Newbie Question - How do you find the right load for a rifle?

[privateer]

Please pardon the really basic questions. I am relatively new to reloading. I know the basic 'how-to' stuff and now want to know more....

Starting with a new rifle...

How do I find the magic load for a rifle?

Do I start with one powder and try different bullet weights using the same powder, primers, etc. AND THEN try different powders after I find the preferred bullet? Or do you try different powders using the same bullet?

Example: For .308, I was told to try 168SMKs with 42.1 grn of Varget. The results were ok, but I think I can do better. I also tried different powder weights with the same 168SMKs. So for the next step, do I try say R15 powder with the same bullets, or use Varget with 155 and/or 175 gr bullets?

Say you find that your rifle prefers 169 gr SMKs with Varget, do you check 168 SMKs with R15?

Then after that do you move on to OAL?

I know this is probably a try them all until you find the best one, but I thought there might be a 'system'.

Thanks.

 

[taxman]

Howdy,

LEt us know what type of rifle you have, barrel twist and what you are trying to do with it. More guys will chime in.

Search the forums for ladder testing and tuning tips. Also look on Benchrest Central under tuning.

There will be a load to suit some calibers some of the time, but not a magic load to work in every rifle all the time.

 

[long40shot]

Lots of patience. :lol:

 

[squirrelduster]

Here is a couple of helpful hints.
You have a 308 so if you look for the bullet and weight that you want to shoot.
Such as I want to shoot F class, do a search and look up the bullets that are winning.
Pick one and then find a powder than is known to work well with that bullet weight range.
Do a search on ladder test and learn how to do it.
Load up a string with the bullet jammed and find your sweet powder weight. Now work on your bullet seating depth.
This an abbreviated version but don't go buy 4 or 5 different bullets and powders or you will get confused looking at different possibilities.
The process is a lot more critical when you are planning on competition.
Hunting loads are relatively easy.
You already have the 168 SMk's so load up a ladder using the
Varget you already have and find the sweet spot.
Let us know how you do.

 

[Asscott4]

I would agree. I would try 1 load that seems to work best for other people. Don't swap between different bullets when starting out you will just confuse yourself. Keep it simple and you will get there. My particular .308 loves 43.5grs of Varget with 175SMK's. Do a lot of research and you will find a particular load that you gun prefers. Then once you have found one that it likes try and tweak it just a little and see what happens. Just my .02

 

[LCazador]

I would start out with the bullet design and weight that would suit my shooting disipline and my barrel twist the best . Next find a loading manual recommended powder and weight that will fill the case to the neck juncture, about 90% . Seat the bullet just short of the rifling, and then work the powder charge in two tenths increments up and down . Next vary the seating depth in and out 5 thousandths at a time . There are hundreds of variations, so don't shoot out your barrel trying to find that perfect load . Use match primers, they are worth the extra buck . Good luck !

 

[PaperSniper999]

I would start out with the bullet design and weight that would suit my shooting disipline and my barrel twist the best . Next find a loading manual recommended powder and weight that will fill the case to the neck juncture, about 90% . Seat the bullet just short of the rifling, and then work the powder charge in two tenths increments up and down . Next vary the seating depth in and out 5 thousandths at a time . There are hundreds of variations, so don't shoot out your barrel trying to find that perfect load . Use match primers, they are worth the extra buck . Good luck !

That's pretty much what I do. I would also add that buy a bullet comparator,Like Hornady's), so he can be more accurate and consistent with measuring the lengths of his seated rounds, NOT the overall length from case base to bullet tip, but only to the bullet's ogive.

 

[LCazador]

A bullet comparator on your caliper is the best way to measure OAL . Don't forget to make sure your cases are all the same length and uniform those primer pockets .

 

[privateer]

Thank you to all for the good advice. I definitely have a lot to learn. I'll start with the 'ladder'.

I will also have to buy a Hornady bullet comparator as I use calipers and it seems a bit inconsistent, or at least my technique probably is.

Another basic question...How do I measure how far the rifling is? Do I use a bullet with not powder or primer? Is there a preferred tool? IF so where do I buy one?

 

[fdshuster]

Hornady Lock-N-Load OAL Gauge with the appropriate modified case. Sinclair 2009-A catalog, page 29. If you don't already have the Sinclair catalog I suggest you get one. On-line www.sinclairintl.com. Midway catalog #32, page 314, another source.

 

[LCazador]

A simple way to find the length to your lands is to take a fired case and seat a bullet in just deep enough for the neck to grip it . Put the fired case and bullet in the chamber and close the bolt . There will be just enough grip on the bullet to allow the rifling to shove the bullet back in the case to just where the rifling starts . Measure this OAL with your caliper and bullet comparator . This will be the dimension that you will work in and out 5 thousandths at a time, till you acheive the results you are looking for . Remember varying the powder weight works on the verticle spread and varying the bullet seating depth works on the horizontal spread . Sinclair and Stoney Point both make some good tools for checking seating depth to the lands . Good luck .