First Reloads at the range

[tim629]

Just got back from the range with the first 10 rounds that my brother-in-law helped me load up over the weekend:

.243 Remington Mohawk 600

2, 5 shot groups
approximately 100 meters
100 grain Sierra spitzers
IMR 4350


the box is a thing of winchester primers for size reference, honestly happy with both groups for my first reloads obviously 40 grains a bit better than the 41.4grains

the 40grain load was the second group shot, so barrel was warmer currently sitting at 86 and I was in the sunshine so not prime for barrel cool down between shots but still shot a round then went to the 22 for a bit then back to the 243 for another round

So leave this load at 40? or try backing off another .5-1 grain? I'd be happy calling it operator error loading up a few more of these then moving onto load development for the 95grain Nosler BT's that I plan on hunting with this fall... but also seems too "easy" if I find satisfactory success on my second load

 

[tim629]

the flier way to the right in the second pic.... operator error on that one

 

[tim629]

Just measured first target has .86 variance on width and 1.4" vertical

second target minus the 5th shot was 1.248 wide and 1.565 vertical

 

[OU812]

Great job with your first reloads. If it were me I would redo the 40 grain load as it looks real promising. Any though to why the 2 very close but different groups?

 

[tim629]

I just loaded up 6 more hoping to figure that out

the first shot in the black was first shot of the group, I didn't see the mark on the plate so figured I missed, walked up to check while barrel cooled and there it was, felt like I pulled it a bit. shot 4 I wasn't supporting front of the gun rest so gun moved quite a bit and had to re-position for shot 5 is my only guess as to why 5 ended up in the black also

 

[SJB358]

Looks pretty good to me. I would reshoot that first charge, if it repeats, I think you'll have a great deer load!

 

[Guy Miner]

Congrats! You're doing well.

I agree w/Scotty, load some more of that first charge and try 'em again. That could turn out to be The Load.

Guy

 

[tim629]

What do you guys use to rest your rifle on while sighting in?

I had 2" of spread across but my vertical was just under an inch so fine by me. the side-side doesn't even bother me that much when I still had 5shots in the 1"x2" space just know that to do a better job of testing the load I need to find a better rest that will take me a bit more out of the equation

I really think the side-side is because I changed where I had the target for the second round (measured 100 yards, previous 2 groups were under 100, measured using google earth which wasn't quite as accurate as I was hoping) so my set up on the rusted/non-adjusting lead sled was different

 

[SJB358]

I run a Bull's bag to support the rifle on the front guard screw. Then I use something smaller to support the rear of the stock. I tend to not put much pressure on the forend when shooting off the bunch.

If you have the ability to shoot prone, that would be good too, just a little cumbersome for load work unless you have a good layout available.

 

[sask boy]

Tim, I am going give you the same advice as Scotty. I would really work a bit with that first load. I also use the bulls bag on the bench. But I also use a lead sled as well with my rifles that have synthetic stocks.
PS. That some great shooting, thanks for the report & photos!!

Blessings,
Dan

 

[RiverRider]

That lateral dispersion can really drive you nuts. I've gone through spells of fighting my rear rest without realizing I was doing it, and that can added those side-to-side inches to a group easily. My method of dealing with it is to get the rifle basically on target and then get myself behind and in contact with it without any stress or strain. Good technique requires conscious effort, that's almost a cliche but it's true enough...but it's the things we do unconsciously that really screw us up.

 

[Elkman]

Somewhere I read that to insure that the rifle is properly situated, was to get behind it in shooting position. Then when you feel that you are ready to shoot, close both eyes for a second or two, then see where the rifle is pointing when you open them. I have found this an effective way to insure that my position or grip is not affecting the rifle.

 

[JD338]

For your first loads, you did great. IMR 4350 was always my go to powder in the 243 Win with the heavier bullets.
I would reshoot 40.0 grains. You may also improve the group be playing with the COL.
We can help you with that after you reshoot the load.

Good work!

JD338

 

[Vince]

Looks like a great load if it repeats.

Shoot it again to see if you have repeatability. I'll bet you do.

 

[SJB358]

Somewhere I read that to insure that the rifle is properly situated, was to get behind it in shooting position. Then when you feel that you are ready to shoot, close both eyes for a second or two, then see where the rifle is pointing when you open them. I have found this an effective way to insure that my position or grip is not affecting the rifle.

Bill nailed what I was taught a couple of years ago. Getting your natural point of aim is very important. I practice the same method Bill mentioned when I am sitting at the bench or firing offhand. If your body is lined up naturally with the bull, all you have to do is squeeze the trigger as you take muscle tension outta the equation.

 

[JD338]

Somewhere I read that to insure that the rifle is properly situated, was to get behind it in shooting position. Then when you feel that you are ready to shoot, close both eyes for a second or two, then see where the rifle is pointing when you open them. I have found this an effective way to insure that my position or grip is not affecting the rifle.

I do the same thing. An old bench rest shooters trick.

JD338

 

[truck driver]

Somewhere I read that to insure that the rifle is properly situated, was to get behind it in shooting position. Then when you feel that you are ready to shoot, close both eyes for a second or two, then see where the rifle is pointing when you open them. I have found this an effective way to insure that my position or grip is not affecting the rifle.

Works for Bullseye pistol shooting also. Point shooting hand towards target close eyes when you open your eyes hand should be on target same thing I was taught years ago. Another trick is to calm your nerves by closeing your eyes after you set up behind the rifle and visualize the sights on the center of the target taking several deep breaths to relax and fill your lungs with oxygen don't force the shot if you can't get it off relax and take a few more breaths.

 

[RiverRider]

That sounds like a great technique---I have to wonder if I ever heard this before. If I did I musta forgot it while I slept! I'll try it myself.

 

[truck driver]

That sounds like a great technique---I have to wonder if I ever heard this before. If I did I musta forgot it while I slept! I'll try it myself.

No doubt you have . We all express our thoughts in different ways. :mrgreen:

 

[tim629]

bullsbag- i see they have a "field" model and bench model. any of you actually use them in the field? i'm not seeing it practical so leaning towards putting a bench model on my shopping list at some point


just shot another group had the first 4 ok under 2", then last 6 i was trying to adjust things better with the leadsled, without it, ect... and ended up all over the place


line up, close eyes, open eyes, close everything looks great, just reading a chuck hawks article and noticed a key thing that might be messing with me: Stock against a hard surface will cause a jump changing point of impact. any chance that the lead-sled's weathered and probably lacking cushioning so me trying to use that more today was actually making things worse since it was wood on a more solid surface vs on some sandbags (or kitty litter bags) that will absorb some recoil instead of reacting as violently