Reloading for the first time tomorrow...UPDATE!

[BravoSector1]

I've spent the last week acquiring kit and building a reloading bench. I'm following my manual step by step (Hornady classic lock-n-load kit) and I've decapped/resized and cleaned the primer pockets. I'll prime tonight and debur the brass...so...

I've got on hand:
1. Hornady 168gr A-MAX
2. CCI large rifle primers
3. IMR 4895
4. Once fired FGMM brass

Middle of the road powder charge for this round/powder combo looks to be about 40.0g. I plan on loading 20?, running them (I don't have a chrono) and seeing what kind of performance I get. Pic of platform is below. Savage 10FP-5R, 24" barrel w/1-10 twist. This is a range toy with occassional hunt (I'd use a different bullet) popping up. Max range available is 300m.

Any recommendations, cautions etc would be greatly appreciated. I hit the range on Sat.

******************************************************************************************************************************
Hit the range yesterday. The load seemed to perform well...the shooter did not. I'm assuming the lateral spread of these rounds is me not manipulating the trigger properly and pulling the rounds. Any other insight would be appreciated. I did notice the rounds hit dead center but 4" low compared to the factory 168grn FGMM.

 

[josephberry]

Re: Reloading for the first time tomorrow...

start low and work your way up

 

[fadin'fast]

Re: Reloading for the first time tomorrow...

You might want to check the casings for length and trim if necessary, and chamfer the necks inside and out.
And the last thing is.... your hooked! Once you start reloading you can't stop and you will always be improving your loads.
Don't think of it as an addiction, think of it as therapy!

 

[DevilWillCry]

Re: Reloading for the first time tomorrow...

Take your time, pay attention to what your doing and write everything down. The most important part is to have fun, crafting your rounds, and firing them

 

[Sportin Wood]

Re: Reloading for the first time tomorrow...

Ah... he's popping his own reloading cherry

 

[BravoSector1]

Re: Reloading for the first time tomorrow...

10 rounds loaded at 2.80 with 38gr IMR 4895 with CCI 200s and FGMM once fired. We'll see how it does against the factory FGMM 168...

 

[sic65stang]

Re: Reloading for the first time tomorrow...

When I start to reload for a new rifle I start at the lowest recommended powder charge and work my way up. Usually I load 5 at the lowest charge, then 5 at 0.5GN more powder, and so on until I reach the top of the powder range.

When you go to the range use the 5 of the same powder charge to group at individual targets. You will eventually see that your rifle likes one or two of the variable powder charges. Now for example if your rifle shot better between 38.5GN and 39.5GN than you reload your next batch with that information.

Start your next reloading at a little below your 38.5GN such as 38.2GN and work up by 0.2 - 0.3 GN this time until you reach a little above the 39.5GN. It is alot of work, but if you do this a couple times not only will you get practice with precision and record keeping, but you will most likely see a distinct difference in loads. If you just select a powder charge and start shooting that than you are not getting ALL the benefits from reloading such as precise selected powder charges. Good luck!

 

[JGorski]

Re: Reloading for the first time tomorrow...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BravoSector1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">10 rounds loaded at 2.80 with 38gr IMR 4895 with CCI 200s and FGMM once fired. We'll see how it does against the factory FGMM 168... </div></div>
Bravo, do yourself a favor and get some RE15, load youir brass with 43grs and seat those AMAXs to 2.830-2.850" OAL and go punch some holes, Im getting results like this with that load, though Im using Win brass. 200yds.

 

[JGorski]

Re: Reloading for the first time tomorrow...

Yeah, I like to start 3 grains from the max and work my way up, that starting from the lowest charge is bullfunky. Ill tell you right now federal loads their FGMM 168 loads with RE15, probably around 43-44grs.

 

[sic65stang]

Re: Reloading for the first time tomorrow...

I have had a couple rifles like the lower charges, you never know if you dont try it.

 

[JGorski]

Re: Reloading for the first time tomorrow...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Robert Murphy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have had a couple rifles like the lower charges, you never know if you dont try it. </div></div>
I guess Im talking more about 308s, they seem to like a higher pressure load than some other rounds. Of the rifles I have they like anywhere from 1.5 to .5grain off max.