Developing a load: How do YOU do it?

[Crumster]

I can't begin to remember how many times I have worked up a bullet, powder, case, primer combination for a new rifle. I will be starting that process again for the umpteenth time in a week. It will be for a Tikka 22-250, but I am not looking for specific information on this particular rifle. I don't really know if I have a "standard" method or sequence, or if I just start from zero every time.
I'd like to hear from you gentlemen as to how you would approach this project with the goal. of achieving appropriate load performance. The finished load formula will include how each step and component was developed and the chronological order.
I know there could be a multitude of questions that you could ask me, but I would hope we could skip that part, and just get it on paper.
To give a idea of what I'd like to hear, I know the first and second things I do.....First I grab my trusted loading manual, second I'm looking at my shelves ...............

 

[cptjack]

above half way to max load go in 1/2 gr increments charges ,which ever shoots or groups best refine below good charge go in .2 increments to above ,find best group,

 

[7887mm08]

Bullet is always my first choice, then i study manuals for what powder would seem to get me where i would like to be. as stated above i would start in the middle range of max load and work up from there.
I am only loading for hunting and plinking not competition.
My mythology is probably cave-man era reloading!

 

[Cfshooter]

There are so many ways and ways that work well for one person and not another, but what works best for you is the right way, for now lol.

Load expectations need to be realistic for each load also. Don’t expect sub moa averages for a FMJ bullet and some ball powder out of your off the shelf mini 14. Can it happen, sure, but don’t expect it.

I have worked up dozens of match loads to my goal of .75 moa averages on my gas guns (with good barrels) and .5 moa or better averages on my bolt guns (5 shot groups). I do stick with more match type bullets and extruded powders. My preferred method is a modified OCW. Really just an OCW with use of chrono to help decide on where in a consistent POI area I want to settle at.

When I start a new caliber or with a new to me bullet, I will check the internet and see where most are finding success with charges and seating depth. If I like what I find in my searches I will start with a depth around the area of the masses, but the majority of time I start how the load will be used, if it will be mag fed, I start at max mag length, if single fed I start at touch. If the charge weight of the masses is all above book. I will start at an area similar to the masses that I feel is safe and work back at .2 or .3 increments to achieve 5 charges to test. If I start at book charges, I will start at max and go down .2-.3 3 times and up once or twice.

I prefer to start with 2-3 different powders, and the bullet and primer of choice. OCW with each of the 2-3 different powders (20 shots total per OCW, 5 of those of each powder are used as foulers), clean the barrel between powder change (a few passes with carbon remover). Picked the best OCW, one with biggest POI window and go to depth testing with that powder.

After a load or two I get a feel for how the barrel can shoot and then future loads may or may not make it further than the initial charge test before I quit on them and go to another component combo.

 

[Jager]

• Choose a bullet
• Choose a powder
• Usually starting with virgin brass... so measure water capacity of three samples (will be repeated later, once brass is fireformed. Virgin brass rarely shoots as well as fully fireformed brass, but whatever patterns it exposes are likely to repeated later on once it has a few rounds through it.)
• Model in QuickLoad so I know what pressure/velocity I might be looking at.
• Load a charge weight ladder, three shots per increment, typically starting 5-7 increments down from what QL shows as max.
• Following three foulers, shoot first increment of charge weight ladder, capturing accuracy and chrono stats. If velocity is reasonable relative to expectation, continue shooting rest of ladder. If velocity is a surprise, stop and reevaluate QL model.
• Goal is to find a pattern at the target, not necessarily the smallest group. Velocity is simply a proxy for pressure, not a goal in and of itself. I mostly ignore SD and ES.
• Assuming an accuracy pattern can be observed (usually the case), select the most promising.
• Load a bullet seating depth ladder, usually two rounds each. Can march towards the lands, or away from them, but you have to know where the lands begin because it affects pressure. Like the earlier charge weight ladder, goal is to discover a pattern at the target.
• Every shot matters in load development. A couple of blown shots can very quickly make it very difficult to see what's going on. Wind calls and bench manners are critical.
• A single small group can easily be just a bit of serendipity, rising out of the noise. Because the sample sets at this stage are just too small. But patterns - groups incrementally getting smaller and larger - are much less likely to be statistical noise.
• Once you think you're onto something, load a bunch of rounds of it and send it downrange to verify.

