How many tries for an accurate load

[Tarheelpwr]

So, I'm just getting into reloading. For you pros out there, how many attempts does it take to tune in a load? I'm looking to place an order for some bullets, so I was thinking 100 should be enough to work up a load and if successful, still have some left to actually hunt with.

I'm planning on 500-700 yard work as the realistic range.

 

[rpierce]

What caliber are you going to be loading for? Let us know as Im sure more than one person on the forum will have a load for that caliber and bullet combo. When I get a new barrel for a caliber I already load for I generally don't shoot more than 15-20 rounds and I have a quarter minute load.


Ryan Pierce
Piercision Rifles

 

[Barrelnut]

Get 100 bullets and learn to do a ladder test and you will have 50 or more to hunt with. I used to do the three shot group think and it would drain my inventory to say the least. The ladder test uses the least resources for me and I feel delivers the best loads. Long range practice is where you will burn the most bullets.

 

[rpierce]

Sorry forgot to say the ladder test is what I use.

 

[justgoto]

Another advocate of the Audette Ladder Test.

I usually find a node in 10 shots, then I verify it. Last time I tried, I found two nodes within 8 shots, then verified it with 7 more shots.
I had to clean my bore, so I took 4 fouling shots before my POIs settled down.

 

[MudRunner2005]

I do a 25-shot ladder test... 5 strings of 5 shots varied by .5 grains. Then I do another 25-shot ladder test 5 strings of 5 shots varying by .1 grains inbetween the 2 nodes that shot the best.

I get kind of in-depth with it, but I also am not satisfied till the gun shoots sub-1/2 MOA. I also sit and pick out individual grains of powder till my scale tips exactly to the .1 grain I am after. I know it sounds crazy, but I also like to eliminate every factor I can to verify how a load is going to shoot.

I'm a bit of an OCD perfectionist when it comes to my guns and reloading. LOL

 

[Tarheelpwr]

What caliber are you going to be loading for? Let us know as Im sure more than one person on the forum will have a load for that caliber and bullet combo. When I get a new barrel for a caliber I already load for I generally don't shoot more than 15-20 rounds and I have a quarter minute load.


Ryan Pierce
Piercision Rifles

I plan to work up loads for all my guns eventually here's a list with planned components.

7mm RUM: 168 LRX, 160 AB Retumbo
30/06: 165 BTSP interlock H4350 or RL 17
.243: 100 SP interlock & 95 Classic VLD H4350 or RL17
9.3x62: 286 interlock Ramshot Big Game Hunter
6.5G AR: 107 SMK& 123 Amax

I'll start there. Obviously I won't be looking to reach out with all of those loads.

 

[rpierce]

I haven't loaded for those calibers. Accurateshooter.com has some caliber pages for some of those you have listed. I personally load for 6br,6brx,6.5x47,260 Rem,284 win, and 338 edge. Some customers have given me their .25 moa or better loads for 300 RUM and 7 Rem Mag also. The 300 RUM was Rem brass,berger 230, 99 gr Re 33, Fed215M going 3030 fps. .393 inch at 200 yards and 1.0 inch at 400 off bipod. I don't have the 7 Rem Mag load but he shot a 1 inch at 600 with 2 of 3 in same hole off the bipod a couple weeks ago. I know it was retumbo and 180 hybrid, other than that I cant recall. I will have to get it from him again. The 338 edge I just finished off a Remington averaged .21 moa with the two test groups I shot through it. Mine shot a 3.5" @ 1000 and a 7 inch @1375 a couple weeks ago.

 

[Kennibear]

I would switch to 180 - 185 grain bullets in the 30/06. H4350 or IMR 4350 are a good choice too.

KB

 

[Tarheelpwr]

I would switch to 180 - 185 grain bullets in the 30/06. H4350 or IMR 4350 are a good choice too.

KB

I really don't need the 180's. It'll be mostly deer and maybe small bear/hogs. If I ever go elk/moose and use it, I'd go up. I don't see the value for what I currently hunt.

I don't see me using it past 300-400 yards either.