.270 Win. Load Work Up Help.

[litenite99]

I am relatively new to precision loading. I've been handloading for 15yrs now but I have recently become interested in accuracy. I was hoping some of the more experienced guys here may be able to critique my process a little. Here is the status and details of my load development so far. I selected components by what is available in my local area. I am aware that there may be better options available. Also, I do intend to evaluate my seating depth as my final step after a charge weight is determined.

Rifle: Savage 110 high country .270 Winchester 22" 1-10 twist
Projectiles: Hornady 130gr SST
Powder: A2700
Primers: CCI BR-2
Press-RCBS Rockchucker
Dies-Hornady
Powder measure-RCBS charge master. Powder charge +/- .1 accuracy
Chronograph- LabRadar set to start recording velocity at approximately 15yrds out.
Trim length- 2.51 +/- .002" accuracy
Jump-.020" off lands +/- .001" accuracy
Brass neck concentricity Min. .001- Max .004" run out
Loaded bullet concentricity Min. .001"-.007" run out

My loading process is as follows. I anneal after every firing, decap, tumble, full length size with expander ball removed, and run though expander mandrel and load.

I loaded a 15 shot ladder. Temp 75°F
Charge weight Velocity
53.5grs-3015
53.2grs-3051
52.9grs-2982
52.6grs-3000
52.3grs-3004
52.0grs-2971
51.7grs-2946
51.4grs-2956
51.1grs-2940
50.8grs-2899
50.5grs-2924
50.2grs-2893
49.9grs-2822
49.6grs-2814
49.3grs-2858

I then performed some testing for extreme spread and standard deviation between 52.1grs and 52.7grs. at 100yrds. Temp 85°F.
My issue here was that the area that showed the smallest extreme spread and standard deviation was very narrow. My accuracy ability in my scale is only .1grns so I'm not sure this is the best load for me.

52.2grs
Average Velocity-2926
High-2957
Low-2896
ES-59
SD-29.7
Shot Count-5
Group size-3/4"

52.3
Average Velocity-2959
High-2968
Low-2903
ES-15
SD-8.5
Shot Count-5
Group size-1"

52.4
Average Velocity-2973
High-2979
Low-2964
ES-15
SD-7.5
Shot Count-5
Group size-3/4"

52.5
Average Velocity-2959
High-2976
Low-2934
ES-41
SD-21.6
Shot Count-5
Group size-1/2"

52.6
Average Velocity-2987
High-3018
Low-2967
ES-51
SD-27.4
Shot Count-5
Group size-1"

52.7
Average Velocity-3003
High-2990
Low-2980
ES-60
SD-32.4
Shot Count-5
Group size-3/4"

 

[STOMP442]

I fail to see a problem. You have 1 moa or better groups with several sub moa and one at half moa with a factory rifle and 5 shot groups. I would say you are doing just fine.

 

[litenite99]

Stomp442 It may just be a lack of confidence thing since I'm relatively new to this type of loading. I may also be at the limits of the components that I'm using. But it seams like the only area that exhibited very low ES and SD was very narrow. Like almost within the limitations of my scales.

 

[CJ6]

The 52.3-52.5 range could use another go through. Take your time and don't let the barrel heat up and make sure it's cool before starting a new string. Your run-outs could also use some work.

 

[tthomp302]

I think you're on the right track. The 52.3 and 52.4 look the most promising. Factory barrels at least in my experience tend to give me much more narrow windows for nodes. The next thing that I would recommend is getting rid of the Expander ball/ decapping rod in your sizing die. Order a mandrel die with a mandrel 2 thou under bullet size (.275). Bump your shoulders 2 thou in one step then run the mandrel through. This will give you better neck tension consistency.

edit: sorry didn't see you already do this. You're doing well!

 

[STOMP442]

Stomp442 It may just be a lack of confidence thing since I'm relatively new to this type of loading. I may also be at the limits of the components that I'm using. But it seams like the only area that exhibited very low ES and SD was very narrow. Like almost within the limitations of my scales.

Don't focus on chrony numbers. Focus at results on paper and down range. Let the chrony numbers be what they may. I have had some horrible groups with excellent ES and SD numbers and I have had the opposite. As long as my load repeats and gives me consistent results I am happy.

 

[Zero333]

If you want great accuracy and temp stability in your 270win I suggest you start looking for H-4831sc.

IMR-4350 is also a great powder in the 270 with 130 gr bullets.

 

[K22]

In a big game hunting rifle, I would be happy as a "pig in mud" if I had sub moa groups.

I would be ecstatic if I had 1/2 moa groups.

But that's just me.

 

[Bill Norris]

Don't focus on chrony numbers. Focus at results on paper and down range. Let the chrony numbers be what they may. I have had some horrible groups with excellent ES and SD numbers and I have had the opposite. As long as my load repeats and gives me consistent results I am happy.

Absolutely, seen E S @ 100 fps for a 5-shot group and put all 5 bullets in the same hole @100 yds. It's a wise choice to let the target tell you the facts to go by.

 

[sbhooper]

In a big game hunting rifle, I would be happy as a "pig in mud" if I had sub moa groups.

I would be ecstatic if I had 1/2 moa groups.

But that's just me.

Me, too, but not with SST bullets.