Where to next?

[DShort]

Worked up an OCW with Lapua brass, 53 gr varmageddon bullets and IMR 4320 powder. Got decent groups at 100 yards but seems I found a pretty wide accuracy node. 36.5, 36.8, and 37.1 all shot 3/4” groups. 36.8 shot the best I think with 3 bullets going through the same hole. So now should I load up and down from 36.8 or just play with seating on the 36.8 group? Should I go up and Down in seating? How far up and down in seating should I go? Thanks.

 

[F Class John]

First off I'm not sure of the intended use for the rounds you're developing or caliber being shot...however for my use in f-class those groups aren't where I'd want them before going to a seating depth test. I won't even start seating depth until my bullets touch, I have low SD/ES and I can identify a good node on my spreadsheet. I don't see any listed ES or SD for comparison as well but I'd run your numbers through the spreadsheet that '6.5 guys' has and look for the best node if there is one there because the groups don't show me (imho) anything. That being said, if the 36.8 is vastly improved over anything else you've shot in the past then you could go to seating depth, but again it depends on the round, the bullet and other factors. For instance, if you're shooting VLDs then you need to typically jam them but if they're hybrids you jump and in those cases I do a seating test from .009 to .032 in .003 increments and see what you find. I will also add that under ideal situations you're results should be repeatable so that's also a reliable way to see if you're on the right track too.

All of this being equal you really need to make sure you have really good ES or SD numbers (which show you have a consistent load) before you'll get any useful data out of any of your testing. Otherwise you're just shooting in the dark.

Just my 2 cents, others may vary....

 

[DShort]

My bad it’s a 22-250. For coyote hunting. Not looking for mind blowing off the chart numbers just a good moa load to shoot dogs out to 300 yards

 

[F Class John]

My bad it’s a 22-250. For coyote hunting. Not looking for mind blowing off the chart numbers just a good moa load to shoot dogs out to 300 yards

Ahhh, well it that case they look pretty good and I'd just move on to seating and start whacking those suckers!!

 

[DShort]

Would you say the 36.8 load is workable or should I try 36.7, 36.9 first?

 

[garandman]

Possibly other bullets / powders ?

My seating depth test Have shrank groups by 0.10 to 0.15 in the past. Admittedly I am not drawing from a huge sample.

 

[Nick Caprinolo]

First, three shot groups in and of themselves mean nothing. Load three sets of three shot groups and then average them out, to get a precise idea, of how one particular load is doing. Too many variables involved and your data base is not large enough.

 

[DShort]

Possibly other bullets / powders ?

My seating depth test Have shrank groups by 0.10 to 0.15 in the past. Admittedly I am not drawing from a huge sample.

Yeah I’ve tried a few different combos. This seems to be the best/widest node I’ve gotten with decent velocity. If I can get five shots around 1/2” consistently I’ll be happy. These three charges are already shooting 3/4” groups. Just not sure where to go without wasting components. I think 36.8 looks good it’s right in the middle and had the best groups. I have to drive 45-50 minutes to the shooting range.

 

[DShort]

First, three shot groups in and of themselves mean nothing. Load three sets of three shot groups and then average them out, to get a precise idea, of how one particular load is doing. Too many variables involved and your data base is not large enough.

I hear ya, should I do these three charge weights again In 3 shot groups? Or move up and down the charge weight .1 increments? And shoot 3 shot groups 3 times

 

[Nick Caprinolo]

I hear ya, should I do these three charge weights again In 3 shot groups? Or move up and down the charge weight .1 increments? And shoot 3 shot groups 3 times

Well, you have not at this point proven these groups are good or bad. One tenth of a grain is too small. I would do my groups in 3 or 4 tenths of a grain. When you find a good group then refine it. Stick to the three, three shot groups of each bullet and weight. This gives you a more complete set of data and eliminates a chance that you either got really lucky or missed a shot from mistake.

Very few are lucky to find the best combination the on the first test. Many take week and many rips to the range to find that sweet spot.

Oh and make sure you do not heat up the barrel while testing. If you are using a sporting barrel this is really important. these barrels can never put a third anywhere near the point of aim until they cool.

 

[DShort]

Right on. These were already .3 grain increments. I use a heavy barreled rifle and let it cool and clean it after every 5 round group.

 

[DShort]

Well, you have not at this point proven these groups are good or bad. One tenth of a grain is too small. I would do my groups in 3 or 4 tenths of a grain. When you find a good group then refine it. Stick to the three, three shot groups of each bullet and weight. This gives you a more complete set of data and eliminates a chance that you either got really lucky or missed a shot from mistake.

Very few are lucky to find the best combination the on the first test. Many take week and many rips to the range to find that sweet spot.

Oh and make sure you do not heat up the barrel while testing. If you are using a sporting barrel this is really important. these barrels can never put a third anywhere near the point of aim until they cool.

so I’ll re shoot these in 3, 3 shot groups and see what I come up with

 

[DShort]

Well, you have not at this point proven these groups are good or bad. One tenth of a grain is too small. I would do my groups in 3 or 4 tenths of a grain. When you find a good group then refine it. Stick to the three, three shot groups of each bullet and weight. This gives you a more complete set of data and eliminates a chance that you either got really lucky or missed a shot from mistake.

Very few are lucky to find the best combination the on the first test. Many take week and many rips to the range to find that sweet spot.

Oh and make sure you do not heat up the barrel while testing. If you are using a sporting barrel this is really important. these barrels can never put a third anywhere near the point of aim until they cool.

also let ask you this. These groups were first run on new Lapua brass. I’m trying to stretch them to max length as my rifle seems to like the cases longer. They are once fired now as of today and after FL sizing measure from 1.905-1.910”. Will this affect accuracy enough to throw the groups off? Again I’m not looking to punch one hole groups just a good consistent sub MOA load for coyotes. Thanks again for all your insight

 

[Mikemci]

.005" won't make any difference, for what you are trying to accomplish.

 

[DShort]

.005" won't make any difference, for what you are trying to accomplish.

Ok. Thanks.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I know im a nobody but to shoot those bullets you need to make sure you have a 14twist, i also think youre pushing them too fast. Id try the sierra mk if you want to shoot a bullet that light- i think youre doing very well with that bullet (time to move on up). Dont forget the wind flags if you want your groups to get smaller

 

[Bill K]

The only other thing I would try is some good old H380 with that bullet and see how it compares. Might really surprise you in the 22-250 another good powder to try is CFE 223. Started loads are listed in various books and data bases, if you want to give them a whirl.

 

[Rockchuck]

I wouldn't clean it after every 5 shot group barrel needs to foul a little.

 

[Fast14riot]

Cleaning too often to really tell. Shoot 10 rounds then go for groups. If you're in the field, will you clean your rifle every 5 rounds? You need to know how it performs in conditions which you are going to use it. Including what position you will be in.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

My only powder for a 22-250 with under 60gr bullet is n135