How much load development can I get out of fire forming 50 pieces of 30br?

[NC/Br Shooter]

I'm back to square one in load development with my 30br because I have had to switch bullets because of economic reasons.
Normally with any new combination I always use fired cases to do my serious load work up. I have 50 pieces of turned neck Lapua and I'm figuring on trying to find a good seating depth with this virgin brass. I figure 34.5 of Lt and start shooting groups at Jam and back off 5 thousandths 5 shot groups for 25 rounds. And then do it again.
Does this sound right?
I' kinda figure tune will be between 34.5 and 35.5 anyway. So that is my reasoning for trying to do a seating depth test first.
I'm all ears. Thanks

 

[Bill Norris]

I'm back to square one in load development with my 30br because I have had to switch bullets because of economic reasons.
Normally with any new combination I always use fired cases to do my serious load work up. I have 50 pieces of turned neck Lapua and I'm figuring on trying to find a good seating depth with this virgin brass. I figure 34.5 of Lt and start shooting groups at Jam and back off 5 thousandths 5 shot groups for 25 rounds. And then do it again.
Does this sound right?
I' kinda figure tune will be between 34.5 and 35.5 anyway. So that is my reasoning for trying to do a seating depth test first.
I'm all ears. Thanks

I would close that gap from .005 to .003 per increment.

 

[TommyD11730]

In my case I was told to make sure I was + the point of touch. In my case .020 to make sure the cases formed correctly.
So I concentrated on the powder charge because I was lucky enough to own a crono.

 

[NC/Br Shooter]

I would close that gap from .005 to .003 per increment.

I figured someone would mention that.
Howbow on round two? 25 to 50?

 

[Bill Norris]

In my case I was told to make sure I was + the point of touch. In my case .020 to make sure the cases formed correctly.
So I concentrated on the powder charge because I was lucky enough to own a crono.

I think most 30BR shooters do start @ .020 in the lands from just touch on the first firing.

 

[Straightshooter1]

I would close that gap from .005 to .003 per increment.

Good advice!

With that size cartridge and the range he's testing, .002 increments might provide a better picture??? IMHO

 

[Bill Norris]

Good advice!

With that size cartridge and the range he's testing, .002 increments might provide a better picture??? IMHO

I agree. Thats what I normally do but some think that is too small.

 

[TommyD11730]

I think most 30BR shooters do start @ .020 in the lands from just touch on the first firing.

Backing out I found was less accurate, for me. What do I know Im new to the caliber, but I am observant.

 

[Bill Norris]

Backing out I found was less accurate, for me. What do I know Im new to the caliber, but I am observant.

Sometimes testing at .030 in the lands from just touch proves to be more accurate.

 

[Clancy]

I sure wouldn’t shoot 5 round groups to start off with.

2 or 3 shots per depth and charge.

By the time those 50 pieces are once fired, you’ll be real close on both depth and charge.

 

[Bill Norris]

The 30BR normally tunes easy enough with 3 shot groups for powder and seat depth testing. 5 shot groups to verify.

 

[Kevin1990]

I had a conversation with a fella that knows a thing or two about the 30BR.
Just some snippets from that conversation.

Him: "Begin with the bullet 0.030" LONGER than just touch. Just to be safe, I begin scanning - via 3-shot groups - at 33.5 Gr. and go up in 0.5 Gr. increments until either pressure, or, groups show you MAX pressure - with N-130, excessive pressure is unlikely.

Me: "I was planning on going up by .2-.3gr increments then messing with seating depth and neck tension. Glad I asked you! When going up by .5 increments. If an area shows promise to do go up and down with powder increments. For example if 35gr showed promise, would you go down to 34.8 or up to 35.2?"

Him: If you could shoot the difference within that range, when you looked in a mirror, there'd be a GOD looking back at you. I'd locate the sweet spots, go .3 up and down, and live right smack in the middle, or, more likely with all the cases will hold.

I did just this and live at 34.7 grains and .015 longer than touch. Couldn't shoot the difference at 35 or 34.5, so it appears I am a mere mortal.