• This Forum is for adults 18 years of age or over. By continuing to use this Forum you are confirming that you are 18 or older. No content shall be viewed by any person under 18 in California.

New to load development and suffering from information overload

Status
Not open for further replies.
I think if you keep going up in charge you might find a good spot.
I agree. I, for sure, need to load the max of what Hodgdon says @ 43.5 and see what it does. Judging by the target with the single shot per aim point, there looks to be a node on the high end.

I just checked out the chronograph numbers for today (checked with a LabRadar and a Garmin) and compared it to what Hodgdon says and they're right on the money. Their test numbers are with a 24" barrel and I have a 26", but I expect it to speed up once the round count goes up.
 
I agree. I, for sure, need to load the max of what Hodgdon says @ 43.5 and see what it does. Judging by the target with the single shot per aim point, there looks to be a node on the high end.

I was thinking the same thing about the high end. If 42.9 - 43.5 groups shoot pretty flat, you have got a good load to work with.
 
#1 you're wasting your time with less than .5 grain increments
#2 you haven't listed the chronograph results which would show the spikes (but your groups show the spikes on your orange targets, there are spikes yes)
#3 you're not listing your measurements of neck tension
#4 there's other loading techniques I could share to improve you loads but considering you are focusing on these other guys with things that really don't matter, you'll never know. There are a few, here that aren't on this forum, and it's easy to see, that are not mentioning what I do, that I got advice from.
Well heck, tell us what you have. We’re hear to learn.
 
That video makes me yawn and Gaven keeps interrupting.
Finding exact touch point only matters if you’re sharing information and where you start isn’t near as important as where you finish.

Write that down. :)
Well said!! You still have to find the seating depth node regardless of where you start, at touch, touch, jam or jump.
 
Last edited:
There are basically two approaches to defining a node. One is based on finding small groups while the other focuses on finding a stable point of impact, and in reality they overlap significantly with respect to charge weight and seating depth. Tracking the poi at 200yd provides a clear signal and is reproducible with 2-3 shots each, whereas reproducing group size results is difficult unless the groups are already small. Initially focus on poi using a ladder, OCW, etc and the groups will follow. With that and more experience the ability to optimize groups with a reasonable number of shots will evolve.
 
#1 you're wasting your time with less than .5 grain increments
#2 you haven't listed the chronograph results which would show the spikes (but your groups show the spikes on your orange targets, there are spikes yes)
#3 you're not listing your measurements of neck tension
#4 I keep my barrel copper fouled, to a point, and recheck OAL after 100 rounds to reset OAL
#5 there's other loading techniques I could share to improve you loads but considering you are focusing on these other guys with things that really don't matter, you'll never know. There are a few, here that aren't on this forum, and it's easy to see, that are not mentioning what I do, that I got advice from.
I'll reply back in order of the numbers.

#1. I don't feel that I am. I have two reasons for deciding on .3 grain increments. I need to get 100-200 rounds down the barrel before it starts to settle in. .3 grain increments gives me more shots and gets me closer to break in while getting familiar with load development. It also gives me more data for what it's worth at the moment.

#2. I didn't post the numbers from each shot on the three shot groups. I did post the velocity numbers on the other target from the single impacts. They're around those numbers. With the ES numbers the way they are on the target with the orange dots, you know how much they swing from the numbers on the other target.

#3. I don't think you're reading what's been posted. I'd have to go back an look, but I'm pretty sure that I've mentioned three times what my neck tension is.

#4. I kind of do the same thing. I don't let it get out of hand, but I don't do the whole "shoot one, clean, shoot two, clean, shoot five, clean" thing. I don't go back and check OAL though. Once I start honing in on a load, I'll check seating depth then and go with that. Right now, I'm loading at .020 off of jam and as long as my loads are consistent with each other I'm fine with that for now.

#5. What have I been focusing on that doesn't matter?
 
Last edited:
#1 you don't have to break in your barrel, just shoot it. Call Howa and ask them if they lap thier barrels before they ship them. I did better.... I went on thier website.
I bought an aftermarket McGowen barrel 15 years ago for 350 bucks, hand lapped. Your 1K plus rifle is up there in quality rifles, they would let a barrel go by with a rough barrel, that you have to "break in".


they lap thier barrels

#2 We can see spike with your crono numbers
#3 your cross targets show your spikes, I saw the FPS on each. Not real high but high enough to show spikes.
#4 You don't need to clean the barrel between certain number of shots until you reach like 100 ( and leave some copper until the accuracy falls out, the barrel being cleaned too thoroughly isn't good to the next shooting session). Checking OAL would vary if you don't compare bullet base to ogive that would effect OAL
#5 Barrel break in

You have a 1:8 twist.... a 140 is to light for 1:8, I would go with the heaviest especially at long range.

And yes you are overloaded with information
#1. Shooting your barrel is breaking it in and getting everything settled. I know their barrels are hammer forged and that they don't hand lap their barrels.

#2. You stated earlier that you don't own a chronograph and never will. All of the info I posted should be enough for you then.

3. Which target? Nevermind.... It doesn't really matter.

#4. Again, I don't think you're reading (or comprehending) what had already been said in my last reply.

#5. 1:8 twist is a standard twist rate for a 6.5 Creedmoor. 140's are heavy for the cartridge. I know their not the heaviest, but they're the heaviest I want to go in a 6.5 Creedmoor.

You said earlier that I was paying attention to everyone else and not your responses. That's because (as seen in the reply I'm responding to) that you're not reading what's already been posted and discussed two or three times.

Edit: By the way, you're not comprehending what that picture from the reloading manual says about magnum primers and 4350 as well. The key words are at the end of the statement.

I'm going to go ahead and second what @JFrank said. I don't agree with you either.
 
Last edited:
do your thing

your barrel may not be lapped, but I would say it's finished to be smooth ! LOL

The load manual explanation about slow burning powder and mag primers is what it says, they recommend it. I use them over standard primers and it improved accuracy quite a bit, it tightened up my groups. You don't try it you'll never know, maybe certain primers over others will perform better. Rem 9 1/2 burn hotter than most. I use mags and have success. You're right, it doesn't matter to me.... the only thing that matters is other people agree with you and it makes you feel good, I guess. Although it doesn't seem they have the experience that's needed to guide you along. Not saying all of them but most of them don't.
Even after I pointed out what you missed about the magnum primers, you still didn't go back and look at it. What it says doesn't apply to a 6.5 Creedmoor.

Have a good one.
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot_20241016-193350~2.png
    Screenshot_20241016-193350~2.png
    2 MB · Views: 19
Status
Not open for further replies.

Upgrades & Donations

This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.


Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.

You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.


To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.

Forum statistics

Threads
166,855
Messages
2,223,949
Members
79,944
Latest member
GeorgeF
Back
Top