ADVICE PLEASE: Finding a accurate load

[henning myburgh]

I know how to find a accurate load but, my question is, if I change the bullet seating dept, it change the dynamics in the cartridge. Does that mean that I have to fire a whole range of different loads again to establish the best accuracy with that seating depth?
Also do I have to go through the whole process if I change to another make of cartridge case or bullet make.
It sounds crazy if I have to go through the whole process every time I try another bullet make while trying to find the most accurate one for my rifle.

I have just ordered myself a 700 sendero in 300 win mag and would hate to put so many rounds thru a new barrel just to find a accurate load. gun)

Any help appreciated.
Thank you guys

 

[RT2506]

It has been my experience that you don't have to change the powder charge when using different seating depths unless you are on the ragged edge of pressure to start with.

It has also been in my experience that you can change bullet makers as long as you keep the same grain weight of bullet with cup and core bullets. With the mono bullets like the Barns etc. you need to back off on the powder.

 

[MTBULLET]

first of all, be wary of "advice" from the net. that being said, I would suggest using the reloading manuals suggested "accuracy" load data, and work up from there. Changing bullet mfg. can change pressure which will change "accuracy", as can changes in primer/brass/etc. The bullet mfg's have good data, use it to start with.

 

[Sully2]

first of all, be wary of "advice" from the net. that being said, I would suggest using the reloading manuals suggested "accuracy" load data, and work up from there. Changing bullet mfg. can change pressure which will change "accuracy", as can changes in primer/brass/etc. The bullet mfg's have good data, use it to start with.

YUP!

 

[bobrhess]

Always use the reloading manuals for STARTING loads and work up your loads a "LITTLE AT A TIME & CHECK ALL BRASS FOR LENGTH,CRACKS, & the primer hole for ANY signs of wear!


Bob

 

[Greyfox]

I agree with the prior posts but also think that you can get pretty close to an accurate load by searching or asking for inputs on this site for the caliber/rifle you are using. It helps if you can figure out the max range you intend to shoot and a bullet preference. I just went through this looking for load info for my Rem 700 Mil spec in 300WM and found an excellent load with minimal testing. I agree that all chambers tend to be different, but you can still see a lot of commonality in the proven loads that are being used by experienced shooters.IMO

 

[henning myburgh]

Would it be a fair assumption that if I find a reasonably accurate load, then by staying very close to that velocity range while trying different bullet makes, should lead me to the best combination.
This is my first 300 win mag so I will be using new brass, which lead me to another question, perhaps only after the second fire will the brass reach its maximum internal capacity. I read that very small changes result in a big reaction.
Is there merit in my way of thinking or am I fretting too much.
I will be loading 168 grain bullets with the intention to hunt out to 500 yards.

Thanks guys

 

[Greyfox]

My experience with my 300WM has been that it depends on the brand of the brass. I see a difference of 20-25 FPS higher velocity with new Winchester, little, if any with Norma. The new Winchester brass is dimensionally smaller with less capacity than the new Norma. I neck size. It's possible that FL sizing could produce less of a difference using the Winchester brass.

 

[benchracer]

I know how to find a accurate load but, my question is, if I change the bullet seating dept, it change the dynamics in the cartridge. Does that mean that I have to fire a whole range of different loads again to establish the best accuracy with that seating depth?
Also do I have to go through the whole process if I change to another make of cartridge case or bullet make.
It sounds crazy if I have to go through the whole process every time I try another bullet make while trying to find the most accurate one for my rifle.

I have just ordered myself a 700 sendero in 300 win mag and would hate to put so many rounds thru a new barrel just to find a accurate load. gun)

Any help appreciated.
Thank you guys

I have posted this info on other threads, as well. Here is what I recommend you do:

Try the instructions on the Berger website for finding your optimum seating depth:

Getting the Best Precision and Accuracy from VLD bullets in Your Rifle | Berger Bullets

I have found these instructions to work even with non-VLD type bullets.

Once you have found your optimum seating depth, follow these instructions for your powder charge run up:

OCW Overview - Dan Newberry's OCW Load Development System

This will get you to the max accuracy potential of your rifle and do so in a minimum number of rounds.


As an aside, I have found the optimum seating depth for a given bullet to remain constant, regardless of powder or charge weight, once established. So, once you have the seating depth figured out, you only need to repeat the powder charge run up if you change powders,

 

[henning myburgh]

Thank you very much guys,I believe I have a clear picture of how to proceed.