Need help with load development - OCW

[boostless]

I'm working on developing a new load for my rifle. I'm using Dan Newberry's Optimal Charge Weight to do this. I need a little help interpreting my targets. I kinda feel like it's about even on the targets, let me know what you think. The rifle is a Rem 700 SPS Tactical in .223 all targets are shot at 100 yds. All the targets were hung with the numbers on the left.














This is the website to the load development procedure

OCW Overview - Dan Newberry's OCW Load Development System

 

[dustinoif3]

Was target 6 your max load? 4,5 and 6 at first I was thinking was OCW but looking at 5 that may be your scatter node because 6 sucked up nice. What's your book max and what charge was on 6?

 

[boostless]

Of the 3 I looked at the highest was 28 gr, #6 is 27.7gr. I added the 3 max loads up and divided by 3 to get an average and it came out to 27.4gr. The data used was from Hogdon, Hornady, and Lyman. The Lyman I just used a similar weight bullet and matched the powder.

*** I'm using Lake City brass as well

 

[dustinoif3]

Of the 3 I looked at the highest was 28 gr, #6 is 27.7gr. I added the 3 max loads up and divided by 3 to get an average and it came out to 27.4gr. The data used was from Hogdon, Hornady, and Lyman. The Lyman I just used a similar weight bullet and matched the powder.

*** I'm using Lake City brass as well

What powder are you using? I found my OCW with my 308 at 47.6, 48 and 48.4. 48.2 was book max. If it were me I'd take 3@ 27.7, 3@28 and [email protected] back out again. It looks like your sweet spot will be 28. Did you notice any pressure signs at 27.7?

 

[boostless]

What powder are you using? I found my OCW with my 308 at 47.6, 48 and 48.4. 48.2 was book max. If it were me I'd take 3@ 27.7, 3@28 and [email protected] back out again. It looks like your sweet spot will be 28. Did you notice any pressure signs at 27.7?

I'm using WC846 loaded as BL-C(2). The only thing I could see with out pulling out a micrometer is a slightly flattened primer which looks the same from 25 gr and up. Another thing I've noticed is cratered firing pin marks on the primer which I've noticed even in factory loaded ammo. I'm getting ready to head out, I'm gonna grab some pics when I get back.

 

[boostless]

Here is a pic of the primers. The left side is the lower charges and the right side is the higher of the charges.

The largest case head measurement I got was .375 which is fine according to the Hornady manual which shows it as a max of .376

 

[dustinoif3]

Yeah mine pools a little. Everything looks fine. What grain of bullet?

 

[boostless]

It's a 50 gr VMAX, I was able to get an order in at MidwayUSA for some Nosler 69 gr match bullets so that'll be my next load development if I can get some decent powder.

 

[user]

I'm using WC846 loaded as BL-C(2).

Not familiar with that process. Whats does that mean?

 

[exx1976]

Not familiar with that process. Whats does that mean?

WC846 is a military pulled surplus powder, and he's loading it using specs for BL-C(2).

 

[boostless]

WC846 is a military pulled surplus powder, and he's loading it using specs for BL-C(2).

This. Some cases showed signs of overpressure at a 600 yd shoot I was at this morning so I'm going to go back through the load development and see if I can get a lower load with good results until I can get some different/better powder.

 

[NoFail]

Might try CFE 223 or Varget. Bro in law is having some good results using Varget for his .223 loads. A 69 gr custom competition Nosler load. For my .308 I'm sold on the CFE for my relatively heavier bullets 178, 180 grainers. Gives greater velocity and it does leave nice groups, gun cleaning easier with the CFE too.

 

[boostless]

I just ordered a bunch of the 69gr Nosler's, I need to keep an eye out for some powder. The only other thing I have is 2015 which is what I'm gonna try but I only have one pound and I'm sure that will go rather quickly.

 

[NoFail]

I just ordered a bunch of the 69gr Nosler's, I need to keep an eye out for some powder. The only other thing I have is 2015 which is what I'm gonna try but I only have one pound and I'm sure that will go rather quickly.

Just hang tight onto Powder Valley web site, find the powder section and go their early everyday & and in the afternoon. It will show up sooner or later, eh, maybe....

 

[jsthntn247]

I would say 4 was your scatter node, because it was waay off from the other groups, and 6 is going to be close to your ocw. This would make sense because your ocw is supposed to be 1 to 2 % above the scatter node. Play with seating depth at charge 6.