Range trip results from first time loads

[little_scrapper]

Range day results. I was shooting 168 gr SMK over Hodgdon H4895. Shot three rounds at each load. Loads ranged from 39.0 gr to 42.0 grains in 0.5 gr increments. Number on pics is weight of charge. Blue tape is 1" wide.

Aimpoint was center of piece of tape. Took a 5 min or so break in between groups to inspect primers and let barrel cool a bit. 39.5 and 40.0 gr showed some promise and I will probably play around some more in this area. Not sure what to think about 41.0 grains? There is the flier but the hit on the tape is a two holer. Probably just luck. At 42.0 grains the primers are starting to show cratering but nothing major.

I am just starting this journey so any input, advice and directives from more experienced loaders is appreciated. Right now I feel my biggest hangup is realizing I am almost certainly NOT consistent enough for 3 rnd groups to tell me anything definitive.

 

[Doom]

If this is w/o optic magnification it looks good. The 1/2 gr increment is too large. I would load 39.3 to 41.2 in 0.2 gr. and reshoot.

 

[Precision Underground]

Primer cratering is not a good indicator of pressure. The firing pin and pin hole are more likely the reason for that. I see possible ejector marks that would be a sign of pressure. I can’t tell from that angle if that’s what I’m seeing.

My advice would be to get a more consistent/smaller point of aim, assuming you are using at least 8x magnification. Aiming at 3 different shaped pieces of tape is not a good way to start eliminating variables!

 

[Cerwinski]

I don't use three-shot groups. Five-shot minimum. I also believe in the "aim small, miss small" theory. With any scope 18x or higher my aiming points are nothing more than a dot made with a sharpie. I then dial a few clicks up to avoid obliterating my aimpoint.

 

[little_scrapper]

I have a Vortex Crossfire II 8-18x. I was at 18x when shooting. That is a good idea about a small dot and a few clicks high.

Next batch will be smaller increments and larger 5x groups. This was my very first time loading ever and I just wanted to get the process down and see if anything grouped at all.

 

[little_scrapper]

UPDATE: Next range trip running 5x groups and .2 gr increments. Again I would like to request professional analysis. Also, forgive that spalling. There were a couple steel targets off to the left of my paper.

41.1 gr made a nice group and if you look above at my previously posted pics 41.0 had a flier but also had a 2-holer and I am thinking this might be my node. Interesting was that the two loads that showed promise last time were not that great this time. Although 39.7 looks good if you disregard the flier.

I am starting to notice something and you may be able to see it in my groups. If I hold nice and snug I seems to shoot low. If I hold just a little bit looser I shoot a bit higher. I am assuming the recoil impulse when holding looser, not loose but looser, is allowing a bit of muzzle rise. Yes/No?

Whats my next move? 0.1 grain ladder around 41.0?

 

[1moaoff]

1st question how well do you shoot with known gun and ammo?

 

[little_scrapper]

With this optic on my AR15 Franken Rifle, preferred ammo and do my part I can shoot .75 MOA. That's with Factory ammo that she likes. I may be able to do better with a worked up load For said AR15.

Comparted to this LaRue 308 the AR15 is a marshmallow. Best description I can give is: I am still new to rifle and am learning. I am doing my best to build my position. I still have a slight heartbeat in reticle. However, I am working on being consistent. Getting to the point where I can "feel" when I missed before scope settles and I see the shot being off. I toss a flier here and there.

I know if I shoot too much too fast, heated barrel starts to string high and left. I was shooting 5x group and then let gun sit for a few minutes before shooting next group. I felt like I was settling down after the first couple groups. Which means exactly squat.