Thread: Testing a conventional approach to load development

I load 10 shots, each at an increment that is approximately 1% of the total weight (eg loads between 45 and 55 gr ill load at 0.5 etc) usually towards the top end of the load range then put them over the magneto, usually i get 2 flat spots in velocity, 1 at the low end 1 at then i load 5 in the middle of the faster flat spot if safe, and check it and that's the end of it. this is for long range ammo though and most of the time this works fine for me, only a couple of occasions ive had to tweak the load beyond this. and before i do anything i check max cbto, and then pick a jump, this always works except with berger VLD's that can be fussy at times. Im talking long range as in shooting deer out to say 800 yards or so with calibers like, 6.5cm. 270. 308. 300wm etc. not F class

for hunting out to say 200-300 yards (mostly under 200), i dont care just pick a cheap bullet, chuck a load in the middle of the load range through my powder dropper, load a few 100, and go hunt. my tikka groups these loads well under 1moa too, even if i mix bullets and bullet weights lol. honetly i have a mix of 150s and 180s in the mag sometimes lol and they shoot same place

For nice groups, setting your rifle up properly form a harmonic repeatability perspective will result in just about anything grouping well at 100 yards. ES is all i care about when load testing
Even my mossberg patriot, as as well as Mossberg ATR shot every bit as well as any of my expensive rifles after i set them up right.


Some general notes on what i do

Dry tumble
Anneal
FL size and deprime (bump shoulders 1 thou)
Trim
Chamfer
Deburr
Brush inside of necks
(i dont clean primer pockets)
Seat primers
load powder
Seat bullet