2 loads per rifle?
- Thread starter wisconsinteacher
- Start date
OU812
Handloader
- Apr 18, 2006
- 2,099
- 2
I don't own a rifle that does not have 2-5 different loads developed for them. Don't really need to have that many loads per rifle as most have a certain purpose and bullet of choice. That being said it's fun to work up accurate loads and it's nice to know the gun likes different bullets just in case.
Bill
Bill
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
- 37,502
- 6,507
Almost all my rifles have multiple loads developed. However, I keep only one load made up at a time so there won't be any possibility of differing POI or ballistics when hunting.
Oldtrader3
Ammo Smith
- Nov 6, 2009
- 8,406
- 6
Dave, you and I seem to have similar thought processes on an lot of stuff.
I also do pretty extensive load develoment for each rifle as it melds into my gun safe slowly, earning a permanent spot there. Generally, I will do (4) or so loads for each rifle with differing bullet weights and components through an optimization process and to the point where I can make a cogent decison on what it optimal for the specific purpose or game which I bought that specific rifle for.
When I was in my 50's, I had nearly (30) long guns, (12) handguns, and the world was different then. I just turned 69 last week. Now have (7) CF refined into what I want, rifles left with health issues.
I also do pretty extensive load develoment for each rifle as it melds into my gun safe slowly, earning a permanent spot there. Generally, I will do (4) or so loads for each rifle with differing bullet weights and components through an optimization process and to the point where I can make a cogent decison on what it optimal for the specific purpose or game which I bought that specific rifle for.
When I was in my 50's, I had nearly (30) long guns, (12) handguns, and the world was different then. I just turned 69 last week. Now have (7) CF refined into what I want, rifles left with health issues.
- Oct 30, 2004
- 24,388
- 3,298
I have way too many rifles for me to handle. One load one gun.
longwinters
Handloader
- Oct 10, 2004
- 1,476
- 1
I don't have near the rifles that some of you do. I deer gun hunt about 5-7 days a year plus bowhunting.
To have the money I have tied up into rifles and scopes and only use them for a week a year is a real waste. To only shoot the same load at paper targets over and over is really boring... if this was all I was going to do then why reload? Factory fodder would be good enough.
Obviously to each his own. But in the past when I had worked up multiple loads for a specific rifle and caliber I sold it and bought something else for the adventure of it all. Those times have changed now, but the reloading adventure goes on.
Long
To have the money I have tied up into rifles and scopes and only use them for a week a year is a real waste. To only shoot the same load at paper targets over and over is really boring... if this was all I was going to do then why reload? Factory fodder would be good enough.
Obviously to each his own. But in the past when I had worked up multiple loads for a specific rifle and caliber I sold it and bought something else for the adventure of it all. Those times have changed now, but the reloading adventure goes on.
Long
Oldtrader3
Ammo Smith
- Nov 6, 2009
- 8,406
- 6
Yeah but! This is not about resources allocation and making common sense! This is about a lifelong passion for shooting and enjoying ownership of rifles and other fine firearms.
I usually work up all kinds of loads but then tend to zero in on a specific recipe for a given rifle. I've loaded the 55 BT and 100 PT (and most of what's in between) in the .243, and killed everything from chipmunks to deer with it. However, it is now mostly a predator rig and I've settled on the 80 grain BT. Same for the .30-06; have loaded 125 to 200 grains, but I find that the 180 PT makes for simple operation, minimal clutter and very dead animals. The .270 gets 130 grainers and I'm working on 160 PTs with the .280.
Probably the exception to this would be the .338. I have a couple loads with the 180 AB for whitetail, finishing a 210 PT load for an all-arounder, and have a couple bags of 250 PTs in case I really want to thump something. Never realized how versatile that cartridge really is until I started working with it.
Probably the exception to this would be the .338. I have a couple loads with the 180 AB for whitetail, finishing a 210 PT load for an all-arounder, and have a couple bags of 250 PTs in case I really want to thump something. Never realized how versatile that cartridge really is until I started working with it.
I tend to have two loads per rifle as well. I like having a hunting load (elk) and then a range/deer load. My 270WSM uses the 150 BT as a range/deer bullet and the 150 PT for my heavy hitter load. Same for the 7WSM. 160 AB for hunting and 162 AMAX for range use. I have quite a few others, but luckily, just about everything is the same on all the loads expect for the bullet and seating depth.
Oldtrader3
Ammo Smith
- Nov 6, 2009
- 8,406
- 6
Scotty, now you have (2) .338 WM's, both model 70's! It would not hurt to break them apart with a load for each?
Oldtrader3
Ammo Smith
- Nov 6, 2009
- 8,406
- 6
Outstanding! I had a .308 Norma about 30 years ago and really liked it. Another .358 adherent progressing down the path of rifle progression!
Scotty, when you decide to build a .358/.340 Weatherby look me up!
Scotty, when you decide to build a .358/.340 Weatherby look me up!
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
- 37,502
- 6,507
Now you're talking! Superb choice! :grin:
Oldtrader3":2lw8dda4 said:
Thanks Charlie. I think it'll be a great rifle. My Model 70 Alaskan will be my nicer weather rifle and the 358 will be an all weather stomper.
DrMike":2lw8dda4 said:
I have to call Krieger and order up a barrel for it. I think they make a 1-10 for it, so it'll either be that or a 1-12 so I can use some of those 280's your hoarding!
I was kinda thinking you would like it!
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
- 37,502
- 6,507
I'd think a twelve twist would work very well for you, Scotty. I'll let you know how the 280s work in the Whelen; but there is no question that they were made for the Norma.
Antelope_Sniper
Handloader
- Jan 25, 2008
- 2,618
- 0
Back in the day, when I had to do everything with just a .270 Winchester, I had three loads for it.
90gr Sierra HP's at 3500 for varmits.
130/150 gr Solidbase for deer and antelope
150gr Partitions for Elk.
As I aquired more rifles, I needed fewer loads per rifle.
90gr Sierra HP's at 3500 for varmits.
130/150 gr Solidbase for deer and antelope
150gr Partitions for Elk.
As I aquired more rifles, I needed fewer loads per rifle.
Guy Miner
Master Loader
- Apr 6, 2006
- 17,836
- 6,312
Yes - I remember when that was a common practice. Dad and I had varmint, medium game and big game loads for our .30-06 rifles when I was a kid. It was great fun banging away at rock chucks & ground squirrels with the very accurate and explosive 130 gr Speer hollow points back then. A fellow saw a lot of magazine articles about handloading, to provide multiple loads for different purposes too.
Now I think a lot of hunters & handloaders have quite a few more rifles than most of us did in the past. I surely do.
Regards, Guy
Now I think a lot of hunters & handloaders have quite a few more rifles than most of us did in the past. I surely do.
Regards, Guy
- Oct 30, 2004
- 24,388
- 3,298
I think a lot of this stems from the gun magazine writers.
"The xx-06 is so versatile. 110 gr for varmints, 150 for dee,r 165 for bigger deer and caribou, 180's for elk, 200 for moose, and 220 from brown bear."
It is true but it cracks me up also.
Moreover they did not have the monolithics back in those days. Today a 165 TTSX would do for everything minus the Brown bear.
"The xx-06 is so versatile. 110 gr for varmints, 150 for dee,r 165 for bigger deer and caribou, 180's for elk, 200 for moose, and 220 from brown bear."
It is true but it cracks me up also.
Moreover they did not have the monolithics back in those days. Today a 165 TTSX would do for everything minus the Brown bear.
