Whats Your Best Recipe?

LuckyStrike · August 12, 2009, 03:39 PM

What is your best/favorite recipe?

Pistol or Rifle, target or hunting loads.

Please name the powder, bullet, brass and primer along with type of gun, barrel and twist (and any other info).

Hopefully we can compare loads with what works well and what does not, and get some new ideas from each other.

**Unclenick** · August 12, 2009, 04:22 PM

As the Precision Shooting Reloading Guide points out, while there are some loads that work better over a broader range of guns than others, there is no such thing as a pet load that works optimally in every one of them. In particular, the author suggests that guns that have not been bedded so their barrels are free floating, not had their bolt lugs lapped, or their muzzles recrowned, or rough bores firelapped, are not necessarily going to respond to the best loads spectacularly anyway. It's a case of the load's best capabilities being masked by the other limitations in the gun. Barrel length and chamber size affect that, too, which is why you often hear each gun is a law unto itself. Just those two variables make for a lot of gun differences even within one chambering.

Nonetheless, there is one site devoted to trying find the most universal loads, and it is worth reading through. That is Dan Newberry's Optimum Charge Weight (OCW) site. You might check it out. While some individual guns will undoubtedly still be exceptions to the rule and not happily digest OCW loads, Newberry tries to find loads that are at least good in most guns. I now use his round robin method in most load development I do now.

LuckyStrike · August 12, 2009, 05:54 PM

LOL, "Chocolate Ice Cream" load, thats great.

.284 · August 12, 2009, 06:18 PM

I totally agree with Unclenick. Every gun is as unique as its owner. Even if two guys have the same manufacture, model, and caliber there are still some variables in play. And as far as differing guns don't get me started on barrel length, rate of twist, heavy or standard barrel, or is it stainless.........

That said, for my S&W 629 44 mag, I love W296 26.5grs and a Sierra 210gr JHC. I have an Eotech 512 mounted on it and consistently shoot 2" groups at 100 yrds.

Kyo · August 12, 2009, 06:39 PM

185g LSWC 45 ACP on 4.5/4.6 grains of Bullseye with OAL of 1.232

ipscchef · August 13, 2009, 09:58 AM

Right now it's 19.8gr. H-110 under a Cast Performance 265gr. LWNGC with a WIN. LPM Primer in my old Three Screw Ruger Blackhawk, 4 5/8" bbl.(Love that Gun)

I comes out at 1208fps, and I can hold about 2" at 25yds.
I am getting ready to try it on my 100yd 9" Gong

**Unclenick** · August 13, 2009, 10:15 AM

The WLNGC? Let me guess, now. Hmmmm. .41 Mag?

wncchester · August 13, 2009, 01:18 PM

"..the Precision Shooting Reloading Guide points out, while there are some loads that work better over a broader range of guns than others, there is no such thing as a pet load that works optimally in every one of them."

Nor are such loads likely to do well in even a significantly large minority of other rifles.

ipscchef · August 14, 2009, 09:30 AM

Sorry, My Bad.
Yes I was talking about my .41Mag

But I really do love that old Three Screw!!

Old Grump · August 14, 2009, 12:17 PM

45 ACP 230 gr LRN and 4.5 gr bullseye (target)
308 180 gr Rem core loct in front of 43.5 gr of 4350 (target and hunting)

Those two gave me the best groups, other calibers I am still playing with.

CTSigLover · August 14, 2009, 06:31 PM

.357 Magnum
15.2 gr. 2400 - 158 gr LSWC - Federal SPP - Remington Brass

1550 fps out of a S&W Model 27 8-3/8"bbl
1900 fps out of a lever gun.

This is my "go to" load, I looked a long time for it, and it has never failed me.

GeauxTide · August 14, 2009, 09:55 PM

My best recipe is a Chicken & Sausage Gumbo. My best loads are 10gr Unique under a 275 LFN in 45LC; 7gr Unique under a 200gr SWC in 45acp; 24gr H-110 under a 240JHP in 44Mag; 55gr R-19 under a 140 NBT in 280Rem; 52gr. 4064 under a 150Hornady in .30-06.

Colorado Redneck · August 14, 2009, 10:28 PM

That gumbo sounds interesting.

25-06 100 gr. Nosler BT over 53.5 gr IMR4831, WLR primer, 3240 fps and 1 in group at 100 yards for 5 shots. Antelope slayer deluxe.

August 12, 2009, 03:39 PM	#1
LuckyStrike Member Join Date: May 5, 2009 Posts: 69	Whats Your Best Recipe? What is your best/favorite recipe? Pistol or Rifle, target or hunting loads. Please name the powder, bullet, brass and primer along with type of gun, barrel and twist (and any other info). Hopefully we can compare loads with what works well and what does not, and get some new ideas from each other.

