Am I on the right track?

[TreGrizz]

So I am trying to create a load for my 308 win. I have 3 different bullets that Im testing with Varget powder; Barnes ttsx 165 grain, Nosler Acubond 165gr, and Berger VLD 168gr.

My first step has been to load 5 rounds starting at the low end of the powder load data, and working my way up. I am going to be looking for which is most accurate, while also checking for any high pressure signs. These rounds are loaded to the seating depth recommended by the manufacturer. I have loaded my rounds, but havent shot yet as Im looking for a good bench rest to assist me.

After this, I will then tweak my depth to see if I can get any more accuracy out of it. The question is, should I have done depth prior to powder load?

My goal is an MOA of 1 or less. Its a deer hunting rifle that I plan to shoot use at <300 yards. The rifle is a Remington 700 action, bedded in a fiberglass stock by Stocky's.

Let me know if my logic of working the powder load, then seating depth is good, or if I should do it another way. any other tips would be great!. worst case i'll buy a box of ammo that my gun likes, but I really would like to fill a tag with a round that I loaded myself.

Thanks for reading!

 

[deerkiller]

I use the Nosler #8 manual, I've been doing that for around 20 years with no problems - my initial test loads looking for accuracy and pressure are in groups of 3, just my habit, as I have found some with pressure signs before reaching book max (not often but it does happen) 3 causes fewer to pull bullets and try another load
You've probably aready studied how to find max OAL with a non clip rifle … do that because pushing a bullet into the lands can raise pressures unrealistically and you don't want that type of load for a hunting round anyway

 

[Mulyhuntr]

If you have a chrono, i'd highly recommend using the saterlee 10 shot load development to find yourself a velocity node and then go from there. That way you aren't wasting a bunch of shots starting at the min powder charge. I always start load development at .02" off the lands and then alter seating depth if necessary once I find the right powder charge.

 

[N2TRKYS]

If I had to use a Barnes ttsx, it would be the 130 grain.

I'm developing a load for my 308 with 165 grain Partitions and Accubonds. I only use Nosler bullets, so I load to Nosler's data. I've had very good luck loading to their suggested COAL. Now, I start my loads about a grain below their max loads.

I don't worry about chasing the lands.

 

[TreGrizz]

Great replies, thank you all so much for the input!

 

[Stid2677]

How I roll,, I research velocity and load data for my chosen bullet/powder combo. I prefer to have both the rifle and a fired case, fire in the rifle I'm loading for on the bench. I measure the fired case to know what I need to size my cases to in order to ensure the cases fit and cycle in the action.

I then measure the bullet I plan on loading distance to the lands, this gives me max COAL. I then measure magazine length, as I want my hunting loads to feed from the magazine. Often magazine length will limit my COAL. I know from years of loading that in my experience, Barnes likes a lot of jump, so I start with the bullet seated just deep enough to hide the last groove, Accubonds "my personal choice" likes about .015 off the lands in my rifles and the Bergers I have shot like to be jammed in the lands or way back in the 2nd seating node.

Once I get a seating depth, that will cycle, I start loading a powder ladder. I start at the lower end of the scale and load in .5 grains up to and over the max. This most often gives me 10 or so rounds. I fire these one at a time, allowing the barrel to cool between shots, I mark each shot and record velocity. As I shoot, using the same point of aim, I will see groups form. I fire until I get pressure signs, this gives me the max for my rifle/load combo.

I then look for the load that gives me the velocity and also shows a group in the powder ladder. In the example photo you can see the group. I then choose the powder range I want and load up 5 of each and shoot for groups.

I then take my best loads and solve for seating, I use the Berger method.

Getting the Best Precision and Accuracy from VLD bullets in Your Rifle

VLD bullets are designed with a secant ogive. This ogive shape allows bullets to be more efficient in flight (retain more velocity = less drop and wind deflection). While this result is desirable for many rifle shooters the secant ogive on the VLD bullets produces another result in many rifle.

bergerbullets.com

 

[VernAK]

FWIW,
I use TTSX in several rifles but I've quit playing the seating depth game. I simply seat all TSX, TTSX as Barnes does with their factory ammo. Seat it into top groove and lightly crimp with collett crimping die. Works for me!

 

[lavazhole]

The Barnes bullets can be pretty jump sensitive...so are Berger’s. Berger has a great paper on how to find a good seating depth for your rifle.