Best way to develope a load

U

UNCLEDAN25

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 21, 2011
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SoCal
#1
Lets try this......Thanks for steering me in the right direction.


So after having my first rifle built, now I'm working on developing my load for the rifle...here is the specs

Rem700 LA, 7Rem mag
Rem Vrmnt, Brux 1:8 barrel with Muscle 3 port brake
McMillian HTG Adustable with Badger DBM
NF 3.5x15x50 NPR-1, NF rings and base
Stock xMark trigger for now had a job on it-2.5lbs(good for hunting)

So basically I have been reloading for a while, not the best at it but getting better as time goes on.

So whats the easiest way to find the best load for my gun that wont burn up a barrel in the mean time?

Components:
H4831sc
Berger 180vlds Hybrids
FDM 210 primers
Winchester brass

I heard 3-5 shots at around 300yards for consistency

This is what I'm leaning towards to start my search. I figured once i found the best combo out of these, the break it down even more, starting with the load.

All at 10 thou off the lands
(4) @ 63.5gn
(4) @ 64gn
(4) @ 64.5gn
(4) @ 65gn
All at 15 thou off the lands
(4) @ 63.5gn
(4) @ 64gn
(4) @ 64.5gn
(4) @ 65gn
All at 20 thou off the lands
(4) @ 63.5gn
(4) @ 64gn
(4) @ 64.5gn
(4) @ 65gn


Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 
#2
Re: Best way to develope a load

I would find a powder charge that works the best working up to book max in .5 grain increments, all seated at the same length watching for pressure signs. Then figure out what charges shoot the best and break it down into smaller increments to find the best load, and then play with seating depths to increase the accuracy. That is how I've always done it and not had a problem.

Walter
 
#3
Re: Best way to develope a load

I'll second the above post from wburke.

Initially, keep length static and vary the charge weight. Research ladder testing that will really help.

Might suggest trying Retumbo powder as it is slower burning and seems to do better pushing the heavy 180 Bergers.

My 7mmRM didn't really like the 180s but loves the 168gr Bergers.

Andrew
 
#8
Re: Best way to develope a load

^^^ Me too. I have never tried latter test as OCW has worked fine. I have moved my testing from 100 yds to 200 yds. I try to only change one thing at a time as it will drive you crazy changing more. Good luck
 
#9
Re: Best way to develope a load

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wburke2010</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would find a powder charge that works the best working up to book max in .5 grain increments, all seated at the same length watching for pressure signs. Then figure out what charges shoot the best and break it down into smaller increments to find the best load, and then play with seating depths to increase the accuracy. That is how I've always done it and not had a problem.

Walter </div></div>

Would it not be true that if you're gonna work up a certain load, let's say near book max and it's doing fairly well, you're saying then you start playing with that loads seating depth to tweak accuracy? Won't that potentially cause some serious pressure issues? Been of the understanding that if you're gonna change seating depths that you should start over regarding charge weight..... NO?
 
#10
Re: Best way to develope a load

You do need to keep an eye on the potential for pressure changes as you tweak seating depth.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 1J04</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wburke2010</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would find a powder charge that works the best working up to book max in .5 grain increments, all seated at the same length watching for pressure signs. Then figure out what charges shoot the best and break it down into smaller increments to find the best load, and then play with seating depths to increase the accuracy. That is how I've always done it and not had a problem.

Walter </div></div>

Would it not be true that if you're gonna work up a certain load, let's say near book max and it's doing fairly well, you're saying then you start playing with that loads seating depth to tweak accuracy? Won't that potentially cause some serious pressure issues? Been of the understanding that if you're gonna change seating depths that you should start over regarding charge weight..... NO? </div></div>
 
#11
Re: Best way to develope a load

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: glock24</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would suggest three things specifically;

1. Get some Retumbo
2. Work up loads in 0.3g increments
3. Follow Dan Newberry's OCW procedures </div></div>

Very good info, and the article in the post after is pretty informative too. Thanks for sharing guys!
 
#12
Re: Best way to develope a load

Just finished reading the article on Ladder shooting by Accurateshooter.com....can t wait to try this out. Seems very effective and makes sense.
Thanks for all the input.
D
 
#14
Re: Best way to develope a load

Rule of thumb is you start long, jammed or touching the rifling. Increase the jump as you look for better groups. Not the other way around. Putting the bullet into the rifling at the same powder charge could be dangerous. think of a car with its front tires bumped up against the curb. You add a little gas, nothing, little more, nothing, keep adding gas and boom, the car jumps the curb violently.
 
#15
Re: Best way to develope a load

So would it be better to Make some more rounds at 5 thou off the lands and add that to the list?

Also this will be my primary hunting rifle, should I be that tight to the lands? You don't always get to let lead fly.

I thought with the hybrids closer is not necessarily better?
 
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