Back to basics

[EagerNoSkill]

Hi all

ADVICE

Best way to develop accurate load

Method Tip and Tricks

I am tired of ambushing myself in tail chasing excitement cos i only end up biting my own balls!

[phaedra1106]

I'm probably ass about face but when I first got my Steyr SSG-04 I did the usual web searches for suggested loads, found a few that seemed to agree with each other and used those as a starting point. Initially I used Varget and 168gr Hornady A-Max set 12thou off the lands, I did 5 rounds each of 37 to 42gr at 1gr increments, shot at 100m, ignored position on target and just looked at the grouping for each 5 round series, in my case 41gr was the best.

After running out of A-Max I tried a variety of other bullets including PPU 168 match which were OK, PPU 175 which it didn't like at all and finally a pack of Nosler 168gr Custom Competition which were as good or maybe slightly better than the A-Max. Did the 1gr spread test loads and again ended up with 41gr being the best, on a good day without me messing it up it will shoot 1/2 MOA between centres at 100m, anything over that range and I'm the limiting factor not the rifle or load as I'm dropping to bits (slowly!).

Most important thing (to me) is consistency of components, repetition of load method and not to start worrying or changing things if I have a bad day where it all goes pear shaped :lol:

[EagerNoSkill]

Thanks appreciate the input sign92

[EagerNoSkill]

Any comments on the OCW versus Audette Ladder methods wtfwtf

[ovenpaa]

I prefer the OCW method as it seems more logical to me however these days I simply shoot incremental loads at say 300m and get them individually marked and recorded on a test sheet then look for the closest nodes, I can then either test again with different primers or if I am happy with the primers repeat the test whilst varying the OAL to determine the optimum seating depth. Get this over and finished with as few rounds as possible, certainly under 25 if possible.

[EagerNoSkill]

/d

Thanks mate

Anyone know a handy 200 or 300 yard range I can use that is not at Bisley
Within 1 hour or so of North London

[Dougan]

Hi ENS, how's it going?

I'm still a 'beginner', but as you havn't had many replies I'll share what I've learned so far...

The standard advice (for H&S) is to start with the minimum load and work up in groups of 5, while looking for signs of pressure - starting with 0.5 gn increments, and then 0.3 gns ...etc.

But I think you can use some common sense - Personally I think you can take account of the type, age, action and barrel of you rifle and while starting somewhere sensible, I think you can try something close to a recommended load - For example: I had a TR rifle which was a 60 year old Enfield action on a tight new target barrel...had I got round to loading for it, I would have definitely started at the minimum - Now I have a swing (front locking bolt), with a fairly worn barrel...so will probably start 2 grns lower than the loads quoted by some other TR shooters (I don't hold anyone responsible for recommended loads)....

Then once you've got some good groups with a certain load of powder; maybe start experimenting with different seating depths around that load....


Edit - didn't realise Ovenpaa had already posted...must stop topping up my drink mid-post :P

[ovenpaa]

ENS, we have a meeting towards the end of the month at BR, the 730m point is very sheltered and although an extended distance the LR types are very good and I am sure you could hang a sheet of card on the frame, grab a radio and get true marked and numbered recording of shots without too much worry about wind.

You also get to meet a nicer class of person :shakeshout: