Need advice. 300 prc 230 reloading

DeadNoise

Legend
Supporter
Full Member
Minuteman
Supporter
Apr 25, 2008
818
23
39
Nevada
Need some advice. Reloading for 300 prc in AI AXSR.

Lapua brass.
215m primers
230 grain Atips
Retumbo.

During load development I make up 5 rounds in increments of .3 grains. Found a node at 78.3. Reload 10 more and it’s the same ES will go from 10.02 and SD of 3.73 to an ES averaging around 30 and SD to 17-22. Done this 4 times now and can’t seem to pinpoint my issue. Using a match master and double checking on an A&D scale.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SEPAboltrifle
There's a good chance it's just math. You're getting "lucky" with a 5-round group, then you go for the larger to validate, and the law of averages kicks in. Still, 17+ SD is pretty bad.

Questions:
- Are you annealing?
- Are you using a mandrel after sizing?
- Are you lubricating the case necks before seating?
- What velocity are you getting?
- What seating depth?
 
Recommendations:

1) Try another powder charge. Take what the larger groups are telling you over the smaller - try playing a little slower
2) Get a mandrel/die
3) Get some neck lube and apply either before mandrel or just before seating
 
  • Like
Reactions: TripleBull
Recommendations:

1) Try another powder charge. Take what the larger groups are telling you over the smaller - try playing a little slower
2) Get a mandrel/die
3) Get some neck lube and apply either before mandrel or just before seating
Thank you. I’ve never got into the mandrel stuff. Any recommendations?
 
Thank you. I’ve never got into the mandrel stuff. Any recommendations?


If you want to get more into screwing around with different sized mandrels: