How many people charge it seat it and SHOOT it!!

[Aimsmall55]

Does anybody ever just get plain sick of chasing the perfect load?? Lately I've been just saying screw it and not really going overboard with details. Yes, lots are all the same ect, but it's not like I used to load. I'm fortunate enough to own some really nice rifles that will shoot pretty much anything. So I guess I what I'm saying ..... BURNED OUT.... ANYBODY EVER GET THAT WAY

 

[RobertB]

I have 2 rifles that I chased a perfect load for and they are BR rifles. All my field rifles I ran a quick OCW test. took the best group in the higher speed loads and called it good. My Surgeon and GAP rifles were all one hole groups with its picked load. Way more than I really need.

 

[3wide]

In my opinion controlling the variables when reloading has more affect on group size, over chasing a load by tenths of a grain of powder.
I understand hitting a muzzle velocity your barrel likes but unless you shoot at the same weather conditions every day, your chasing a moving target.

For the majority of shooters, just shoot it.

 

[sobrbiker883]

I doo quick round robin of OCW projections based on optimum barrel time models from quickload. Until I can shoot the .1-.3 or so moa difference under fireld conditions I have learned that chasing bettering my skill pays off more than chasing reloading perfection. As long as a load holds sub moa at 500 yards its good enough for me.
Give a top shooter a 1moa load and me a .25moa load and I will have my ass handed to me in a match.

 

[P7id10t]

Yes, that is what I do mostly. Find a load that groups well, mark it in my notes, carefully load s-loads of it and then go shooting with the buddies.
Sh1t, it could be milsurp for all I care -- shooting with the buds is what makes it all worth it.

 

[catswithguns]

If I can hit a milk jug at 500 yards, I'd be more than satisfied.

 

[Kinsman]

If I could SEE 500 yds I would be happy. A few years ago my eyes started to go bad, and my nerves, too. Now, if I can hold under 2 MOA, I'm OK. Now I load for reduced recoil as much as for accuracy. Those hot loads of yesteryear are no longer for me. I have a Savage 112 in 300 W.M. that I haven't shot in years because my shoulder is painfully arthritic.

I think I will just sell those guns that kill out there, and mutilate at this end....

 

[JGorski]

I just started to get really picky about my loads, been shooting my "precision" rifle for basically thru the spring and summer, after trying about 3 different powders Ive got a few different loads that shoot very well, but since my powder measure or the powder itself doesnt accurately measure H4350 to within .1 of a grain every time, Ill keep on measuring each charge on either my digital or 505 scale, or both. And Ill also check the runout for match loads. If i switch to a ball powder I wont have to worry about that, that shit is right on every time like the eight 308s I loaded this morning with 2000MR.

 

[kansas]

I started shooting this long range stuff a couple of years ago so I spent a lot of the last year trying for the perfect load and now am back with what I started with. I guess it was fun to see what my rifle would do with those other combinations but, like you, I'm tired of it and just want to shoot. My rifle still likes the 185 gr. Bergers best but they are too long for my magazines so...back to 175 gr SMK. They shoot better than I do.

 

[Aimsmall55]

I just started to get really picky about my loads, been shooting my "precision" rifle for basically thru the spring and summer, after trying about 3 different powders Ive got a few different loads that shoot very well, but since my powder measure or the powder itself doesnt accurately measure H4350 to within .1 of a grain every time, Ill keep on measuring each charge on either my digital or 505 scale, or both. And Ill also check the runout for match loads. If i switch to a ball powder I wont have to worry about that, that shit is right on every time like the eight 308s I loaded this morning with 2000MR.

Hard to go wrong with 2000mr and about 46 to 47 grains on top of a 185.

 

[427Cobra]

For inside 300 I don't think there is much of a difference between to the kernal and thrown, at my club I watch BR guys shoot itty bitty groups at 100-200, most are throwing 4198, seating depth seems to the real critical thing for them, those same guys who also shoot 600 BR weigh to the kernal, and most of them use vials to transport there pre measured charges to the range. For the comps most of shoot in we don't know which distance we are gonna be shooting , so precise measured charges are required, practice how you shoot, shoot how you practice.

