Have changed my mind 17 times about the importance of runout in target loads. Last Fall decided to do some testing. Used a Ruger .204 Hawkeye, stainless/synthetic. Not a benchrest rifle but very accurate for a sporter weight and a pleasure to shoot. Also cheap to reload.
Load was 28.5 gr H335, 32 gr Sierra BK, Win brass and primers. Chronod at 3950 fps. Sorted cartridges by runout.
Got the following results at 100 metres (110 yds). Each group size average of three 5 shot groups:
runout .001 group 7/16
.003 9/16
.005 9/16
.010 1/2
My interpretation is that for all intents and purposes with this particular rifle runout has no bearing on group size. Mind you this is with a 60 shot sample. If testing is done with 600 shots then a trend might be seen but who wants to go to that extent? A trade-off has to exist between meaningful results and shortened barrel life.
As a result I do not sort my 1000 yard F Class loads in 6AI by runout. Now and then I will run a check with a runout gauge. The 107 SMKs run pretty well between .001 and .003 and I have had good success at the long ranges in F Class without worrying about runout.
As a many times winner of the Ontario F Class Championship told me "Worry about reading the wind properly. All those gauges are just messing with your head." Anyway that is his opinion.
Load was 28.5 gr H335, 32 gr Sierra BK, Win brass and primers. Chronod at 3950 fps. Sorted cartridges by runout.
Got the following results at 100 metres (110 yds). Each group size average of three 5 shot groups:
runout .001 group 7/16
.003 9/16
.005 9/16
.010 1/2
My interpretation is that for all intents and purposes with this particular rifle runout has no bearing on group size. Mind you this is with a 60 shot sample. If testing is done with 600 shots then a trend might be seen but who wants to go to that extent? A trade-off has to exist between meaningful results and shortened barrel life.
As a result I do not sort my 1000 yard F Class loads in 6AI by runout. Now and then I will run a check with a runout gauge. The 107 SMKs run pretty well between .001 and .003 and I have had good success at the long ranges in F Class without worrying about runout.
As a many times winner of the Ontario F Class Championship told me "Worry about reading the wind properly. All those gauges are just messing with your head." Anyway that is his opinion.