 

[jackieschmidt]

The single best way to arrive at a good tune, if possible, is to figure out a way to load at the range.
You can get so much better results in real time. You can change one thing at a time. You can instantly change components.
When Iwent to the first Tack Driver in Orangeburg, I set up my loading table with the other Short Range Shooters. It amazed me how many people would come by, see us loading right there, and be amazed.
Since it is such a common practice in Short Range, I just assumed everybody was familiar with it.

Occasionally, some one will make a post on this site…….”Show us pictures of your loading room”.

I show them this.

 

[K22]

Lots of good advice in prior posts. I will try to high light my process.

1. If a new rifle, I always start with a virgin brass. I do some preliminary trial loads just to fire form the cases to the new rifle chamber. After that I get serious about load development. If developing a new load for an existing rifle, I use the cases that have been dedicated to that rifle. Each rifle has its own separate group of dedicated cases.

2. After many years of reloading and load development, my first decision is which bullet to select. I have learned that this choice, most of the time, is the most critical. Of course, the bullet needs to match the twist rate as best as possible. If it is a hunting application, terminal performance is a consideration. In years past I had my best success with Sierra bullets. In recent years they have been difficult to find so I was forced to try others. I have had success with some of the Hornady bullets, namely the 55 Vmax (223), 60 Vmax (223) and 75 Vmax (6mm). Another brand I have used with success in Nosler but at times, these also have been difficult to find.

3. Since I only shoot "legacy" cartridges, powder choice for me is the easiest component to choose. There are usually several powders that historically have worked well with legacy cartridges such as the 223, 22 250, 243, 308 etc. I only use extruded powders since they tend to be more forgiving both in charge weight and temperature stability. In my experience, most of the time if a bullet will not shoot well with one of these powders, it will not shoot well with the other powders.

4. I use only one brand of primers, Federal.

5. Whenever possible, I use the bullet manufacture's load data to select my powder charges. I start at the lower end and work up in 1/2 grain increments. I have used both a 3 shot and 5 shot approach. For me, the five-shot approach gives me the more reliable results. However, once I find a load that meets my standards, I verify with at least two more 5 shot tests. Statistically speaking, one should be cautious in selecting a load without a large enough sample size.

6. Since I am hunter and recreational target shooter, my standard seating depth is .020" off the lands. With few exceptions, I found this works with most of the rifles I have owned.

General Comments:

Unless you enjoy many hours at the bench, testing and experimenting, I believe there is value in selecting an accuracy standard that will meet your shooting discipline requirements. Beside hating shooting off the bench, in this day of component prices and lack of availability, I find having an accuracy standard works best for me. In other words, when I find a load that meets my needs, I stop load development. I do not try to squeeze another few .1" reduction in group size. The sooner I can get off the bench and start field testing a selected load with range practice, the better it is for me.

Test set up, shot sequence, and attention to environment conditions can have a significant impact on the reliability of your test data. Also, if a rifle is not properly bedded, it will limit your ability to find a consistently accurate load. Shooter fatigue is another element, trying to test to many loads in a range session can skew the results. It is also difficult to produce consistent results with a heavy trigger pull and a scope not properly mounted.

As another poster stated, in this day of high technology and gadgets, my approach is "caveman" like, but it has worked for me for a very long time.

 

[jelenko]

find a load that meets my needs, I stop load development

This^^^ - for what I do.

 

[Cfshooter]

The single best way to arrive at a good tune, if possible, is to figure out a way to load at the range.
You can get so much better results in real time. You can change one thing at a time. You can instantly change components.
When Iwent to the first Tack Driver in Orangeburg, I set up my loading table with the other Short Range Shooters. It amazed me how many people would come by, see us loading right there, and be amazed.
Since it is such a common practice in Short Range, I just assumed everybody was familiar with it.

Occasionally, some one will make a post on this site…….”Show us pictures of your loading room”.

I show them thisView attachment 1514346.

I wish i had that kind of time to spend at the range, i do occasionally conduct seating tests with a small press at range, but rarely even the extra time for that (2 young kids in sports).

 

[SeabeeKen]

My method is very similar to @Jager except I seldom need to do a seating depth test with the hunting bullets I use.

 

[Dimner]

first thing I always do... even before bullet or powder selection is start with a goal. Not all loads need to be super uber accurate/ precise .

