6 BRA Group Reading

[Creed Bratton]

My first powder charge workup with this rifle. Any initial thoughts as to if I should do another powder charge test or if there’s a charge that stands out to you guys where you would start some seating depths tests at…no chrono data available. Any and all thoughts appreciated. I’m very coachable.

 

[Bill Norris]

I would definitely look at that 30.4 gr. load maybe try 30.3 - 30.5 gr. to see if it will tighten up a bit. Once you see the tightest group between the three charges then shoot a five shot group with that load to verify that it will duplicate. Then proceed with bullet seating depth checks.

 

[gpoldblue]

My first powder charge workup with this rifle. Any initial thoughts as to if I should do another powder charge test or if there’s a charge that stands out to you guys where you would start some seating depths tests at…no chrono data available. Any and all thoughts appreciated. I’m very coachable. View attachment 1391572

I think you should reshoot this with wind flags....looks like you may have had some wind influence causing some of the group displacement & angling shots. Just a little bit of wind can reek havoc on groups.
Trying to tune without wind flags is very difficult. You need some kind of wind indicators.

 

[AlNyhus]

A couple things based on the groups:
- Wind flags
- Measure a single bullet hole on the target.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Yep, flags to start with. A few groups show horizontal or diagonal from low right to high left. That can be wind. diagonal the other way from a rh twist bbl)low left to high and right) is not wind. Not much of that on your target. I use that group shape to read tune because it rules out wind..but flags are best. Still, when you get proficient at tuning and reading groups, you learn how far out you are when you see groups form that way.

 

[Cfshooter]

My first powder charge workup with this rifle. Any initial thoughts as to if I should do another powder charge test or if there’s a charge that stands out to you guys where you would start some seating depths tests at…no chrono data available. Any and all thoughts appreciated. I’m very coachable. View attachment 1391572

I would go 30.1 or 30.5 and to seating.

 

[JFrank]

I’m not an expert at these but if your getting pressure on top then maybe check both sides of 30.4 for the moment, ime bra seems to like a bit more neck tension/bullet hold so if you use a bushing die test a smaller size and a take couple of wind flags you’ll get better data to evaluate.

 

[Jet]

Do you have the ability to shoot at further distance? If so, recommend you try that. Your small groups may tempt you but I can't tell where the nodes are.

 

[Creed Bratton]

I appreciate all of your insight and advice, guys. I certainly have a lot to learn and have no mentor in this field which is why I’m reaching out here. Thanks again for your time!

 

[Creed Bratton]

Do you have the ability to shoot at further distance? If so, recommend you try that. Your small groups may tempt you but I can't tell where the nodes are.

My range goes out to 300. I should run a powder test at 300 to get a better gauge where the nodes are? Makes sense.

 

[gpoldblue]

My range goes out to 300. I should run a powder test at 300 to get a better gauge where the nodes are? Makes sense.

If you don't use wind indicators,you will run into the same errors....you still don't know what's causing the errant shots. Errant shots can be caused by load,gun handling,rest setup,poor tracking,,and of course wind or a combination. The further out you go,the errors are multiplied. If you can't find the node/tune at 100yds.....
good luck. Without wind flags you're pretty much stuck where you are.

 

[Ccrider]

First, while having a mentor close to teach you would likely shorten the learning curve, it is not mandatory. I have not had one and have been able to figure everything out with the unlimited help of the members on this site. Sort of like having a bunch of mentors. Just figure out the ones to listen to and you will be fine.

Second, tell us about your gun. Potential varies depending on the type of set up you have.

Third, tell us about your reloading process. Knowing how you got to the groups you are shooting will help to identify problems.

Fourth, tell us about your shooting platform. Are you shooting free arm, off bags and rest or a tripod?

Last, what level of accuracy are you trying to achieve?

These are questions coming from someone that has been through exactly what you are about to go through if you take the serious leap into the rabbit hole.

 

[Jet]

Shoot it at 300 with the same charge weights and make sure you hold on the same spot of the orange dot. Bottom, top, etc.

If you don't have wind flags just use a couple 3'-4' sticks, push them in the ground with a 12"-18" ribbon tacked to the top. Old fishing rod section will work.

 

[urbanrifleman]

Do the load workup around the velocity and pressure you think you want, then repeat it several times.

Use load workups as wind reading practice.

 

[Creed Bratton]

First, while having a mentor close to teach you would likely shorten the learning curve, it is not mandatory. I have not had one and have been able to figure everything out with the unlimited help of the members on this site. Sort of like having a bunch of mentors. Just figure out the ones to listen to and you will be fine.

Second, tell us about your gun. Potential varies depending on the type of set up you have.

Third, tell us about your reloading process. Knowing how you got to the groups you are shooting will help to identify problems.

Fourth, tell us about your shooting platform. Are you shooting free arm, off bags and rest or a tripod?

Last, what level of accuracy are you trying to achieve?

These are questions coming from someone that has been through exactly what you are about to go through if you take the serious leap into the rabbit hole.

Defiance Tenacity Action
1 in 7.5 twist 28" Proof Research Stainless Barrel
KRG Bravo Stock
APA Lil Bastard Brake
NightForce NX8 4x32

Thus far, reloading process has been deprime, wet tumble, anneal, lube, full length resize with a whidden FL bushing die. Bumped shoulder 2.5 thousandths, chamfer and deburr, hand prime with RCBS hand primer (crush fit) CCI 450, load powder with RCBS chargemaster lite, seat bullet at touch point in the lands...not jam...at least that's where I started...which was 1.786 cbto in my chamber...running 1 thousandths neck tension. Anything I'm missing?

Shooting platform is rock BR front rest and rear bag is protektor model silver ears

goal is to simply shoot the smallest groups possible for fun...I set the gun up to potentially run it in some PRS matches down the road...currently just want to go through the load development process, learn how to drive the gun, learn the little nuances of the 6 BRA cartridge and reloading for it, etc.

 

[Ccrider]

I may have missed it but what distance did you shoot that target at?

 

[Jet]

Your NightForce NX8 4x32 is the limiting factor in your ability to hold small on the target. if you have a higher power optic but that on their for the test.

 

[Creed Bratton]

Your NightForce NX8 4x32 is the limiting factor in your ability to hold small on the target. if you have a higher power optic but that on their for the test.

I do not. Took me like 4 months of eating rice and beans to save up for that one...that'll be as good as it gets

 

[Creed Bratton]

I may have missed it but what distance did you shoot that target at?

100 yds.

 

[Ccrider]

Is it a no turn neck? What size neck; what size neck bushing are you using?