Long range load development at 100 yards.

[trailrider121]

Erik,

I shot 40.6 and 40.9 grs, and attached to existing target. Well it looks like I have a node around 40.0 to 40.3 grs. 40.6grs was a fluke, as it did not repeat, plus POI went higher. No changes were made, same distance, target, bench, etc...

 

[Erik Cortina]

Load 40.2 and see how it does.

 

[trailrider121]

Erik, I concur on the 40.2 grs. Right now the 130 vld is .005" off the lands, and is doing well. What do you think about testing seating depth in .003" at say 450-500 yards to really see groups?

 

[Erik Cortina]

Erik, I concur on the 40.2 grs. Right now the 130 vld is .005" off the lands, and is doing well. What do you think about testing seating depth in .003" at say 450-500 yards to really see groups?

That should work well.

 

[Erik Cortina]

Guys, I have received many emails and PM's from guys that have tried my method and have had good success with it. The thing they like the most is that it saves components and barrel life.

If this thread has helped you in any way, think about contributing to this great site so we can continue to share our experiences and help each other out.

Thanks guys and a big thank you to Paul (Forum Boss) for keeping this great site going.

 

[Southernfairy]

Hi Erik,

I am completely new to reloading but have really enjoyed reading this thread. I am based in the UK and wondered if you could cast your eye over my data and give me an opinion….. I am shooting a custom 6x47 Lapua with IMR 4350, 105 grain Berger hybrids, CCI 450 primers and fire formed Lapua brass. This test was done at 15 thou off the lands. Please ignore the 37.6grain target.

 

[Erik Cortina]

Fairy, do you have any chronograph numbers? Welcome to the forum!

 

[Southernfairy]

Hi Erik,

Thank you for coming back to me and thanks for the welcome.

I am afraid I don't have chromo numbers for these groups...... but can get them for future shots. Any thoughts on these for now? I must admit I am slightly concerned by the fliers..... I have loaded up 25 rounds at 38.4 to try seating depth increment movements of 3 thou as suggested but wonder if I am in the wrong node......Do you think that seating depth changes can tighten things up sufficiently or should i look for another powder?

Rich

 

[Erik Cortina]

Hi Erik,

Thank you. I am afraid I don't...... can get them but any thoughts on these for now?

Rich

Try 38.4

 

[Southernfairy]

Great, thank you very much Eric, really appreciate it.

 

[105gr]

Newb here (duh). having alot of issues working up a load for my 243. This thread is EXACTLY what I was looking for. A thread that covers exactly what I'm working on being watched by somebody that knows whats goin on. Thank you. Now I have new tricks to try.

 

[105gr]

Time to start over with load development since I screwed up the first time. I read this after I started so I'm going to make sure I got this right.....I remeasured the OAL and I got a measurement of 2.790" (.243). If my measurement is correct the first seating depth should be 2.780" correct? The issue I have with this is that I have tried seating at saami which is 2.710" and when I did that I couldn't chamber the 3rd and 4th round. Headspace issue? I only necksize so I thought I wouldn't have to mess with headspace but somebody on another thread said something about "bumping the shoulder". How do I do this? I have an RCBS 243 neck sizer die and a Hornady FL die. If I am correct I cant just bump the shoulder with the FL die because it will size some of the rest of the case before it gets to the shoulder and as far as I know the neck sizer die doesnt touch the shoulder at all. 2nd thing...I am using IMR4350 and have had no good results. I have a 1976 Remington 700 BDL heavy barrel cut to 16.5". Do I need a faster powder like WIN760 for the shorter barrel? The best MV I am getting is 2600fps. The bullets I am using are Hornady 105gr Match (BTHP) with FED210 primers. Should I also be using a different primer? I know this isnt directly related to the thread but it WILL be once I can hold better than a 4 inch group at 100 yds

 

[Erik Cortina]

105 gr, for consistent results you should full length size everytime. Neck sizing will cause chambering issues as you already know.

Take firing pin out of bolt and adjust FL die until bolt closes smoothly on a resized piece of brass. The right fit is to have bolt knob close with no resistance 80% of the way and little snug the other 20%.

 

[105gr]

bingo...that must be what I was missing....thank you so much...back to the reloading table ;D

 

[Rtheurer]

AaaaHummmm? did Remington make a barrel in 1:8 twist rate in 1976? Because that may be the first problem no matter what powder brass bullet primer combo you try. If its a 1:10 twist like most 6mm's back then I doubt it will stabalize a long bullet like the one your trying.
Just a thought?

RussT

 

[105gr]

its 9 1/8th twist

 

[Rtheurer]

Cool. Might or might not be enough.. Thats right on the edge.

Welcome to the Forum by the way... Some great folks here.

RussT

 

[105gr]

I appreciate everything

 

[jsthntn247]

I appreciate everything

Try the 95 grain Berger hunting hybrids. I have the same gun as you and couldn't get the 105's to stabilize. My throat is also entirely too long and the 95 vld's are too long when reaching the lands. The hunting hybrids have .130 more bearing surface than the vld's so they don't need as fast of a twist to stabilize and fit in a magazine when touching the lands. Work up from 39 to 42 grains of Imr 4350 and you should hit on a node around 39.8 and one around 41.5.

 

[Erik Cortina]

I agree that the 105's are too heavy for the twist. Good catch RTheurer!