 

[Sinus211]

Loosening your standards when reloading is what makes for mistakes. I treat every round as though my life counts on it. It might.

As far as chasing the perfect round, isn't that all the fun? Finding a sweet load that outshoots all your buddies and calling them all losers is heaven to me.

 

[elk addict]

ar loads get seated to mag length,

handgun loads- if it feeds, and goes out the front of the barrel somewhat predictably i'm happy. i don't push hot loads through a handgun, though.

everything else goes through powder type, charge weight, & seating depth testing

 

[milo 2.0]

Does anybody ever just get plain sick of chasing the perfect load?? Lately I've been just saying screw it and not really going overboard with details. Yes, lots are all the same ect, but it's not like I used to load. I'm fortunate enough to own some really nice rifles that will shoot pretty much anything. So I guess I what I'm saying ..... BURNED OUT.... ANYBODY EVER GET THAT WAY

Don't get too complacent there Stewart! Through our conversations you're a lot like me, all relatively new "custom" guns, that will shoot about anything that you feed them. But the 300WM will go first, just seating the bullet .003" more into the lands on the Creedmore every 250 rounds might skate you buy for quite awhile, just don't let them all time out at once.

I just had to rebarrel one of my saum's 3 weeks ago, not the life I wanted, but in the mean time shot the other one and got the thing so fuckin hot that the load won't hit shit now. So here I sit with two guns that need load development, surgery next week, and shoots I want to get in on, and I don't know if I'll even be able to waddle my fat ass to the bench to find a load!
Thank the Lord for hybrids.

This week I waited on a piece from Giraud to anneal my 6.5x47 brass for one gun. I was so happy it came quickly I annealed, tumbled, sized, tumbled and primed over half of it before realizing I didn't even check the flash holes for media, never the less cleaned the pockets, chamfered, or that 20% needed trimmed. I just loaded 50 and dumped them this am, hit right where I was aiming.

So I think you're on to something!!!!

 

[Aimsmall55]

Loosening your standards when reloading is what makes for mistakes. I treat every round as though my life counts on it. It might.

As far as chasing the perfect round, isn't that all the fun? Finding a sweet load that outshoots all your buddies and calling them all losers is heaven to me.

It's not that I'm loosening my safety... Just sick of putting the comparator on every bullet, or the idea of trying to improve something that doesn't need to be improved. For instance I have a 6.5 Creedmor GAP Crusader.. 3" groups in calm weather all day long at 900 yards with bergers and even factory amaxs. So I find myself tempted to try new bullets, new powder and I think what's the point. I load for 6 rifles for myself, 3 for a friend, and some for others occasionally. Just gets old sometimes. All I'm saying.
And yeah kicking some douche bags ass who STRUTS when talking about making a 350 yard shots on deer is really satisfying... Especially when you say.. " Let's start out at about 700 yards... I need to check my dope.." And you see that OH SHIT look in his eyes because he has no idea and knows his ego is entering a world of pain!!

 

[Sinus211]

Especially when you say.. " Let's start out at about 700 yards... I need to check my dope.." And you see that OH SHIT look in his eyes because he has no idea and knows his ego is entering a world of pain!!

The literal "deer in the headlights" look. Love it!

 

[Greg Langelius *]

On occasion I do, but not without some preliminaries.

I have found that same barrel/load combinations are less sensitive to minor (within the natural range of error my measure produces) charge weigh variances. Typically, this will be with larger capacity cases. Once I have found a good load, I will refrain from weighing individual charges and shoot a batch to see how much the dispersion opens up.

If it's within acceptable limits, I'll run another batch, for non-critical applications, but for practice, no. I do my practice with rimfire, period.

