load development

[whiter02]

Hello everyone i am a newbie here. I am wanting to start shooting f-tr events so my first question is where is the best place to find shoots around southern Ohio? My next question is what is the best way to start to find shoots a load. I know pretty much what bullet i am wanting shoot and powder but if that does not perform well then would the next step be to change the bullet or the powder? If that does perform well then would primers be next? The last one where to start on seating depth? How do you determine if the rifle likes a jump or a jam. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

[dragman]

What caliber, What bullet, and barrel twist and length. Theses are needed to help you out.

 

[whiter02]

308 win. cal. 30 in. 1/12 twist wanting to shoot 175 gr. Smk's with varget or 4064.

 

[Shynloco]

Hello everyone i am a newbie here. I am wanting to start shooting f-tr events so my first question is where is the best place to find shoots around southern Ohio? My next question is what is the best way to start to find shoots a load. I know pretty much what bullet i am wanting shoot and powder but if that does not perform well then would the next step be to change the bullet or the powder? If that does perform well then would primers be next? The last one where to start on seating depth? How do you determine if the rifle likes a jump or a jam. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

First off, welcome to the fun of reloading! It can be both very much fun, rewarding, entertaining and exasperating all at once. As far as the reloading goes, remember one important factor, no matter what other people load, each rifle likes and responds to it's own loads. So do not take another rifle's load as gospel as what works in that rifle, may produce garbage in yours. Having said that, I recommend you either buy reloading manuals for the bullets you want to use, beg borrow or steal the infor from another blogger, or buy the computer programs that has all the bullets and loads, etc. I usually approach the field of possibilities from a couple of angles. Since you've listed Sierra bullets, among my manuals is the Sierra Manual. It lists each bullet they've tested and all the powders as well. Pay particular attention to their "accuracy load" which is where I start. See if their recommendation for that particular bullet works in your rifle. If not, see what others have have success with in terms of powder. Another source is the powder manufacturers have reloading datat that you can look up on the computer at their websites. Takes a look at the powders and the bullet weights they've tested for more ideas and possibilities. A post up here would get you some response. But you still have to find what your baby likes the best. As far as bullet seating depth, most rifles seem to like a "jam" or just touching the lands. But I always start at the recommended AOL to find which powder produces the best results initialling, and then work my way into the lands by .010 until jam. WARNING...not all rifles like a jam and some like a jump. But you rifle will tell you what she doesn't like. My Ruger M77 .308 hates the jam and loves the jump. So again, each rifle is different. I'm in the process of changing barrels as the current barrel is shot out so I'll have to retest to see how the new Match Grade Hart reacts to the the jam. And a quick note on you bullet, if you plan to shoot under 300 yds, you might want to consider using Sierra 168 gr HPBT's, but if you go further to 300+ yds, then your 175 gr Sierra should produce better results. That info comes directly from the wiz guys at Sierra. And those guys know their bullets very well. They are also a great source for information regarding Sierra Bullets and have always given me great insight in dealing with them for over 42 years.

Sorry for the long winded info, but there is so much great stuff to learn, and folks have helped me a great deal in all my years of shooting. Good Luck and have fun. Also remember, learn to read "pressure signs" because you can do some serious damage to yourself and your firearms. I've seen a few blown up (not mine)and this stuff can produce some seriously injurious results when you are not careful and paying attention. On the flip side, it is great fun and very self rewarding. Enjoy!

 

[whiter02]

Thanks for the input so far. I have reloaded for about 10 years now but am now just getting into the precision part of it in the last year or so. I have read a boat load of great information on this site and am hooked. I am really wanting to learn as much as i can and get into some of the long range stuff. And hopefully start shooting some competitions. Thanks again.

 

[65fan]

pick a bullet for your application.any bullet can be made to shoot good these days,manufactures rarly make bullets that won't shoot.175s are good for longer ranges and varget is an excellent powder choice.go to the hogden web site and find the max load with your powder .drop back down 2 whole grains load 9 shells first 4 in .5 gr incruments next five in .3gr incruments.this will bring you 1 gr over max published data.the idea is to find max load with this powder combo for you rifle.you will be looking for pressure signs inbetween each shot starting with lowest charge first.for lenght i start just touching the lands.fire these 9 shots at a target and over crony and plot them.they should be shot at or near the temp you will be shooting at most of the time.do not do load developement when its freezing cold and then shoot that load at 100 degress out you will blow your face off!!!!!testing should be done around 70-80 for summer loads 30 for winter loads.at the first sign of pressure stop shooting and make note max load .now go back 2 grains from you new max load load 21 shells in .1 incruments up to your max load.shoot them at 200yards plot all shots.you should end up with 3-4 shots in consecutive charges that are realy close or in the same hole.pick the 2nd or 3rd charge up load 20 of these.4 the same lenght you loaded test loads 4 .005 shorter 4 .010 shorter 4 .005 longer 4 .010 longer .shot them at 100yrds.what you wont to see is big group smaller group smallest group bigger group.pick smallest group for your lenght make note this your lenght with this bullet no matter what powder you use.when you are done this will be the absoloot best load with that powder.if it dose not shoot good enough change powders keep the same lenght and redo test. you can change primers after you find you charge just dont go from a non magnum to a magnum.good luck.

 

[whiter02]

Thanks for the info. That sounds like it all makes sense and will work pretty well.

 

[chesty for president]

My 308 liked RL-15 and 175 SMK's and Lake City LR Brass....1-10 twist Critereon 28 inch Bull barrel Savage 110....Kinda low rent rifle but sure shot good brother. I also tried 208 grain Amaxes and RL-17 and ill tell you itll send those 208's a screaming. Anyway hope that helps brother and something Ive learned on this web site is these guys know theyre stuff man. Im in the exact same boat you are Ive been loading for years but just getting into the accuracy side of the house and man is it spendy but like the saying goes buy once cry once but for some reason I cant stop crying. Goodluck in your quest brother....


Very Respecfully Submitted

 

[whiter02]

Thanks, i have some rl-15 also. My barrel is a 1/12 i am just hoping it will like the 175's. Yea these guys sound like they do know there stuff from what I've read on here. I know i need all the help i can get. As for the crying i know what you mean.