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Posted: 10/19/2015 12:49:09 AM EDT
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Okay, so I've managed to produce loads for every single rifle and pistol I own. (Some of these things I haven't seen in years.) Each has been worked up using multiple components to maximize flexibility and all are accurate from each designated firearm. From annealing to neck-turning, I've been doing everything to continue honing my skills.
Now, I'm interested in learning more about reloading. My focus is more toward adding to the knowledge I have now. Just need a direction. So, what do the folks here think should be my next conquest? I can't decide and would appreciate the suggestions. Thanks in advance. |
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Oh, there were a lot of components used before fine tuning those sweet-spots. But, here is a run-down on the accuracy.
Bolt-guns: - 25-06: 1/4-1/2 in groups at 100 yds consistently on multiple days and differing conditions using 117 gr bullets. Consistent 1 1/2-2 in groups at 200 yards. Between H1000 and IMR 7828... H1000 was more consistent. Forgot I had this since it hasn't been used since 1982. - 270 Win: 1/4-1/2 in groups at 100 yds consistently on multiple days and differing conditions using 130 gr bullets. Consistent 1/4 in groups on multiple days and differing conditions using 140 gr bullets. At 200 yards, the 130 gr bullets opened up to 2 - 2 1/2 in consistently on target under differing conditions. Now, the 140 gr bullets at 200 yards were an entirely differnt story with 1 1/2-2 in consistently. After trying IMR 4064, IMR 7829, and Varget on 130 gr bullets... Varget worked best. Stepping up to the 140 gr bullets, the IMR 7828 was hands down the best all the way across the board. Before reloading, the rifle had only been fired with Remington Core-Lokt 150 gr factory ammo. - 280 Ackley Imp: 1/4 in groups all day at 100 yards on multiple days and differing conditions using both 168 gr and 175 gr bullets. Groups opened to 1-1 1/2 in during first few rounds at 200 yds using 168 gr bullets. After that, it's been hovering under an inch all of the time with both bullets. The 175 gr were still the most accurate. After trying IMR 4064, IMR 4350, IMR 7828, H1000, and Varget - both bullets liked the H1000, but I found a single "sweet-spot" using Varget on the 168s. This is my only custom-built bolt action with a 26" heavy barrel. It's the most cash I've dumped into something like this in my life. The trigger is almost too light, but is a perfect feel once you get the hang of it. This is the first time it's ever shot anything under 175 gr since it was purchased. All ammo previously had been loaded by the person who mentored me in reloading. - 30-06 Sprgfld: 1/2 in groups at 100 yds using 168 gr bullets, but 1/4-1/2 in groups usings 180 gr bullets. Never had an opportunity to try it at 200 yards. Trying IMR 4064, IMR 4350, and H4895 - the 168 gr liked the IMR 4064 and the 180 gr liked IMR 4350. Go figure. - 300 Win Mag: 1/4-1/2 in all day long at 100 yds using 190 gr bullets. At 200 yards, it stayed between 1-1 1/2 inches. This rifle has a 26" bull-barrel on it and is so heavy that it is almost a burden to work with, so I can only shoot it prone. It's lived on a diet of H1000 for powder, but will work fine with IMR 7828... just more kick to it. The trigger is about as light as I can get it, so I'd be willing to say it's about a 1-1 1/2 lb pull. This is the only rifle I've had the opportunity to shoot at farther distances. Once everything was dialed in at the 100-200 yd marks, I tried it out to 500 yds one weekend in west Texas. With wind moving pretty good from left-to-right, I took my time waiting and got a few groups in the 5-6 inch realm a few times. After putting 80 rounds down the pipe, my arm had been asking me to quit before 40. Even with a brake, it's no punk. I'll post semi-autos tomorrow. My eyes are tired of squinting at the chicken-scratch from my reloading journal, already. |
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Sounds to me like you've got all your bolt guns at a point, accuracy-wise, where we all strive to reach. What are your ammo stores like with each rifle?
While I would hesitate to change anything with the ammo you're currently producing. Perhaps it's time to take a whack at casting - producing match accuracy with cast rifle bullets is one of the most challenging things I've attempted in my years reloading. |
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Quoted:
Accuracy, the thing you work on after your rounds go bang every time. 
Serious, how are your 10 shot 100 yd groups? 200, 300? I agree. Join your local benchrest shooting club. You'll do well there. Also, OP, here's the ARFCOM thread for you: http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_1_5/1369286_The_OFFICIAL_1_MOA_ALL_DAY_LONG_Challenge.html |
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Sounds like you're already past reloading 101. I've found some good info on this site http://www.6mmbr.com If you're looking to challenge yourself, I would try finding some type of competition, or reaching out to a longer distance. |
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Thanks for the vote of confidence and compliments. I've shot longer distances with other ammunition, but haven't had the opportunity with my reloads.
