Load development for hunting rifle

cjmac

Beginner
Mar 24, 2026
141
89
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 ?
 

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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.
 
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?
 
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.
 
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