Loading at the range tomorrow!

[joelkdouglas]

I will be loading at the range for the first time tomorrow. Battery pack for the RCBS Chargemaster, Arbor press with a Wilson, etc., etc., and the day off work.

Have any of you screwed up while loading at the range (that you're willing to admit)? I ask so I don't make the same mistakes!

I am hoping to have load development for some PTs and ABs done tomorrow!

Can I load 2-shot groups at the range to eliminate bad loads? I realize good loads are only proven good with more loads (I prefer 5-shot groups).

Thanks gents!

 

[longwinters]

I've never done it, but I would be concerned about wind messing with my powder scale. I also wonder how hard it would be to really concentrate like one should.

Long

 

[joelkdouglas]

Thanks for the reminder to be vigilant while loading! Always a good idea.

I am only taking two bullets with me--180 Partitions and 180 Accubonds, and only 2 powders, Ramshot Hunter and H4350. My plan is to not break out the H4350 unless the Hunter just isn't working. I have loaded up the first 9 rounds already--57.7 grains, 58.0 grains, 58.3 grains. I've already set the seater for 0.02 off the lands for the Partitions. At a minimum it should give me a good starting point.

I also built a platform for my truck bed to put the RCBS Chargemaster on. My truck has a camper shell which I think will help with the wind, and the Chargemaster has the wind screen. But your point is still valid--I hope the wind is not a deal breaker.

Thanks for your input!

 

[FOTIS]

I would love to do that. Saves so much time~

 

[runtohunt]

I would love to do that. Saves so much time~

Ditto. I live about 40 minutes from the closest range. It is a real pain to work up loads. I think that loading at the range would save vast amounts of time.

I hope that it works out for you. Would be nice to have a room/camper shell/quiet(er) space to reload and stay out of the wind.
Pics of your set up would be most helpful
Let us know how it works for you. Good luck

 

[elkeater2]

Only one bullet/powder at a time...keep the other combos put clear away. I use an old cooler.
Have a notebook and write everything down as you do it. Don't count on memory for anything!
Don't know about the Chargemaster, but my electronic stuff wants to be level and stable. A cement block inside the camper shell comes to mind. C- clamps and 2x6's are handy for bullet seaters. A press clamped to a board, held down by another cement block?
Our range has a heavy metal building with a couple shelves. I have most of my loading room moved out there in those storage bins with wheels sometimes.
If I have lots of time and no crowd I have a target by me on the bench and mark each bullet hole, load, and group as they are shot, as close as I can based on what the spotting scope tells me. That memory thing again, and it saves me trips marking holes.
You can do it if weather permits, have fun!
EE2

 

[Too Tall]

I do a lot like EE2 does.
I set a balance beam in a tub, spoon the powder in, and us a Lee hand press. Before I go I prep as many cases as I think it will take.
I use the ladder test to get in the area, then load a few on each side. Then I work on stick out.
I don't have a crowd, because I do it up in the mountains. Set up a target stand at 200 yards, and one on the ground next to me to mark the hits. I use big eyes to see the little holes. Do all the shooting prone off a bipod on a mat.

 

[joelkdouglas]

It worked out okay. I prefer loading at home, as there are fewer distractions.

Here's a picture of the setup:

And some results, with 180 Accubonds 0.02 off the lands over 58.3 grains of Ramshot Hunter:

Why can't I get Partitions to shoot this easily?!

 

[DrMike]

It does look as if that worked out very well for you.

 

[FOTIS]

Good fro you buddy! Nice!

 

[Guest]

Good job with the 180 AB. I like the results!!

Don

 

[HTDUCK]

Creedmore and I are very fortunate !
Our club has a reloading room about 20 yards from the 100 yard range.
A bench with presses and electricity are provided.
It's even air conditioned ! (it was about 88 degress here Sat by noon)
Show up, bring brass, primers, dies, powder and what ever else you like and have at it.
I spent most of Saturday doing load development work on my 7STW and my brother's 300 Win.
By three in the afternoon had both of them driving tacks.

 

[longwinters]

Looks like you had things well thought out and had good results.

Long

 

[runtohunt]

Nice work with the 180 AB. Glad it worked out for you. Thank you for the pic of the set-up.

 

[FOTIS]

That is a 1 load for all game, load.