First Hand Loads

[Vitals]

So I loaded my fist 50 rounds today and focused on loading what will tell me the best distance off lands. I started with .030 jump (6rounds with 56gr, 6rounds with 58gr), then .050 jump (6rounds with 56gr, 6rounds with 58gr), then .090 jump (same charge variation), then .100 jump (same charge variation).

This was an attempt to maximize the information I would get from the least amount of materials. Maybe it wasn't the best but I just thought it would be a good way to space out the jump to learn from different groups. It seems like I should have gone closer to the lands rather than starting from .030.

I would appreciate any and all comments on how to approach this going forward. I sort of felt like I was taking a stab in the dark at where to start with working up this load. My hope is to determine which jump is best, and then play with charge levels more from there. Maybe be to many variables in that approach?

 

[Joe M]

I always figure out the charge weight first, then mess with the seating depth if I feel more fine tuning is needed.

 

[Vitals]

Im finding tons of great information on similar threads. Thanks peoples

 

[AZ Vince]

I always figure out the charge weight first, then mess with the seating depth if I feel more fine tuning is needed.

Me too.

 

[LaHunter]

Same here.

 

[mtswampfox]

unless you are planning on bench rest competition shooting , the other variables are far more important , distance, wind , holding the rifle consistently among others. fun to play with but would not fall in love with this aspect of reloading. as long as you are not jamming into the lands and they fit the magazine move on.

 

[Sam Millard]

When working up a load, it is best to avoid changing more than one variable at a time. The cause and affect are too hard to determine with multiple variables. I always start .010" off the lands (regardless of mag length). I work up to max pressure, then back off .5-1.0 grains. If I need to seat deeper for mag length, I work the depth back .020" at a time to make sure pressure and accuracy are ok.

I require big volume with my ammo to keep up with me and 2 kids shooting, so I don't like to waste time "tuning" a load. Come up with a standard of accuracy you are willing to accept and get out and shoot it. Tuning to a certain seating depth can be tedious and requires you to "chase the lands" as the throat erodes. My standard for the LR rifles is .5 MOA. That allows me to shoot animals as far away as I'm willing to shoot. A 270 with 130s will only have enough gas to kill out to maybe 800, depending on the critter. 1 MOA ammo will certainly do fine for that.

One hole groups are fun to shoot and build a lot of confidence in your rifle, but not required for the vast majority of long range hunting. Getting first round hits on a reasonably small target at distance in the wind is much more important to me

 

[Vitals]

Great advice Sam thanks. For NOW my goal is just to feel confident at 500 yards. I think ill end up seeing most accuracy with the .030 loads but I have room to make it even closer. Unfortunately the 44 rounds I loaded at .050 and so forth will just need to be shot and hopefully I can learn something from them.

 

[HOT ROD]

I do some thing similar to U vitals. Except I don't change the powder charge. I start as long as I can. And still run through the mag. Then start going back wards on the over all length. But I am no means a expert at this. I have learned a ton of info from this site.....

 

[Cahunter805]

Vitals

You don't have to shoot all those loaded rounds. Invest in the hornady bullet puller and collets. Pull them apart.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/851547/hornady-cam-lock-bullet-puller

 

[16Bore]

Start kissing the lands, run pressure up, tweak shorter if need be to find accuracy. If your throat won't allow it, then start at the maximum your mag box will allow and run the pressure up. At this point you've ruled out 1/2 of the variables. Can't go longer, can't go hotter. Don't start in the middle and work sideways.