Load development for hunting rifle

[cjmac]

So I had a box of Sierra Game King boat tail soft point that I use in one of my hunting rifles decided to try it in my wifes gun a ruger gen 2 308 . It was OK , the orange dot to the left is 1.5 in so I guess it's not too bad for a factory hunting rifle ? Was 100 yards.
but I'm more concerned with a consistent cold bore shot . How would I develop a load for a consistent cold bore shot ?

 

[xphunter]

What is your typical max distance for hunting big game?
Do you zero your rifles at 100 yards?
If so, you may need to come down 1 click (If you have 1/4 MOA turrets).
If you are going to use that load for hunting, then adjust your wind turret to the left to where it is centered up.

How many rounds through the barrel since you cleaned it last?

If the round count is not high like over 50-75, I would first get your zero adjusted.

Then go out several times and fire one shot on a new target. Take that target home, and bring it back next time, and fire one shot. Do this three or so times, and look where the center of your group would be. That is your cold bore zero.
You may or may not need to adjust it a tad after this.

 

[cjmac]

What is your typical max distance for hunting big game?
Do you zero your rifles at 100 yards?
If so, you may need to come down 1 click (If you have 1/4 MOA turrets).
If you are going to use that load for hunting, then adjust your wind turret to the left to where it is centered up.

How many rounds through the barrel since you cleaned it last?

If the round count is not high like over 50-75, I would first get your zero adjusted.

Then go out several times and fire one shot on a new target. Take that target home, and bring it back next time, and fire one shot. Do this three or so times, and look where the center of your group would be. That is your cold bore zero.
You may or may not need to adjust it a tad after this.

Our max distance is 100 yards . I cleaned the barrel about 15 rounds ago . This was the best group I was able to get while keeping the bullets seated to magazine length. Unfortunately I only get about one day a week to go to the range do you think that letting the barrel cool for 30 minutes or so per shot would give a relative good idea of a cold bore shot?

 

[RL338]

Then go out several times and fire one shot on a new target. Take that target home, and bring it back next time, and fire one shot. Do this three or so times, and look where the center of your group would be. That is your cold bore zero.

This
At your max distance of a 100yds any of 5 shots in your group is good once your zero is set.
Can’t tell what the charge is but 43.3grs of Varget works well in my 308’s with 150s. Not speedy just consistent.

 

[xphunter]

Our max distance is 100 yards . I cleaned the barrel about 15 rounds ago . This was the best group I was able to get while keeping the bullets seated to magazine length. Unfortunately I only get about one day a week to go to the range do you think that letting the barrel cool for 30 minutes or so per shot would give a relative good idea of a cold bore shot?

If you never kill game beyond 100 yards (Also have a 100 yard zero), just adjust your windage knob LEFT, Assuming .25 MOA per click (Approximately 1/4" movement per click at 100 yards), after you have measured the center of your group to the bull...Guessing around 5-6 clicks left (If 1/4 MOA clicks).
I would come down one click.
Don't clean your rifle-It's fine.

Make your adjustments, then shoot a shot.
Put your rifle in the shade or in a air conditioned vehicle and to your best ability get it to cool completely. Once there, make your second shot...Rinse and Repeat
Get 4-5 shots total if possible.
Find the center of your group

If you want to refine it even more, move to your field rest you actually shoot from/hunt from, and see what kind of groups you get at 100 yards. Your group may be larger, which is okay.

I am not suggesting you do this below, as it would probably bug you to death...
IF, 100 yards is the maximum distance you kill game, you could literally aim 1" left and make a perfect shot for the rest of your life, as the vitals are much larger than the sub 1/2" you would be off from the center...The animal will never know the difference.

 

[Blkram]

Rifles are individuals...
Some do better with a clean barrel, while others perform better with a fouled barrel.
Only range testing will show you what your rifle prefers!

While your maximum range is 100 yards, this may not be a big of an issue as it would be or those competing and or shooting at long range..but I get it...having confidence in your rifle/scope/ammo combo produces better results in the field!

This is what I was taught, and it has worked for me.
Please note that I am just a hunter that enjoys this past time, and neither competes or has the experience of the more accomplished shooters above.

Clean the barrel, and then fire a group of 3.
(While it does not mimic field conditions for quick follow up shots, I always shoot groups with at least two minutes between shots to keep barrel from getting hot. Initially, we are looking for accuracy performance, where we have removed as many variables as we can. We can test for field conditions where the two follow up shots come more quickly.)
Let barrel cool completely, and then shoot another group.
Let cool completely, and then shoot another group.
Compare groups sizes. If the groups get larger, with each group, it may be because it prefers a clean barrel.

Clean barrel thoroughly, and repeat process a couple more times.
Are the results repeating? Showing a trend?
If they consistently get smaller, it may be because it prefers a fouled barrel for that cold bore shot.
And again, if they consistently get larger, it prefers the clean barrel for that cold bore shot.

You can repeat the process from field positions (sitting, kneeling, prone, off sticks and daypacks, etc.), with less time between shots in the groups (but of varying timeframes), to mimic hunting scenarios. Mix up the targets; steel, deer cutouts or pictures, etc.
Will that first, cold bore shot be where you want it, on the target, every time?
This will let you, and your wife, gain more familiarity and confidence in shooting from various positions so that when the opportunity comes in the field, muscle memory will take over and let you perform to expectations.

Best of luck in your quest!

While this burns more ammo, it produces more familiarity and confidence in your firearm and its trigger. Plus, it is just plain fun!