Help choosing a proper load

[TQB]

Hi,

I'm developing a load for my Sako TRG 22 .308Win.
My intentions are to compete in 100m, 200m and 300m Benchrest.

I'm using Lapua Brass (Large primer), Lapua Scenar 185gn, CCI BR-2 primers and Vihtavuori N140.

The first photo is at 100m

Since the fisrt match is tomorow I loaded my match ammunition with 39gr of N140. This was the test at 300m.

Target 2 is with 39gn of N140 with Lapua Scenar 185 and target 1 is 39gn of N140 with Lapua Scenar-L 175.

For tomorow's match I can't do much about. But at 100m what do you think is the most promissing load? The one I should fine tune.

Thank You,
Tiago

 

[David Christian]

@TQB, check out this thread.

http://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/long-range-load-development-at-100-yards.3814361/

I might suggest you redo your powder test with 2 changes. Your target needs a straight line across each point of aim (POA). This will allow you to see how your point of impact (POI) moves up and down and identifies your potential node within the sine wave. You may also want to consider tightening up your powder charge weights to .2 grain increments. At .5 grains, you could be blowing right past your barrel’s preferred node and not even see it.

Then follow the next steps on seating depth and fine tune powder testing.

Good luck!

 

[joshb]

185- I’d try 41.6, 41.8, 42, 42.2, 42.4. Load 5 shots each and see what you get.

 

[Rdlningcltchdmpr]

I can't help with this combination your shooting, but for myself at short range out to 300yds i always shoot light flat base match bullet's like berger 125-150, or 118 bib or Barts. Or 125 sierra mk. They are amazing. Tiny groups. Hope this information can be useful to you. Many matches are won with these light flat base bullet's. Out to 300 yds.

 

[std7mag]

As was mentioned above, i'd drop your bullet weight.
Those heavy boat tailed bullets won't really start to help until after 300 yards.
And why shoot with more error inducing, heavier recoiling loads?

 

[Brians356]

What is your point of aim on those 100m targets?
-

 

[Ned Ludd]

I believe that Brian is alluding to an important point regarding groups. Aim small, miss small. A tight and well-defined point of aim can be conducive to shooting tighter groups. I would suggest using targets with with a crosshair and/or a small easily visible dot. If you wish to make the targets yourself, make sure the aiming dot is tight and round, no larger than it needs to be to see it clearly.

At that point, use the scope elevation turret to offset your point of impact an inch or so, either high or low, so you don't shoot out your point of aim. Shooting at an elongated somewhat vertical mark made by hand with a Sharpie might have contributed to the vertical in some of your groups. I'd suggest removing that from the equation as a potential source of variability.

 

[Brians356]

I believe that Brian is alluding to an important point regarding groups. Aim small, miss small. A tight and well-defined point of aim can be conducive to shooting tighter groups. I would suggest using targets with with a crosshair and/or a small easily visible dot. If you wish to make the targets yourself, make sure the aiming dot is tight and round, no larger than it needs to be to see it clearly.

At that point, use the scope elevation turret to offset your point of impact an inch or so, either high or low, so you don't shoot out your point of aim. Shooting at an elongated somewhat vertical mark made by hand with a Sharpie might have contributed to the vertical in some of your groups. I'd suggest removing that from the equation as a potential source of variability.

If making a target out of whole cloth, so to say, take a regular Sharpie and draw a simple 'X' rather than a blob. The center of even a sloppy 'X' is easy to cover consistently with the reticle.
-

 

[Zero333]

From 39 gr to 41.5 gr all the loads have almost the same point of impact. That says the barrel harmonics are in tune around that area.

Go from 40 to 41 in 0.2 gr increments.

40.0
40.2
40.4
40.6
40.8
41.0

When you shoot those charges, watch the point of impact.
If it stays the same for all the groups, then pick the best group and work on the seating depth.

 

[Rdlningcltchdmpr]

2001 target's - 150 grain Berger flat base match bullet's.

 

[ebb]

Several have suggested lighter bullets. I don't remember what twist rate is optimal for 185s but the TRG22 is listed as having an 11 twist barrel. Check and see if this is enough. I would go to lighter bullets no mater what. BIB flat base would be good as suggested above.

 

[Rdlningcltchdmpr]

My Tikka was an 11twist. Light bullet's work perfect in 11twist. It's just a matter of finding the exact powder/load combination. Recently i loaded 110 vmax bullet's in a different Tikka 308/11twist with 56 grains cfe223. It was almost the smallest group ever.

 

[joshb]

Lighter bullets are great for short range, for sure. I shot a lot of Sierra 125s at zinger speeds. I was assuming you were developing a load for longer ranges with the 185.

 

[TQB]

Hi,

I will take all your suggestions in consideration and redo the tests.
As for lighter bullet would you recommend 100gn or 125gn flat base bullets?

The match went quite well.
I scored 242 (2x) out of 250, and got 5th place (4th place scored 242 (3x)...). The first place scored 247.
It's my personal record.

I used a Tasco scope.... Next time I will use a Nightforce Precision Benchrest 12-42x56. The mirage effect was quite present and I think it showed on the score.

Here are the targets.

Thank You all for your input.
Tiago

 

[Rdlningcltchdmpr]

Hi,

I will take all your suggestions in consideration and redo the tests.
As for lighter bullet would you recommend 100gn or 125gn flat base bullets?

The match went quite well.
I scored 242 (2x) out of 250, and got 5th place (4th place scored 242 (3x)...). The first place scored 247.
It's my personal record.

I used a Tasco scope.... Next time I will use a Nightforce Precision Benchrest 12-42x56. The mirage effect was quite present and I think it showed on the score.

Here are the targets.

Thank You all for your input.
Tiago

I would try( berger) 125 fb or 150 fb. Also 118( barts) fb or 118 (bib) fb. Last is the 125 Sierra mk- fb., 112 grain bib bullet's are great in my guns but i have only shot them to 200yds. 300 yds might be better with the 118-125-150 ? Test and report back.