new reloader first trip to the range

Scoob956 · April 18, 2010, 10:58 PM

So I was pretty happy with the results of my first reloads. Gun is a stock savage 12 vlp in 243. I was using the 87gr v-max which the gun seems to really like. I am a total novice when it comes to rifle shooting. These are a couple pics of 2 different 3 shot groups, definitely under a half inch at 100 yards. I think a better shooter could do much better.

This rifle seems pretty amazing, I also tried some factory ammo, most of it was all over the place compared to my loads. But it was interested to see how different bullets performed. I think I will be sticking with these 87gr v-max. The recoil also seemed less than factory loads. Should I try playing with the powder charge or just stick with what works ?

Dave R · April 19, 2010, 12:16 AM

People put a LOT of work into getting groups like those. I'd say you hit the jackpot first time out.

JR_Roosa · April 19, 2010, 01:23 AM

Sure, play around a little, but make sure you write down what worked this time.

Interesting how you get really good accuracy without maxing out the velocity? A lot of people don't uderstand that. Your brass will last longer, your barrel will last longer, you'll be a better shot, and anything you hit will be just as dead as it would with a 200fps faster bullet.

Oh, and try groups with more than 3 shots. You're reloading now and you can splurge on shooting more. Do that with a 10 shot group and you'll really impress the heck out of people.

-J.

mrawesome22 · April 19, 2010, 05:08 PM

Just a comment about the factory stuff being all over the place.

A couple weeks ago, I pulled 12 bullets from Remington "premium" varmint loads."
75gr Accutip. Which is just a VMAX with a different colored tip BTW. I just wanted the brass but got curious and started weighing the powder charges. In 12 rounds there was a 6.2gr charge spread! And this is expensive premium stuff!

If people only knew...

ZeSpectre · April 19, 2010, 05:18 PM

Quote:

I just wanted the brass but got curious and started weighing the powder charges. In 12 rounds there was a 6.2gr charge spread! And this is expensive premium stuff!

Yeah, pull and weigh the charges on some of the "premium" .357 Self Defense stuff some time, you'll get a rude surprise here and there as well

oneoldsap · April 19, 2010, 06:22 PM

Looks like it's time for you to graduate to a smaller bullseye . Don't laugh , the smaller your aiming point the smaller the groups !

geetarman · April 19, 2010, 06:28 PM

Welcome to handloading!!!! Fun isn't it?

Do yourself a favor and get a good notebook and write down what works and what doesn't.

Use a good load manual and concentrate on what you are doing. Having several load manuals is a good idea.

Frequent the forum. There are lots of old hands who know a LOT. They will help.

Above all, have fun!!

Geetarman

Jim243 · April 19, 2010, 08:23 PM

My 10 GPX3 in 243 has never seen a commerical round in it's life. Try the Hornady 105 gr A-Max. It will nock your socks off.

Jim

farmerboy · April 20, 2010, 05:03 AM

Hey 22 if you ever want just the "brass" again, just send me the ammo and I'll send you some brass in return

geetarman · April 20, 2010, 09:18 AM

Now that is funny!!

April 19, 2010, 12:16 AM	#2
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2000 Location: Idaho Posts: 6,073	People put a LOT of work into getting groups like those. I'd say you hit the jackpot first time out.

April 19, 2010, 01:23 AM	#3
JR_Roosa Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2009 Posts: 130	Sure, play around a little, but make sure you write down what worked this time. Interesting how you get really good accuracy without maxing out the velocity? A lot of people don't uderstand that. Your brass will last longer, your barrel will last longer, you'll be a better shot, and anything you hit will be just as dead as it would with a 200fps faster bullet. Oh, and try groups with more than 3 shots. You're reloading now and you can splurge on shooting more. Do that with a 10 shot group and you'll really impress the heck out of people. -J.

April 19, 2010, 05:08 PM	#4
mrawesome22 Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 2005 Location: Ohio, Appalachia's foothills. Posts: 3,779	Just a comment about the factory stuff being all over the place. A couple weeks ago, I pulled 12 bullets from Remington "premium" varmint loads." 75gr Accutip. Which is just a VMAX with a different colored tip BTW. I just wanted the brass but got curious and started weighing the powder charges. In 12 rounds there was a 6.2gr charge spread! And this is expensive premium stuff! If people only knew...

April 19, 2010, 06:22 PM	#6
oneoldsap Senior Member Join Date: September 16, 2009 Location: I live in the foot of the Green Mountains of Vermont Posts: 1,602	Looks like it's time for you to graduate to a smaller bullseye . Don't laugh , the smaller your aiming point the smaller the groups !

April 19, 2010, 06:28 PM	#7
geetarman Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 3,157	Welcome to handloading!!!! Fun isn't it? Do yourself a favor and get a good notebook and write down what works and what doesn't. Use a good load manual and concentrate on what you are doing. Having several load manuals is a good idea. Frequent the forum. There are lots of old hands who know a LOT. They will help. Above all, have fun!! Geetarman

April 19, 2010, 08:23 PM	#8
Jim243 Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2009 Location: Just off Route 66 Posts: 5,067	My 10 GPX3 in 243 has never seen a commerical round in it's life. Try the Hornady 105 gr A-Max. It will nock your socks off. Jim

April 20, 2010, 05:03 AM	#9
farmerboy Junior member Join Date: May 16, 2009 Location: Central Texas Posts: 1,343	Hey 22 if you ever want just the "brass" again, just send me the ammo and I'll send you some brass in return

April 20, 2010, 09:18 AM	#10
geetarman Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 3,157	Now that is funny!!