 

[Crumster]

To all who have responded so far THANK YOU! I continue to be amazed at the depth of knowledge and commitment I see here. I will be reading and re-reading for some time.

The single best way to arrive at a good tune, if possible, is to figure out a way to load at the range.
You can get so much better results in real time. You can change one thing at a time. You can instantly change components.
When Iwent to the first Tack Driver in Orangeburg, I set up my loading table with the other Short Range Shooters. It amazed me how many people would come by, see us loading right there, and be amazed.
Since it is such a common practice in Short Range, I just assumed everybody was familiar with it.

Occasionally, some one will make a post on this site…….”Show us pictures of your loading room”.

I show them thisView attachment 1514346.

Amazing!

 

[Wolfshead]

• Choose a bullet
• Choose a powder
• Usually starting with virgin brass... so measure water capacity of three samples (will be repeated later, once brass is fireformed. Virgin brass rarely shoots as well as fully fireformed brass, but whatever patterns it exposes are likely to repeated later on once it has a few rounds through it.)
• Model in QuickLoad so I know what pressure/velocity I might be looking at.
• Load a charge weight ladder, three shots per increment, typically starting 5-7 increments down from what QL shows as max.
• Following three foulers, shoot first increment of charge weight ladder, capturing accuracy and chrono stats. If velocity is reasonable relative to expectation, continue shooting rest of ladder. If velocity is a surprise, stop and reevaluate QL model.
• Goal is to find a pattern at the target, not necessarily the smallest group. Velocity is simply a proxy for pressure, not a goal in and of itself. I mostly ignore SD and ES.
• Assuming an accuracy pattern can be observed (usually the case), select the most promising.
• Load a bullet seating depth ladder, usually two rounds each. Can march towards the lands, or away from them, but you have to know where the lands begin because it affects pressure. Like the earlier charge weight ladder, goal is to discover a pattern at the target.
• Every shot matters in load development. A couple of blown shots can very quickly make it very difficult to see what's going on. Wind calls and bench manners are critical.
• A single small group can easily be just a bit of serendipity, rising out of the noise. Because the sample sets at this stage are just too small. But patterns - groups incrementally getting smaller and larger - are much less likely to be statistical noise.
• Once you think you're onto something, load a bunch of rounds of it and send it downrange to verify.

Could you please talk more about the patterns you are referring to?
I would really like to know more about what you’re looking for and what the patterns look like.
thanks in advance!

 

[Jager]

Could you please talk more about the patterns you are referring to?
I would really like to know more about what you’re looking for and what the patterns look like.
thanks in advance!

Sure. In a nutshell, you're simply looking for a pattern where the load moves in and out of tune.

Here's an example from a seating depth test, two shots per, changing seating depth in .003 increments. This test wasn't ideal - wind was switchy and gusting to about 10mph. You have to shoot over flags. And two-shot groups sometimes won't show a pattern as clearly as 3 or 5 shot groups. But hopefully you can see what I'm talking about.

 

[222Jim]

Lots of good advice in prior posts. I will try to high light my process.

1. If a new rifle, I always start with a virgin brass. I do some preliminary trial loads just to fire form the cases to the new rifle chamber. After that I get serious about load development. If developing a new load for an existing rifle, I use the cases that have been dedicated to that rifle. Each rifle has its own separate group of dedicated cases.

2. After many years of reloading and load development, my first decision is which bullet to select. I have learned that this choice, most of the time, is the most critical. Of course, the bullet needs to match the twist rate as best as possible. If it is a hunting application, terminal performance is a consideration. In years past I had my best success with Sierra bullets. In recent years they have been difficult to find so I was forced to try others. I have had success with some of the Hornady bullets, namely the 55 Vmax (223), 60 Vmax (223) and 75 Vmax (6mm). Another brand I have used with success in Nosler but at times, these also have been difficult to find.

3. Since I only shoot "legacy" cartridges, powder choice for me is the easiest component to choose. There are usually several powders that historically have worked well with legacy cartridges such as the 223, 22 250, 243, 308 etc. I only use extruded powders since they tend to be more forgiving both in charge weight and temperature stability. In my experience, most of the time if a bullet will not shoot well with one of these powders, it will not shoot well with the other powders.