During testing, I shoot in multiple sessions of varying temperatures and locations. The only way I feel as though I'm “learning” is to find consistency in all environments. My numbers in the bolt-gun post is the accumulated averages of all shots taken once the proverbial recipes are found. So, in some cases I'm nailing the same hole and in others I'm drifting a bit. I've visited the 6mmbr website on a number of occasions. Those folks are very passionate about precision rifles. I've reviewed and tested a number of the procedures in accumulating information for my own reloading practices. Fortunately, I write down all of my results… whether good or bad. I've hunted almost since birth and was taught how to shoot from a father and uncle who were very particular about the discipline and patience involved. Although their methods were often felt to be ridiculous and excessive at the time, I've been blessed with an ability to be an excellent shooter. Before every season, they were both adamant about practicing endlessly at varying distances and angles to prepare for upcoming possibilities during the hunt. I thought it was torture since many times they'd have me run to an alternate engagement-point to take the shot, (while they were laughing the whole time), but in hindsight it has allowed me to understand my body's affect on accuracy during the process. At some point, I took their accumulated knowledge and expounded on it by extending ranges they have yet to attempt. Up until recent years, I'd always used the hold-over method through a lot of practice in different locations and temperatures. So in the mornings when temperatures were lower, I'd know where the bullet was intended to strike. And, in the afternoon during warmer weather, I could “eye-ball” where the bullet was intended to hit, as well. Within the last 6-7 years, I began using scopes where adjustments were readily available on the turrets. At first, it seemed like a waste of time. But, I forced myself to learn to dial-in bullet drop using elevation first. After it became comfortable and routine, I began playing with windage. It actually took me well over a year to just stop “eye-balling” and taking the time to make an effort to just do it. Although it's allowed me to depend more on equipment, it has also allowed my shots to be more precise on target. I've never felt any interest in competing with rifles. Part of it is due to the length of time it takes me to feel comfortable enough to squeeze the trigger during practice. I'm too meticulous and self-conscious when trying my best to make each shot better than the one before. Endless adjustment and positioning takes place and my sessions probably take ten-times longer than any other person. The other part of my apprehension to compete is because it doesn't offer the same challenge for me as tracking a moving animal in their natural habitat. Well, that and the meat. To me, it's a very spiritual and personal experience from start to finish, and I still have the same appreciation for the hunt as I did as a child. For the last fifteen or so years, I've had the opportunity to dedicate two months of the year to just activities involving hunting. It's not only a sport for me, but a portion of my life. I'll get around to listing the semi-auto section of my tests with reloading this evening. It's not nearly as impressive as the bolt-gun portion, but it's impressive to me. All of those particular rifles have breathed new life due to reloading, and I'm very pleased with their progression. I'm still as excited about reloading as I was a year ago when I began. I just want to continue that enthusiasm into becoming a better hand-loader. |
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Okay, so in response to the semi-auto selection. Not as many, but here we go.
Semi-auto - .223: Since I have a few ARs, the two I've focused on are a 16” and a 20”… both medium-heavy weight barrels. 3/4-1 1/2 in groups at 100 yds consistently on multiple days… blah, blah, blah… using 55 gr bullets with the 16” barrel. 1/2-3/4 in groups consistently … using 55 gr bullets on the 20”. In the 69 gr department, the 16” was better with 3/4-1 in groups consistently. The 20” is a 1/2-3/4 in groups all day long consistently. The 20” is the only I've gone past 100 yds to 200 yds using the 69 gr bullets. Groups were 1 1/2-under 2 in. After trying IMR 4064, H335, H4895, and Varget on the 55 gr bullets, the H335 gave me the best consistency. As for the 69 gr bullets, Varget gave me the best results consistently. - 300 Blackout: Only have mine for the testing platform, but my father has the same upper I built with a different lower. Both headspace exactly the same. And, the only bullets I've worked with are 125 gr. Both rifles have 16” medium-contour barrels. Mine is scoped and my father's is using a red-dot with a 3x magnifier. 1 in groups all day long after a lot of trial and error with powders at 100 yards. At 200 yards, groups opened up to 2 1/2-under 3 in groups all day long. The two powders that worked were IMR 4227 and A 2400 with practically the same results. A 2400 is like shooting a rimfire, and IMR 4227 has more “umph” to it. - 308 Win: This has turned into my pride and joy after impulse-purchasing an M1A. Have done quite a number of modifications to the rifle in a limited amount of time. All I've used are 168 gr bullets… and, quite a few different brands. 1/2-3/4 in groups all day long at 100 yards… At 200 yards, 1 3/4-2 in groups all day long. Trying IMR 4064, H4895, and Varget… IMR 4064 produced the best consistency all around. I've worked with the trigger to make it a bit lighter and have yet to test it out. Will see if I can get a tiny bit better. We'll see. So, without giving a run-down of pistols… that's where I'm at. I've looked into upgrading a couple of my smaller reloading equipment items: better powder thrower, neck turning tools, etc. Just things I can work on over time. But, I'd like to try a different direction like mentioned casting or something else. Still looking for something to add to the knowledge arsenal, you know? |
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