First time doing doing load development suggestions

[ColeT96]

Range notes from today. This is my first time ever reloading anything. Circled are nodes I found. Some of the velocities that are around a 10 fps node I'm curious if it will come down, I didn't have a ton of time so my barrel got very hot. I will do a pressure test next. I never had any pressure signs with tested loads.

The velocity of the 195 surprised me. I have a bunch of retumbo I may test later for fun. I'd like to get both 180s in the 3000s comfortably. The fed primer seemed the most consistent over the CCI.

Open to suggestions.

Everything was seated .010" off the lands.

22" proof barrel. 1:9 twist

 

[PddPdd]

Cartridge?

 

[RegionRat]

I really hope I'm not bursting your view of reloading, but the idea that you can spot nodes based on a few samples of velocity is completely wrong.

The target is important up front, and the chrono data follows. Depending on what and how far you plan to shoot, there is a fair chance your priority is all on the target and the avg velocity is only used for dope.

We all know where the idea that you can run load development by shooting over a chrono comes from, but the Satterlee thing was taken way out of hand. When enough samples are poured into each charge step on those velocity plots, the average line smooths out such that those so called nodes evaporate.

Focus on the targets at first, just let the chrono come along for the ride. It is useful, but it isn't the focus of the load development till way down the line.

 

[The Oregonian]

It looks like this is a 28 Nosler or something close. I started reloading with a 28N. It wasn't the first rifle I loaded for, but the first one I really tried to do more than just dabble. I learned a ton, but I shot out a barrel pretty quickly. It's a finicky round and I was inexperienced and I chased my tail with it, which caused me to shoot a lot of rounds. I learned a ton, but if I had it to do over again I would choose a different round to start my reloading education.

 

[MagnumManiac]

I don't want to sound condescending in any way at all, but, what was the purpose in your mind for this test?
It bares nothing worth taking note of other than a pressure test. Those numbers are not nodes…
You want to shoot groups of 3 using your chrono if you wish, not what I do, I leave the chrono for verification AFTER finding the best group, then play with powder charge.
I go further than just powder charge testing, but, that's neither here nor there for this instance.

Cheers.

 

[ShtrRdy]

As @RegionRat pointed out, using only velocity likely isn't going to work. Did you keep track of bullet impacts while you were doing this? If so we might be able to suggest a charge weight that might be worth investigating.

 

[ColeT96]

Yes, I never did upload target pictures. The 195s grouped pretty good. Both 180s (hybrid and vld) grouped excellent. Aside from the lowest charges the 180s all shot about 1/2" moa give or take 1/4 moa both ways

I want the criticism. I have no one to teach me. I'm the only one around me I know that reloads, and likes to shoot distance which I'm still new at.

I take nothing condescending. That's exactly why I posted this

 

[ColeT96]

I really hope I'm not bursting your view of reloading, but the idea that you can spot nodes based on a few samples of velocity is completely wrong.

The target is important up front, and the chrono data follows. Depending on what and how far you plan to shoot, there is a fair chance your priority is all on the target and the avg velocity is only used for dope.

We all know where the idea that you can run load development by shooting over a chrono comes from, but the Satterlee thing was taken way out of hand. When enough samples are poured into each charge step on those velocity plots, the average line smooths out such that those so called nodes evaporate.

Focus on the targets at first, just let the chrono come along for the ride. It is useful, but it isn't the focus of the load development till way down the line.

10-4. I will load some more and focus on the target. Most of the loads in the 180s shot excellent. I will load some more with much more target documentation

 

[Ryeguy]

10-4. I will load some more and focus on the target. Most of the loads in the 180s shot excellent. I will load some more with much more target documentation

My opinion, Find a decent shooter/reloader and watch all the videos you can about how they do load Dev. And stick to 1 process until you get experience enough to tweak to your liking. There is 8,000 way to do it and if you grab bits and pieces from everyone you will be chasing you tail. Erik Cortina-Primal Rights- Scott Satherlee- are a few with a good amount of videos. Miles to matches is a good podcast also. The amount of load dev the top PRS shooters are doing is pretty small. Biggest take away I can say is buy good components, Barrels, Bullets, Brass, etc. Be consistent in reloading, find something that shoot under 1moa and get good at shooting. If you're an experienced shooter and looking to get 1/4" MOA start reading and watching everything you can, there's enough on this site to get you there. Get a note book and take good notes that you can read and interpret a yr later. Grab Ryan Cleckners books off Amazon. And 1st of all be safe, watch for pressure signs.

 

[MagnumManiac]

No mention has been made whether you have a good reloading manual or not. If not, may I suggest you find an old copy of the Nosler, Speer or Sierra manuals as there is tons of good info to be gleaned from such publications regarding steps to be a safe and thorough handloader.
For instance, it is much safer to load and prep in batches, say 50 cases at a time. Size them all, prime them all, do every step to all cases removing from one block to another block so that you know EXACTLY where you are if distracted or interrupted.
Disregard this if you already have this knowledge or reloading manuals.

Cheers.

 

[ShtrRdy]

Yes, I never did upload target pictures. The 195s grouped pretty good. Both 180s (hybrid and vld) grouped excellent. Aside from the lowest charges the 180s all shot about 1/2" moa give or take 1/4 moa both ways

I want the criticism. I have no one to teach me. I'm the only one around me I know that reloads, and likes to shoot distance which I'm still new at.

I take nothing condescending. That's exactly why I posted this

If you had target pictures with the load particulars for each shot shown on the target, I would be looking for a situation where two or more powder charges are hitting in the same location on the target. I'll attach one I did last year for the 6mm Creedmoor.

If you haven't watched this video please do so. It has a good way to approach load development on a 100 yard range. If you have a longer distance range to shoot on let me know and I'll post a link to a different approach.




(click on picture to view a larger image)

 

[RegionRat]

Yes, I never did upload target pictures. The 195s grouped pretty good. Both 180s (hybrid and vld) grouped excellent. Aside from the lowest charges the 180s all shot about 1/2" moa give or take 1/4 moa both ways

I want the criticism. I have no one to teach me. I'm the only one around me I know that reloads, and likes to shoot distance which I'm still new at.

I take nothing condescending. That's exactly why I posted this

What kind of shooting do you plan on doing? There are different approaches for different goals.

While there are some things in common, it is the distinct differences in your type of shooting and goals that tend to direct the load development methods.

For example, in one scenario you may be interested in tailoring the best hunting ammo for shots under 300 yards. That points in one direction.

In a different scenario, you may be interested in hitting small critters at long range. That points in a different direction.

In yet another scenario, you may have goals of things like competition of some sort....

You get the point, focused help comes from focused questions.

Welcome to the addiction. Ask all the questions you want.

 

[Capt Nag]

When I started reloading 45 years ago, I was lucky. I did have a mentor. When I start a new load, for a different bullet weight I look to loads others have used fir that particular bullet weight.
Fast burn rate powders make bullets stabilize different that slow burn rate.
I'm not to interested in re-inventing the wheel as others have done the work. Reloading is expensive so anything that can dial you down to at least the right burn rate is helpful.
Then from there I look fir group size as in the end, tiny holes is why we reload. .
A chronograph now becomes your best friend as it will show velocity deviations from shot to shot.
The closer each load is to each other, fps wise is what I look for.
It's a start anyway.

 

[MagnumManiac]

Fast burn rate powders make bullets stabilize different that slow burn rate.

Huh?

Don't think so.