August 12, 2009, 04:22 PM	#2
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	As the Precision Shooting Reloading Guide points out, while there are some loads that work better over a broader range of guns than others, there is no such thing as a pet load that works optimally in every one of them. In particular, the author suggests that guns that have not been bedded so their barrels are free floating, not had their bolt lugs lapped, or their muzzles recrowned, or rough bores firelapped, are not necessarily going to respond to the best loads spectacularly anyway. It's a case of the load's best capabilities being masked by the other limitations in the gun. Barrel length and chamber size affect that, too, which is why you often hear each gun is a law unto itself. Just those two variables make for a lot of gun differences even within one chambering. Nonetheless, there is one site devoted to trying find the most universal loads, and it is worth reading through. That is Dan Newberry's Optimum Charge Weight (OCW) site. You might check it out. While some individual guns will undoubtedly still be exceptions to the rule and not happily digest OCW loads, Newberry tries to find loads that are at least good in most guns. I now use his round robin method in most load development I do now. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

August 12, 2009, 06:18 PM	#4
.284 Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2009 Location: davison, michigan Posts: 665	I totally agree with Unclenick. Every gun is as unique as its owner. Even if two guys have the same manufacture, model, and caliber there are still some variables in play. And as far as differing guns don't get me started on barrel length, rate of twist, heavy or standard barrel, or is it stainless......... That said, for my S&W 629 44 mag, I love W296 26.5grs and a Sierra 210gr JHC. I have an Eotech 512 mounted on it and consistently shoot 2" groups at 100 yrds. __________________ Guns have only two enemies, rust and politicians! Deer are amazing creatures....so please don't burn the sauteed onions and I'll pass on the steak sauce, thank you.

August 13, 2009, 09:58 AM	#6
ipscchef Senior Member Join Date: November 1, 2008 Location: South Central Pa. Posts: 427	Personal Favorite Right now it's 19.8gr. H-110 under a Cast Performance 265gr. LWNGC with a WIN. LPM Primer in my old Three Screw Ruger Blackhawk, 4 5/8" bbl.(Love that Gun) I comes out at 1208fps, and I can hold about 2" at 25yds. I am getting ready to try it on my 100yd 9" Gong __________________ Don' keep shooting them until you think they are dead, Keep shooting them until they think they are dead.- Clint Smith

August 13, 2009, 10:15 AM	#7
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	The WLNGC? Let me guess, now. Hmmmm. .41 Mag? __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

August 12, 2009, 05:54 PM	#3
LuckyStrike Member Join Date: May 5, 2009 Posts: 69	LOL, "Chocolate Ice Cream" load, thats great.

August 12, 2009, 06:39 PM	#5
Kyo Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2009 Posts: 897	185g LSWC 45 ACP on 4.5/4.6 grains of Bullseye with OAL of 1.232

August 13, 2009, 01:18 PM	#8
wncchester Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2002 Posts: 2,832	"..the Precision Shooting Reloading Guide points out, while there are some loads that work better over a broader range of guns than others, there is no such thing as a pet load that works optimally in every one of them." Nor are such loads likely to do well in even a significantly large minority of other rifles.

August 14, 2009, 09:30 AM	#9
ipscchef Senior Member Join Date: November 1, 2008 Location: South Central Pa. Posts: 427	OOPs Sorry, My Bad. Yes I was talking about my .41Mag But I really do love that old Three Screw!! __________________ Don' keep shooting them until you think they are dead, Keep shooting them until they think they are dead.- Clint Smith Last edited by ipscchef; August 14, 2009 at 09:39 AM.

August 14, 2009, 12:17 PM	#10
Old Grump Member in memoriam Join Date: April 9, 2009 Location: Blue River Wisconsin, in Posts: 3,144	45 ACP 230 gr LRN and 4.5 gr bullseye (target) 308 180 gr Rem core loct in front of 43.5 gr of 4350 (target and hunting) Those two gave me the best groups, other calibers I am still playing with. __________________ Good intentions will always be pleaded for any assumption of power. The Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions. There are men in all ages who mean to govern will, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters. --Daniel Webster--

August 14, 2009, 06:31 PM	#11
CTSigLover Member Join Date: August 23, 2002 Posts: 17	.357 Magnum 15.2 gr. 2400 - 158 gr LSWC - Federal SPP - Remington Brass 1550 fps out of a S&W Model 27 8-3/8"bbl 1900 fps out of a lever gun. This is my "go to" load, I looked a long time for it, and it has never failed me.

August 14, 2009, 09:55 PM	#12
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,425	My best recipe is a Chicken & Sausage Gumbo. My best loads are 10gr Unique under a 275 LFN in 45LC; 7gr Unique under a 200gr SWC in 45acp; 24gr H-110 under a 240JHP in 44Mag; 55gr R-19 under a 140 NBT in 280Rem; 52gr. 4064 under a 150Hornady in .30-06.

August 14, 2009, 10:28 PM	#13
Colorado Redneck Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2008 Location: Northeast Colorado Posts: 1,993	That gumbo sounds interesting. 25-06 100 gr. Nosler BT over 53.5 gr IMR4831, WLR primer, 3240 fps and 1 in group at 100 yards for 5 shots. Antelope slayer deluxe.