when working up a load whats the best way to do it ??? theres so many things that can be changed to influence groups so im thinking that loading different powder wights ( min to max ) with the OAL set at what the manuel suggest on all rounds untill a powder wight is found to group well,, once that is found then mess with OAL to fine tune,,, what is your recomended proccess ??????
working up new loads
- Thread starter romex2121
- Start date
- Nov 4, 2004
- 25,544
- 9,606
Accuracy is Paramount, velocity is second. Look at the powders that fill the case for more consistency.
What I have found is when starting a new load development, go with the Nosler RG most accurate powder tested as a starting point. They are usually spot on.
Set your COL at .015-.020" off the lands for starters. Work up the charge weight and pick the most accurate load. Reshoot it to verify accuracy and then fine tune with COL.
JD338
What I have found is when starting a new load development, go with the Nosler RG most accurate powder tested as a starting point. They are usually spot on.
Set your COL at .015-.020" off the lands for starters. Work up the charge weight and pick the most accurate load. Reshoot it to verify accuracy and then fine tune with COL.
JD338
Richracer1
Handloader
- May 12, 2005
- 2,141
- 121
JD338":3dozmx0l said:
+1 on what JD said. Plus, I will add that not all rifles magazines will allow you to get within .015 - .020 from the lands, so in this case, start with a COL that will cycle through your magazine. As for powders, like JD said, pick one that fill the case the most plus has the potential for the most velocity. I don't start with a powder that's inherently slow. Using Nosler 6 as an example, the load data starts at the top with the slowest and works down the page to the fastest velocities.
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
- 37,516
- 6,555
You've had some excellent advice to this point, and I trust I can add valuable insight to what has already been said. I watch for low standard deviations in velocity as I assess each load for accuracy. This gives me a tool for assessing consistency of a given load. I then address OAL as I seek accuracy. Velocity is not my primary concern, though if a load is significantly slower than anticipated, I won't pursue it.
Richracer1
Handloader
- May 12, 2005
- 2,141
- 121
Oh I forgot to mention to change only one thing at a time. Here's my way:
1) Figure out a cartridge COL for THAT rifle.
2) Choose a powder that has the potential for best accuracy AND velocity
3) Load up my first test batch (3 shots) increasing the powder charge in half grain increments all at the COL decided upon in #1. Usually around 5 to 6 powder charges (15 to 18 test rounds loaded up).
4) Shoot the loads using the one that has the best accuracy.
5) If needed, adjust COL by .005 increment and re-test at that powder charge from #4.
6) If that powder doesn't yield good results, use a different powder.
I did not mention primers as I only use Fed GM type primers (205M, 210M, 215M), and I go by this rule, if it has "Mag" in the caliber title, I use the GM215M. A 243, 308, 30-06 gets the GM210M. Your way of choosing a primer may be different. This works for me.
1) Figure out a cartridge COL for THAT rifle.
2) Choose a powder that has the potential for best accuracy AND velocity
3) Load up my first test batch (3 shots) increasing the powder charge in half grain increments all at the COL decided upon in #1. Usually around 5 to 6 powder charges (15 to 18 test rounds loaded up).
4) Shoot the loads using the one that has the best accuracy.
5) If needed, adjust COL by .005 increment and re-test at that powder charge from #4.
6) If that powder doesn't yield good results, use a different powder.
I did not mention primers as I only use Fed GM type primers (205M, 210M, 215M), and I go by this rule, if it has "Mag" in the caliber title, I use the GM215M. A 243, 308, 30-06 gets the GM210M. Your way of choosing a primer may be different. This works for me.
blacktailhunter
Beginner
- Jul 29, 2007
- 95
- 0
This can turn your hair gray, if it is not already. Eliminate as many variables as you can to start with. I load three each in charge intervals of .05grn increments. I usually start the bullet at .030" off the lands, unless it is a monolithic, then I use .100". I have an idea of what velocity and accuracy level I am after, so I shoot until I see one that shows some promise. I usually load no more than one or two bullet makes with one or two different powders. I always test stick powders separate from ball powders. Don't ask me why. Only give up on a load once you see pressure signs or you have shot the full spectrum of charge weights.
Listen to what your rifle is telling you about your loads. You might be force-feeding it a bullet weight or style that iit doesn't digest well. I learned this with my 300 Savage. Once I stepped up to a 180gr bullet of any make, the groups tightened dramatically.
Most importantly, have fun!
Listen to what your rifle is telling you about your loads. You might be force-feeding it a bullet weight or style that iit doesn't digest well. I learned this with my 300 Savage. Once I stepped up to a 180gr bullet of any make, the groups tightened dramatically.
Most importantly, have fun!
