The best way to find out what bullet my rifle likes?

nickshultz · Aug 6, 2008

I have Nosler model 48 300 WSM and it is currently sighted in for 180 accubonds. I'm curious to see how the rifle will like 150 grain bullets. So, I purchased a sample pack from a custom ammo company with 5 different bullets and 4 rounds per bullet (20 pack). My question is:

How should I go about testing the rounds? I dont want to waste any of the sample rounds, I only have have four shots per bullet.
Will the 150 grain hit paper at 100 yards with the rifle being sighted in for 180 grain?
The place I purchased the rounds said to shoot three shots with cheap ammo just to run through. Then shoot each bullet one at a time for the first five bullets(I'm guessing using five different targets), then clean, foul again with cheap bullets then repeat sequence.

I thought the best would be to shoot four shots with bullet, clean then try next set.

What do you recommend?

Thanks!!!

old #7 · Aug 6, 2008

Congrats on the Nosler 48

You should definately be on paper if you are currently sighted in with the 180.

The reason to fire cheap or factory ammo after cleaning is to foul the barrel. Some rifles will shoot the fouling shots quite a bit away from the other shots.
The cleaning between your test bullets will give you a good benchmark for comparason. Each group of shots would be fired through a clean barrel with 3 fouling shots.

I have never tried to find out if my rifle "likes" a bullet with only 4 shots.
it usually takes more but sometimes you get lucky and stumble on the perfect primer, powder, bullet and case the first time out.

nickshultz · Aug 6, 2008

Thanks old #7. I know it will be hard with only twenty bullets. I'm hoping that the experience from Larry at superior ammo will help. He has made some ammo for model 48's in 300 WSM. I will find out tomorrow.

YoteSmoker · Aug 6, 2008

4 rounds is definitely no where close to test any kind of loads. I always start intitial load work up and testing with 15 like bullets and components, shooting 3 shots per charge increase with the same powder going up .5 grains shooting 3 shot groups per charge. This is for initial testing. I don't shoot for shot placement on the target but for groups. Once you get your load figured out and fine tuned, then you can get serious about sighting in after you mass produce like rounds. You should ask whoever you bought the bullet samples from to send you 4 more "kits" so you have enough to sample LOL.

old #7 · Aug 6, 2008

YoteSmoker":348x7k08 said:
4 rounds is definitely no where close to test any kind of loads. I always start intitial load work up and testing with 15 like bullets and components, shooting 3 shots per charge increase with the same powder going up .5 grains shooting 3 shot groups per charge. This is for initial testing. I don't shoot for shot placement on the target but for groups. Once you get your load figured out and fine tuned, then you can get serious about sighting in after you mass produce like rounds. You should ask whoever you bought the bullet samples from to send you 4 more "kits" so you have enough to sample LOL.

I do the same thing. I usually load up 20 rounds the first two are fouling shots and then I have 6 three round groups to shoot. Or shoot 5 four round groups.
I have also used the ladder method with good success.
I think both methods use the same amount of bullets but who cares as long as I'm out shooting. :grin:

baltz526 · Aug 6, 2008

4 rounds is what i do with a new bullet, and sometimes you know right then your rifle dosn't like one. shoot a 6" group and you can elliminate that bullet. the 20rd test pack sounds like a great deal if you are having your ammo loaded for you.