A non critical application might be to provide a rifle and ammo for a beginner, etc. In such applications, it pays to find out whether the shooter's skill warrants more critical handloading standards before expending ammo made with the greatest effort.

Greg

 

[shoots100]

I load for 6 rifles for myself, 3 for a friend, and some for others occasionally. Just gets old sometimes. All I'm saying.

I was in the same boat as you,so finding company here is a relief.It got to the point that shooting anything under 1K was getting boring,and not spending 10 minutes to load a single shell was deemed "progressive".So I went back to shooting handgun,shotgun and .22's for awhile,just to give myself a break.Training youngsters has helped out.I'm a bit more patient now,and it keeps the shooting sports alive.Keep on Keeping on.

 

[Aimsmall55]

If you are using good components I've found that consistency in process is more important than anything else. All brass sized and trimmed to the same dimensions. All bullets seated to the same depth. All loads have the same neck tension.

With virgin lapua or hornady 6.5 creedmor I literally just prime charge and load to the ogive. No weighing or anything like that. Although this is with loads that I've been shooting and tested a good bit. And same lot #'s on everything. With my .300 win mags it's a little more prep intensive as the quality of brass isn't nearly as good. But I just run virgin win mag brass through a lee collet die to straighten the necks and chamfer. Then I anneal after every firing.

 

[DIBBS]

With my .300 win mags it's a little more prep intensive as the quality of brass isn't nearly as good. Then I anneal after every firing.

Aimsmall has you done any testing with different annealing schedules (ie more firings between annealing) and found that annealing every firing gives you the best results? Are you using WW brass?

As far as the reloading, I used to be extremely anal about trying to get that last bit of accuracy. Now, depending on the rifle and intended use, I have a target level of accuracy, and when that is reached I spend more time SHOOTING!

Also, I tend to take a couple months off from rifle shooting in the summer, which seems to help maintain focus and interest

 

[MTyotehunter]

I just drop them strait from my br3 measurer when using ball powders or short stick powders. Most stick powders I like to weigh each charge, especally for a long range rifle. For my Varmint rifles that I load alot of rounds for I choose powders that meater well so I can load fast.

 

[mxjunky78]

Hell with the shortages everywhere it's almost useless to work up a load. Once you're out of components, the chance of finding the same stuff is very slim. Load em and shoot em!!

 

[Aimsmall55]

Aimsmall has you done any testing with different annealing schedules (ie more firings between annealing) and found that annealing every firing gives you the best results? Are you using WW brass?

As far as the reloading, I used to be extremely anal about trying to get that last bit of accuracy. Now, depending on the rifle and intended use, I have a target level of accuracy, and when that is reached I spend more time SHOOTING!

Also, I tend to take a couple months off from rifle shooting in the summer, which seems to help maintain focus and interest

Yeah... I will sometimes go 3 times, but here lately it's been every firing. I have noticed that the case necks feel almost the exact same tension wise when I do it every time. Also the brass lasts a good bit longer. I'm shooting RP brass. When the shit hit the fan a few months ago I found 12 bags of 50 and bought all of them. Hadn't seen win mag brass since. I'd prefer win brass but I shoot what I can get. A plus on the brass(rp) is the primer pockets seem to last a bit longer when win.

I've posted this pic before

 

[E. Bryant]

I do try to maintain consistency in each step that I apply to the reloading process, but I try to keep the number of those steps relatively small, and I don't spend a lot of time or material chasing "optimum" loads. The greatest opportunity for improvement in my case lies behind the rifle, not within the chamber.

I also believe that the KISS approach could lead to improved safety. Time and energy not spent on potentially unnecessary steps can then be devoted to getting the major stuff right.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

The shortages sure change the priorities, but I refuse to let them stop me dead in my tracks. They lead me to weigh and choose my handloading and shooting activities in a new light. They prompt me to try alternatives that haven't appealed to me before.

But letting them halt my interest and involvement in shooting does just what the grabbers want the shortages to do, regardless of how they came about; and I flatly refuse to give them that satisfaction. I'll try a few new things before I do that.

