Please help me pick a load (300 PRC)

[markd657]

A trap that we've all fallen into (or keep falling into) is trying to have ED/ES numbers correlate with group. It just doesn't. Often times my best ED/ES numbers are the WORST groups in a series of testing.

Pick the load based on target (POI, size, shape) consistency over multiple groups and multiple powder charges/seating depths. It's hard to tell where your POA is on these, but if you shoot at targets in succession over a waterline, it's easier to decipher when you have a load that is spitting shots or groups. I'm assuming this isn't a hunting gun with a 30" barrel? How much more accuracy do you need than C groups?

I have updated the target photo to include POA's.

 

[mgunderson]

The Es and SD numbers are different with bigger cases. This isn't a 6mm br. A well tuned load will hold elevation at 1000 yards with SD numbers that are bigger than you expect.

The mirage and wind are going to be more of an issue in most situations.

 

[RegionRat]

I'm not competing or hunting but I would like to see how accurate I can get this rifle to shoot at 1000 yards.
But 1000 yard distance availability is limited at the moment. Maybe when BLM lands open. There's local range that I can set paper target at 400 yards that I plan to go soon. However, a load that works at 400 yards may not work at 1000 yards correct, unless ES and SD are really low?

I haven't heard that the BLM was closed? I could have missed the news as I live under a rock and shoot at BRRC and Pendleton, so it has been a very long time since I shot in open public ranges. That is mostly because I don't like it when yahoos show up and start shooting at my targets.

At the LASC range in San Fernando, I have had too many experiences of folks blasting at my targets instead of their own, so I stopped going there decades ago.

Now I run a personal ShotMarker and if they shot one of my ShotMarker parts, I would be put out even if they paid for it. The repair/spare parts come from Canada and the consequences are a time delay.

Since it seems like you are starting out and still learning the ropes, I will suggest that you plan on spending a share of your time at distance as your resources permit.

There is nothing wrong with what you have shown at short range, but there are issues that do not show up till we get some distance to make them detectable on the target.

Even the philosophy of doing your best at 100/200 and combining it with chrono stats, will not guarantee that the "tune" is tight at 600 or 1000.

More often than not, the load development will converge by studying the targets at distance as long as the short range results are not horrid, and yours are not. The opposite is rarely true, where just testing with a chrono at short range gives the optimum at 1000, even if the chrono numbers are the best.

Without saying ignore the chrono, because I am not saying that... I am saying the only way to get sub 0.5 MOA at 1000 yards is to study the targets at 1000 yards.

By definition: If the groups at 1000 yards are good, then so are the chrono stats, but the other way around will just distract you.
You will not see decent groups at 600 or 1000 is the MV is not decent, so the push on folks like you are to put a share of your time/resources on distance shooting rather than an over-emphasis on chronographs and velocity stats at 100 yards.

 

[markd657]

A well tuned load will hold elevation at 1000 yards with SD numbers that are bigger than you expect.

What would you say are the highest "acceptable" numbers for ES and SD, at this distance?

 

[markd657]

I haven't heard that the BLM was closed?

It was due to risk of wildfire https://www.blm.gov/announcement/bl...arget-shooting-restrictions-california-desert. But looks like it has been open for a a few days now (will have to call them and confirm).

I could have missed the news as I live under a rock and shoot at BRRC and Pendleton, so it has been a very long time since I shot in open public ranges. That is mostly because I don't like it when yahoos show up and start shooting at my targets.

At the LASC range in San Fernando, I have had too many experiences of folks blasting at my targets instead of their own, so I stopped going there decades ago.

Since it seems like you are starting out and still learning the ropes, I will suggest that you plan on spending a share of your time at distance as your resources permit.

I hear you about the yahoo's at Angeles Shooting Ranges. But it's the closest one to me. The 400 yard one is in north Santa Clarita (Tactical Academy) and it's going to take me a bit longer to drive there. But the moment I have decided on a bullet/powder/primer combo, I'll go there and any LBM spots I can find, exclusively.

Does Pendleton and BRRC allow you to shoot paper or electronic targets at long distances? I'm on the wait list for BRRC. (Only 6 more years to go - I told the range director I am applying now so I can shoot when I retire).

By definition: If the groups at 1000 yards are good, then so are the chrono stats, but the other way around will just distract you.
You will not see decent groups at 600 or 1000 is the MV is not decent, so the push on folks like you are to put a share of your time/resources on distance shooting rather than an over-emphasis on chronographs and velocity stats at 100 yards.

Got it.