Fine tuning STW load

[Marble]

Gun:

Model 70 7 STW
Hart barrel, 26", 1-9 twist, sendro contour, fluted.

I have narrowed my load down to about + or - 1 grain for accuracy. When messing with seating depth, how much should I move it at one time. Right now my OAL is 3.600 exactly with the Nosler 160 AB and 3.595 with the berger 180 VLD. I can load the Berger out to 3.605 but started at .010 off the lands as a starting point.

I'm getting decent accuracy using H1000 or retumbo. I had it shooting .3"@100 but the notes got tossed and so now I am redoing the load.

Thanks Gents.

 

[kyron]

with the VLD you need to move it by leaps and bounds.
Getting the Best Precision and Accuracy from VLD Bullets in Your Rifle | Berger Bullets Blog

 

[Marble]

That was very helpful. I'll retire back after I load and shoot.

 

[dok7mm]

Just did a seating depth test on my STW. Started at .010 off lands and went to .080" jump and lightly compressing powder. The .010" jump was clear winner. I've always found the VLDs to work best just off lands, but check to see if longer jump is better. Jumping the 180 hybrids .066" to fit in 3.8" Wyatt box and it shoots as well as the 180 vld.

 

[Marble]

I don't have a Wyatt box as of now. I'm going going to try .040 off with the 160 AB and the VLD. I should be able to make it to the range by beginning of next week.

Thank you.

 

[kyron]

My rifle like the 180 VLDs 0.010 off the lands. And that puts OAL at over 4". So I have not bothered to get an after market magazine of any sort. It is on this list of things that will change after I burn out the factory barrel.