and never give up reliable function; test other similar bullets; test other powders; test other primers. Single-headstamp brass in 9x19 if accuracy matters. If you wish, being extremely specific, describe exactly, by brand, what components and tooling you have on hand. Weigh and measure bullets (recommend ten-thou mike for measuring diameters). Describe precisely your launch platform. Maybe we can help........ __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"