Terrible 30-06 Accuracy

[justgoto]

I just started reloading yesterday and was wondering if it is possible that my loads are terribly inaccurate?

This is the best group out of 5.

Most of the groups had shots that were close together like in that pic but there was always a shot that went astray, one by 5 inches.

Here are 3 of the cartridges I made.

The loads were exact and the case was the right length, but I do think I messed up on the crimp, I have new ones I am going to try that look a lot better.

Could the little bit much crimp be doing that? That stray hole looks oblong, as if the bullet was not flying true.

Thanks!

 

[splattermatic]

are you feeding a semi auto ?
if not, why are you crimping ?

i don't and never have. how was the rifle shooting before you started loading for it ?

 

[justgoto]

Re: Powder and stuff

I am using IMR 4064, CCI BR-2 primers and Hornady 150gr SST in an Eddystone Model of 1917 with a very cheap BSA Deerhunter scope. It could be the scope? $79...

 

[justgoto]

why are you crimping ?

Because that is what the instructions say to do.

 

[justgoto]

how was the rifle shooting before you started loading for it ?

Without the scope, it shot well for a peep sight that starts at 200 yards. I never shot it at 100 yards but once, at 200 yards I would have a 3 inch group.

 

[jmason]

I'm with splattermatic on skipping the crimp. If the crimp isn't the same each time or it happens to be uneven around the bullet there's no telling what the result will be. I would also forget there's a cannular on the bullet and seat at a depth (if you can) that doesn't inhibit the capacity of powder in the case.

Is this the first powder you tried? I'm not familiar with loading for a 30-06 but I thought something in the range of (I may be wrong here)IMR4831 was a "go-to" 06 powder.

Has the bore been thoroughly cleaned recently?

 

[justgoto]

Is this the first powder you tried? I'm not familiar with loading for a 30-06 but I thought something in the range of (I may be wrong here)IMR4831 was a "go-to" 06 powder.

my hornady book says I can use that powder when I go up in bullet weight. I mainly got this powder because I can also use it with my 30-30.

Has the bore been thoroughly cleaned recently?

Yeah, I am a gun cleanaholic.

I did crimp the other bullets with a very light crimp and it did make a difference. At least I hope that was the problem. all my last shots hit either in a nice group or exactly what I intended.

I am going to try no crimp next, I have 7 of them all ready.

Thanks to you both!

 

[6.5x300]

Goto,

This is the great thing about reloading. You experimment untill somthing works. Be sure and only change one thing at a time. Looks like the crimp may have been the cause. I must agree with the preivous posts and I'm sure you will find that unless you are feeding a semiauto a crimp is not needed. Matter of fact my groups were cut in half when I just started to neck size half or less of the neck of the case with no crimp. This was with my 6.5 M94 Sweede.

Be greatfull that you were able to find the cause of the inacuracy as quickly as you did. It has taken me a long time with alot of bullets, powder, and spent primers to find a combination that I like. I don't know of a lot of things that will increase accuracy by 3 times but it would seem for a beginer at reloading you have a great story to tell allready. Something like; "I was shooting 3" goups at best and then was able to shrink my groups to under 1" with only X number of days of experience reloading."

Great job and enjoy the hobby. Looks like a good load to start with. Now you could spend 100s of bullets, primers, and powder trying to find a better one or you could spend that time and components practicing and getting good with the load you have.

Good shooting,

BT Sniper

 

[justgoto]

Thank you 6.5x300 for your kind and inspiring words!

 

[6.5x300]

No prob. If your not hooked yet it sounds like you will be with reloading. Keep track of your reloading data in a book. It will come in handy latter.

I like the sling shot video under your name. Is this your video or somthing you found on line. That looks like the most economical form of shooting avialable now days.

Keep us posted on your progress with your 30-06.

Good shooting,

BT Sniper

 

[justgoto]

I like the sling shot video under your name. Is this your video or somthing you found on line. That looks like the most economical form of shooting avialable now days.

That is me, I record every type of shooting I can think of doing.

YouTube - Slingshot
The David and Goliath type slingshot.

 

[6.5x300]

What did you use for a projectile in the short video under your name? Looks fairly large. Brings back childhood memories. With todays prices I read alot of people shooting more 22lr and pellet guns. Maybe the sling shot will make a come back.

Later,

BT

 

[justgoto]

What did you use for a projectile in the short video under your name? Looks fairly large.

It is limestone gravel from the driveway. Maybe an inci long 3/4 of an inch wide?

That is the best thing about slingshots, you don't need to buy ammo.

Have a great day!

 

[Digger49er]

From what you've said in your post your on the right track if your keeping detailed notes and following directions. I've been reloading for more years than I care to remember and have had my share of disappointments. Not to worry, I'm sure you'll figure out something that works.
Some advice..........start with the basics. Wait until you get comfortable before you get into things like neck turning, neck sizing etc.

I don't shoot heavy loads from my 30-06, I generally favor bullets in the 165 gr range. For anything heavier I use a 300 Win Mag. My all time favorite, as well as accurate, is the 165 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip on top of 50 gr IMR 4064 with a Fed 210M primer loaded to factory OAL so it fits in the mag nicely. I never crimp loads for a bolt gun. KEEP IN MIND THAT THIS LOAD WORKS IN MY RIFLE. LOWER THE POWDER CHARGE BY 10% AND WORK YOUR WAY UP FOR SAFETY.

It looks like you've figured out most of your problem, hope this helps. This is a great hobby, and once you get into it you'll find you always have something to do.