2 loads per rifle?

[wisconsinteacher]

How many create 2 loads for their rifles? If you do or don't, why? I would love to make two loads for most of my rifles using different components. I know it would require some scopenchangesnbut I am fine with that. One for hunting and one for practice.

 

[longwinters]

I make multiple loads for each rifle I have. Different powders, bullet manufacturers and types and sizes. I could never be satisfied with only one good moa load. What else would I have to do in the winter?

Long

 

[hubcap]

I develope multiple loads as well. I like taking advantage of different bullet weights in a givin caliber. I only use four cartridges so it is pretty easy to accomplish. I suppose if a guy had a bunch of different guns one load each would make sense as well.

 

[Mortis]

I have 2 for my CZ550 308..... a long range 165 for deer.... and a short range 180 for feral hogs

 

[Richracer1]

I consider it a primary and alternate load. If something happens to prevent me from using my primary, I have an alternate. Now some of the extra loads I have are due to location, such as when I was stationed in CA and had to use unleaded bullets.

 

[Elkman]

I have one load for each rifle. It typically is centered around what I believe is the most effecient bullet weight for what I expect to shoot with that rifle/caliber. For instance, I developed a very accurate load for my 300 win mag in 1970. Its using H-4350 and a 180 gr. bullet for general use and a 180 PT for hunting. I have hunted blacktail deer, mule deer, elk and bear with that load. Why would I want another?
I don't want to adjust my scope, I don't want different powders, I don't want different bullet weights, I want the same thing every time. I do not want more complexity in my life. It works for me.

 

[Horsethief]

I have several loads for each rifle, ranging from different bullet weight to different powders and the same bullets/weights. Part of that is because I really like the problem solving aspect of working up loads that are accurate, as well as the fastest I can get them and still be accurate. There is a trade off, but usually it is NOT the recoil. Some chamberings can be pushed, such as my 25-06 with max-plus loads with 117gn bullets or my 280 with loads over the book limits but still super accurate.

If you want to have a load for a rifle, fine, that is your choice and you will not spend as much money on reloading.

 

[gerry]

I usually have more than one load per rifle, just love experimenting with different powders and bullets too much. Right now with the new 35 Whelen the 200 gr TTSX will be the close range moose load and the 200 gr AccuBond will take care of everything else, eventually I will go back to 225's but right now I'm having too much fun with the 200's.

 

[cloverleaf]

Well the old 250-3000 is the original (OK one of 'em) Multi-purpose rifle. After many years and lots of trial and error and error and error Im donw to 2 loads: 100 Gr BT's under 35 Gr of 4064. These shoot two inches high and are my antelope/deer load.
My other load is 40 Gr. of 4350 under a 75 Gr Vmax. Although I hvent done it yet, this my coyote/ varmint/ target load and it hits dead on at 100 yds and shoots smaller groups than I am capable of on a consistient basis.
Ive only shot a couple of each over the chrono but the 2 loads were with 100 fps of eachother. CL

 

[onesonek]

I just load one load for most every firearm. Only two I don't, are the .454 and .45-70. With overlapping rigs loaded more single weight specific, just saves me messing with the scope all the time, and it works for me.

 

[Oldtrader3]

Being on a forum such as this one, it is a fact that many shooters here specialise each rifle to a specific load and task for that load because they own multiple long guns. Also there are many here who develop and use multiple loads per rifle. I guess it is a question of preferences, disposable income and investments. Many of the focused shooters are older, like myself, and are fortunate enough to have multiple weapons in thier safe.

I have used multiple loads when I was younger and only had two or three centerfire rifles in the safe. Presently, I have (12) long guns and a lot of flexibility because each of my centerfire rifles is dedicated to a load. At one time, I had only a .243 Win, .270 Winchester, 7mm Rem mag, .338 WM. I had two loads for each rifle. The issue is that although this arrangement is very handy, I was bothered by having too many resighting issues which influenced my gun choices a great deal. So, I specialized and entered a phase of dedicating a rifle to one practical load for each caliber. The exception being the .338 Federal, where I use a 200 grain factory load (or 200 BT) plus a 210 nosler for actually brush hunting elk.

 

[hubcap]

I have several loads for each rifle, ranging from different bullet weight to different powders and the same bullets/weights. Part of that is because I really like the problem solving aspect of working up loads that are accurate, as well as the fastest I can get them and still be accurate. There is a trade off, but usually it is NOT the recoil. Some chamberings can be pushed, such as my 25-06 with max-plus loads with 117gn bullets or my 280 with loads over the book limits but still super accurate.