4. I use only one brand of primers, Federal.

5. Whenever possible, I use the bullet manufacture's load data to select my powder charges. I start at the lower end and work up in 1/2 grain increments. I have used both a 3 shot and 5 shot approach. For me, the five-shot approach gives me the more reliable results. However, once I find a load that meets my standards, I verify with at least two more 5 shot tests. Statistically speaking, one should be cautious in selecting a load without a large enough sample size.

6. Since I am hunter and recreational target shooter, my standard seating depth is .020" off the lands. With few exceptions, I found this works with most of the rifles I have owned.

General Comments:

Unless you enjoy many hours at the bench, testing and experimenting, I believe there is value in selecting an accuracy standard that will meet your shooting discipline requirements. Beside hating shooting off the bench, in this day of component prices and lack of availability, I find having an accuracy standard works best for me. In other words, when I find a load that meets my needs, I stop load development. I do not try to squeeze another few .1" reduction in group size. The sooner I can get off the bench and start field testing a selected load with range practice, the better it is for me.

Test set up, shot sequence, and attention to environment conditions can have a significant impact on the reliability of your test data. Also, if a rifle is not properly bedded, it will limit your ability to find a consistently accurate load. Shooter fatigue is another element, trying to test to many loads in a range session can skew the results. It is also difficult to produce consistent results with a heavy trigger pull and a scope not properly mounted.

As another poster stated, in this day of high technology and gadgets, my approach is "caveman" like, but it has worked for me for a very long time.

Completely support your statements about setting an "accuracy standard", which I refer to as my "goal", and having a statistically significant number of shots. I shoot a lot of gophers, so my goal is based on hitting them. And, I always take into account how statistically significant, or insignificant, my range results are when testing loads.

 

[K22]

Completely support your statements about setting an "accuracy standard", which I refer to as my "goal", and having a statistically significant number of shots. I shoot a lot of gophers, so my goal is based on hitting them. And, I always take into account how statistically significant, or insignificant, my range results are when testing loads.

I rather "chase" groundhogs in the field than spend time and money trying to chase a few 0.1" of group size.

 

[222Jim]

I rather "chase" groundhogs in the field than spend time and money trying to chase a few 0.1" of group size.

My late gopher shooting partner and I had a system. He'd walk north shooting gopher while standing. He used a .223 bolt action and for him it was about deer season - he'd matched the trajectory of his .223 with his .308, and both were the same rifle make and model. His goal was to be able to hit gophers at ~75 yards, because then he knew deer at 200 - 300 were no problem.

I'd shoot south from a sandbag over my SUV at gophers 300 - 400 yards away. My goal were gophers at that range. Then he'd walk back and we'd switch - I'd shoot north and he'd walk south.

 

[K22]

My late gopher shooting partner and I had a system. He'd walk north shooting gopher while standing. He used a .223 bolt action and for him it was about deer season - he'd matched the trajectory of his .223 with his .308, and both were the same rifle make and model. His goal was to be able to hit gophers at ~75 yards, because then he knew deer at 200 - 300 were no problem.

I'd shoot south from a sandbag over my SUV at gophers 300 - 400 yards away. My goal were gophers at that range. Then he'd walk back and we'd switch - I'd shoot north and he'd walk south.

In my early days, back in the mid 60's, being of limited financial means, I only had one centerfire rifle, a 243 Win, Model 70 with a 3 x 9 Redfield scope.

I successfully hunted groundhogs, foxes, and deer with this rifle. The experience and confidence I gained hunting varmints and foxes absolutely made me a more effective deer hunter especially the familiarity gained using one rifle.

 

[Crumster]

As the old saying goes "Beware the man with one gun, he knows how to use it"

 

[Dave M.]

Choose bullet first (barrel should have correct spin rate, throat and free bore for the selected bulket
Choose 1-2 suitable powders
Shoot 3 shot groups with each powder from 1.5gr under max load, in .2gr increments.
I’m looking for three groups in a row with very similar group shape and most importantly, same POI
Generally I will select the middle powder weight
Moving on to the single powder that shot better with the selected powder charge, next I’m testing for seating depth. I shoot 4 shot groups from Jam+6k thru Jam-21K in .003” increments (total of 10 or some tines 11 groups)
Select seating depth based on consistent POI and looking for smallish cloverleaf or single hole groups (all testing initial done at 100 yards).
From here, I move on to testing neck tension, primer selection, and even neck thickness.
For each of the cartridges we shoot, I pretty much know what velocity that bullet has shot well (ie 3020-3070fps for 6 dasher).
Dave monette