Load dev. with155 Scenars for Designated Maksman Match

[twoatlow8]

I am getting ready for my first Designated Marksman Match. I have been told to expect 2MOA steel targets between 50 and 650 yards from field positions. It is a time plus penalties scoring sytem. One visible hit on steel scores. I intend to use Lapua Scenars for the match but I am starting from scratch with them and will need to verify the drop every 50 yards and make a data card. I only have 200 of them and will need 100 for the match.

I will load using a 2 step sizing method to reduce runout. Starting with a Lee collet neck sizer THEN a Redding body die. Hand prime, weigh charges, and seat bullets with a Forster Ultra seating die.

So I have;
-Remington Sendero in .308 Win (.6-.7 MOA with standard RCBS dies and the old 155 PalmaSMKs using Varget)
-PT&G bottom metal with Alpha Type II Magazines (ten round) Allows a max OAL of 2.950"
-200 new Lapua .308 cases
-200 155gr Scenars
-1000 old style 155 Palma MKs
-Plenty of IMR8208xbr
-Plenty of Varget

My questions are about reloading but if you have any other tidbits of wisdom related to shooting, wind, gear, or preparation, PLEASE include them. Here Goes.......

1-Should I full length resize the new brass, load some SMKs using an old recipe, and fireform them while practicing my field position shooting and then develop a Scenar load?..... OR is there a preferred method for working up a minimal runout load with my new brass? I want to use as few of the Scenars as possible in my development.

2-A reliable source has indicated that CFE223 is another good powder choice. Can someone rate the 3 powders in terms of fastest velocity to slowest velocity for a below max load?

3- Which powder would be more appropriate to use? I need to settle on one and develop with it due to the limited supply of Scenars.

4-Given that I can load out to 2.950" what OAL or "base to ogive" length should I consider as a starting point?

5-Is there anything different that you would do?

6- Is anyone scratching their head and asking, "Why doesnt he just use the SMKs, those are big targets." ?

Thanks in advance for any and all responses
Warmest Regards, Joe

 

[Minesweeper3433]

New brass I check for length and run it over the button to iron out any dents before loading and shooting. Why not use a ballistics program and just confirm 3 or 4 ranges instead of checking every 50 yards and wasting rounds? Make an educated guess about what your 100-650 change will be, check that, then tweak the program to match and go out and confirm a handful of ranges and call it good. You still have to deal with learning wind holds for the new bullets so why waste any confirming something that can be so easily learned through a ballistic computer.

 

[Hydenseek]

Prepare to be addicted and spend some money.

 

[twoatlow8]

Funny you should mention that Minesweeper. I tried that with 77s for my "greater than 150yd" 223 ammo I load for 3Gun. It always shot WAY flatter than the programs said it should out between 350 and 425. It caused a poor showing in a match so I shot at all ranges. I found out today that Sierra underestimated the BC and it was about 5% better than they listed. Hence the shooting at all ranges. I have a good listing of MEASURED ballistic coeficients now and if I shoot at a 50, 200, 500, and 650, maybe that will be enough.

Hydenseek, thanks for the words of encouragement. ....the wife will be glad to hear it