E. Bryant's post is somewhat in line with my own thinking. Do it right, do it with an economical approach, make each shot count for something. Practice can be something of a luxury; don't stop, but keep it short and pertinent. Use .22LR for practice, where possible, and save the other stuff for more practical applications.

It's a binary problem; things will improve, or they won't. The better solutions address both potentials.

Greg

 

[usmc02xx]

after doing a good OCW i can just throw powder and seat. i set my cheap ass Lee powder measure to 23gn (give or take .1gn) and throw away for my 223. with 69SNK seated at 2.3 inch it gives me a load that has turned out groups in the low .2's and consistently beneath .6 inch. 100 yards of course. The only time i actually stop to weigh those anymore is when we stretch out. vertical stringing comes into play, but for groups at 100, fuck it. I get 100 rounds loaded and ready in an hour that way.

 

[turbo54]

I don't sweat it too much. Most good rifles will shoot quality ammo into 3/4" or less. For tactical match purposes, that is entirely adequate.

Chase Stroud (et al) would still win with 1moa rifles.

 

[Aimsmall55]

I don't sweat it too much. Most good rifles will shoot quality ammo into 3/4" or less. For tactical match purposes, that is entirely adequate.

Chase Stroud (et al) would still win with 1moa rifles.

Agreed. I quit chasing one hole groups while I'm awaiting my ftr rifle to be finished. That's a different animal. But to just go out and shoot at 1,000 yards ,1/2 to 3/4" groups at 100 will put me on a 2x2 ar 500 plate 99% of the time.I just tweak it once I spot the hit and move toward that orange circle.

 

[Aimsmall55]

Better make it 90% percent.

 

[steve123]

Does anybody ever just get plain sick of chasing the perfect load?? Lately I've been just saying screw it and not really going overboard with details. Yes, lots are all the same ect, but it's not like I used to load. I'm fortunate enough to own some really nice rifles that will shoot pretty much anything. So I guess I what I'm saying ..... BURNED OUT.... ANYBODY EVER GET THAT WAY

Yes!

Life would be so much easier if I could just walk out the back door and shoot long range! Not the case for me though.

The last few years I've been plagued with barrels coming loose, scope mounts loosening, bad batches of bullets and different burn rates of the same brand of powder. This really can be aggravatingly frustrating! It took a lot of F'n around before I found out the problems and that included trying to find a load that would work.

Fortunately I've prepped all my brass on the 6x47L and 30-375R a long long time ago. Both types of brass last seemingly forever so I haven't had to buy new brass and prep it. Going on 6 years for the 6mm and 4 years for the 30 cal.

Also it's gotten to the point with load development that I know where the nodes are so finding seating depth is the main thing.

Now I'm dealing a bad batch of bullets or a barrel that doesn't like them. Here I go again, arg.

 

[Aimsmall55]

Yes!

Heck yeah!! Somebody finally said "Yes". I have been waiting for just an answer like yours Steve. Thank you man!
Sincerely... "Burnt the Fuck Out"

 

[No1]

I know how you feel, man. Sometimes you just got to take a break and shoot for fun.
Bear season is coming up so this week I'm going to go do some off bench shooting with my favorite rifle.
There is one thing I almost always do when I go to the range and I'm done with the "finding the load shooting". I empty out my .45 that I carry. Usually a draw fire/ draw double tap till it's empty, just to keep myself proficient and make sure that I didn't have a weak magazine spring sneak up on me. I find that relaxing, and sometimes empty both mags.

 

[sentry1]

I've found that when using handloads for my AR15, LC brass & 62 gr steel core or 62 gr FBHP, there's a 3 grain spread where there's no noticeable difference in group size, I got a nice 1" - 1.5" group.

I quit using the Chargemaster for exact weights, got out the powder thrower with the handle, and pump out a few hundred rounds. I agree that time is better spent on the trigger than on every little variable at the loading bench.