If you want to have a load for a rifle, fine, that is your choice and you will not spend as much money on reloading.

You have a classic case of OCRD. There is no cure. I have 11 loads in my .270 alone. I started noticing a change in my reloading habits shortly after joining this forum in 2006. Finally a number of months back Bullet diagnosed the problem he has as Obsessive Compulsive Reloading Disease. It is also easily spread from one reloader to another. The most notable side effect is you always want another rifle to play with. Gotta love it.

 

[Guy Miner]

In general I have a standard load for each rifle, and possibly one or more specialty loads. Here's examples:

With the .308, my match and hunting loads are identical except for choice of bullet. Trajectory and sight-in are the same as well, out to 400 yards or so anyway.

.308 Win Standard: 168 HPBT match bullet @ 2750 fps
.308 Win hunting: 165 Nosler Ballistic Tip @ same velocity
.308 Win varmint: 110 Sierra @ 3200 fps

6mm Rem Deer: 95 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip @ 3000 fps (sometimes use 100 gr Partition or other)
6mm Rem Varmint: 75 Sierra HP @ 3300 fps (good splat factor)

.375 H&H:
300 @ 2560 fps - because every .375 should have a 300 gr load
260 @ 2620 fps - 'cause it's easier on me! Accurate too.

Regards, Guy

 

[AzDak42]

I don't think there is a single way to answer that question.

Most of my rifles work as the primary for a particular type of hunt, and some do double duty as a backup/second rifle for another task. Most of the one trick rifles eventually settle into a single load, most of those pulling double duty get two or more.

 

[Elkman]

I hate load development, testing, or punching targets. I want to buy a rifle, spend an afternoon developing a great load, load a few boxes then go hunt something. Trying to wring the last min of accuracy is lost on me, as well as finding the fastest load. I would be happy with one powder, one type of case and a couple of bullets.

I need counseling of course but I already knew that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[HTDUCK]

My Rem 700 308 and my Tikka 223 only.
The 308 I have three or four loads for all built around 165 - 175 gr bullets.
Some get used on fur others on paper only.
The 223 has a 1/8 barrel and I'm still playing with it.
It likes 55-65 gr bullets but I'm tinkering with 75 gr Amaxes just because.
The other 8 rifles in the safe, all one load built with deer hunting in mind.
I spend about 7 days a year hunting deer and have various rifles in diferent calibers
for various situations.

 

[wisconsinteacher]

My goal is to find 2 loads for my 22-250 and my 30-06. With the 06, I would like a hunting load and a range load. I would love to see the hunting load shoot 165 or 180 AB and the range load shoot an Amax or BT of some kind. My .338 will only have one load as of now. I would also like to make up a range load and hunting load for my 6.5 Grendel.

 

[sask boy]

I have one load for each of my rifles, not saying that I will not change if I think that there is something I found that is better.
I really believe that I will be changing the powder I use in the 270 & 7mm mag from IMR4350 to RL-22.
Since joining this forum, I have become more venturous :wink: trying new powders and loads. I believe it has helped me become a better shot as I am spending way more time out at the range.
Was out again late yesterday afternoon and have really started to put together some groups from my 35 Whelen 1.5" high at a 100yds. I have 2 touching and 1 slightly out but still close to .5.
I have a photo but can't place it on forum, just not smart enough :wink:
Blessings,
Dan

 

[Oldtrader3]

Bill: you don't need counciling, you are just older and wiser like me! (-:

That is the advantage of having different rifles for me with each use. I set up a specific rifle, Sectional Density and Ballistic Coefficient with an optimized load for each rifle and end up with: 110 gr. 130 gr, 160 gr, 165 gr, 210 gr and 225 or 250 grain, .340 WM caliber on top and .257 on the bottom for game. I also end up with SD = to .230 to .310 which covers at 2800 to 3100 fps, all of my needs in North America certainly.

Anyhow, it works for me but there I go with the engineer logic numbers again!

 

[onesonek]

Bill: you don't need counciling, you are just older and wiser like me! (-:

That is the advantage of having different rifles for me with each use. I set up a specific rifle, Sectional Density and Ballistic Coefficient with an optimized load for each rifle and end up with: 110 gr. 130 gr, 160 gr, 165 gr, 210 gr and 225 or 250 grain, .340 WM caliber on top and .257 on the bottom for game. I also end up with SD = to .230 to .310 which covers at 2800 to 3100 fps, all of my needs in North America certainly.

Anyhow, it works for me but there I go with the engineer logic numbers again!

Pretty much the same here Charlie. With the only differences being the caliber selection.