EQUIPMENT LIST FOR VFS.

[Websurfer]

Jayplace,
Do you have wind flags?
I use LT30. It performs so well that I have never bothered to open my VV130.

 

[Jayplace]

Jayplace,
Do you have wind flags?
I use LT30. It performs so well that I have never bothered to open my VV130.

Thanks.
I do have wind flags. They are old but seem to work.

 

[steve210]

A lot of people shot vv130 when H4198 was available at cheaper prices. I use it in one gun that shot better with it. H4198 was cheaper and shot as well in most guns so i used it. I still have both and use both. If I was in your position I would buy 130 and not look back.

 

[Websurfer]

In testing, I think you want something around .130 or smaller, in good/consistent wind conditions. So, you are getting close. Keep playing around, you can't rush the process of testing. Once you get around .130 or so, and this is for a 3-shot group (hopefully more of a round group and less of a Mickey-Mouse looking group), you're ready to compete.
I assume you are using a Berger bullet, since you mentioned 115 grains. That's a fine bullet - if you can get it to .130, you can be very competitive with it and win with it. If you can't get around .130 with that bullet, I'd try a different (custom) bullet before I'd try a different powder or primer. Too many folks shoot extremely well with LT30, it's a winning powder. If after testing a custom bullet and LT30 in your rifle, if it still won't hit .130 or so, then I'd break into VV130. And repeat all that testing...
This may or may not apply to you, but looking back at when I first started this game, I think I focused too much on thinking that this "magic" powder or primer or front rest or brand of case or rear rest was the key to winning. Now, I realize that what I really needed was practice time, and more experience/time in reading the flags. Actually, I still need more practice time and more time reading the flags.
Remember, the best shooters win most of the time. Your equipment and load have to be competitive, but you can't buy wins and you can't short-cut gaining experience. One of the best shooters (he wins a LOT) I regularly compete against, who has been shooting for many years, uses a leather rear bag that looks like my grandfather could have used it. Talk about old! But, this shooter knows his gear, knows his technique, and is a master at reading range conditions. That's the key right there.
Good luck and have fun!

 

[JoeDuke]

The best way to get that experience is to go and shoot matches. Practice on your own is great for learning the fundamentals. On the clock at a match is a very different beast. But a great deal of fun.

 

[majohnson]

Joe makes a good point. You see how the wind affects a field of flags. Take your lumps and learn.

Powder and bullets your barrel will tell you what it likes. Bart Sauter posted a video that will answer a lot of questions. As for getting powder from other’s, is not a good idea. The powder could be contaminated with another powder by mistake.

Big Bart Sauter Story -- 6 BRA Tack Driver Winner

Today's Daily Bulletin features bullet-maker Bart Sauter and the wicked accurate 6 BRA rifle with which he won the 2021 Tack Driver II match. This is an interdisciplinary match for score AND group at 300 meters...

forum.accurateshooter.com

 

[Jayplace]

Joe makes a good point. You see how the wind affects a field of flags. Take your lumps and learn.

Powder and bullets your barrel will tell you what it likes. Bart Sauter posted a video that will answer a lot of questions. As for getting powder from other’s, is not a good idea. The powder could be contaminated with another powder by mistake.

Big Bart Sauter Story -- 6 BRA Tack Driver Winner

Today's Daily Bulletin features bullet-maker Bart Sauter and the wicked accurate 6 BRA rifle with which he won the 2021 Tack Driver II match. This is an interdisciplinary match for score AND group at 300 meters...

forum.accurateshooter.com

I agree that getting powder from others has a risk. I would only consider doing that if it was someone who I had confidence in.

I watche the Bart Sauter video and it was very informative, I might have even seen some thing I need to keep in mind.
Thanks.

 

[Websurfer]

One last thing, Jayplace. If you can't get the 3-shot group size you want, after testing maybe two bullets and two powders, consider getting a new barrel. For me, replacing the barrel that originally came on my 30BR was probably the biggest change I made that lifted my overall game. The original barrel was good enough to be middle-of-the-pack competitive, but not good enough overall.
Best of luck to you