new to reloading; what to do first when working up load

[Deleted old_dood]

ladder test or bullet seating depth? regarding the ladder test, do you always select the load that gives the tightest ES/SD or the tightest groups. I have seen instances where the best group doesn't occur with the best ES/SD. Is that likely or the result of other factors, like wind.

Al

 

[ShootDots]

Assuming of course you have a rifle chambered for the cartridge you intend to use, pick a bullet for it's intended purpose. Let's say you have a 6mmBR and want to shoot 300-600 yard F-Open. You will want to pick a bullet with a weight from "about" 105-108grs. If it is a tangent ogive bullet, they "tend" to shoot better off the lands a bit. Try 10K off for starters. Then pick a suitable powder to gain the velocity you are seeking. So since we have a 6mmBR we will pick 105 Berger Hybrids. They have a tangent ogive at the nexus of the bearing surface (shank) and where the bullet slopes to it's nose. So try 10K off. Then we see that Varget, RL-15, N-150 are in the burn range to accomplish the task of getting above 2800f.p.s. We would want to start at "about" 29.0grs and work up in .3gr increments to say 30.6grs>>>assuming of course you are keeping a watchful eye for signs of pressure. You find that at 30.0grs you have a "decent group" of 1.6" @ 300 yards. Make 2 "sets of 5 shots" with that exact same load.. Then make 5 "sets of 5 shots" each at a different seating depth. I would try 5K in, 5k off, 15k off, 20K off and 25K off. This will give you (with the original 2 loads at 10K off) a broad range to work from. Now let's assume you get 0.75" and 1.125" with the 10K off load.. Nice shooting.. However, it is now time to use that EXACT same load and try 10 shots BUT with CCI 450's, BR-2's, Fed 205 GM's and whatever else you have. Run these over a chronograph to see not only which provides you with the best E.S / S.D.'s but which provide the MOST CONSISTANT accuracy! Lets assume that the 450's get the best accuracy BUT the BR-4's get the best E.S. / S.D's. If the the 450's are say under 18f.p.s. E.S. and the BR-4's are 10, you have to make a decision which is more important >>>> accuracy or E.S.'s>>>assuming the accuracy of the BR-4's is only slightly less, say 7/8th to 1.250, I would go with the BR-4's.. However, let's say the BR-4's are getting 1.25-1.50>>>I would go with the 450's.. This is how I develop all my loads>>>it may be somewhat tedious >>> BUT IT WORKS! I hope this helps..

 

[jonbearman]

There is a great thread started by eric cortina I believe and you should read all 21 pages of it.It is eye opening.