hand loading methods

[sooperdooty]

I was just wondering what method everyone used to arrive at an accurate load.  I will share my method as well
1.  look through the load books and select a powder that doesn't end up compressed, but fills the case very full at recommended maximum (95 % or higher fill).
2.  load 2 or 3 at 1 grain below maximum and check for pressure signs when firing if this is ok then go to next step
3.  determine optimum jump to lands 5@.005 off lands, 5@.010 off lands, 5@.015, ...., 5 @.050. clean after each 5 shots (you have almost broke the barrel in!)
4.  take the best one from step 3 and load 5 at .002 longer oal, load 5 at .002 shorter oal, and 5 at original oal this will be the cartridge oal.
***interesting note in my rifles tests have shown that once you find the most accurate jump it doesn't matter what style or weight of bullet they will all prefer this distance from the lands!
5.  cartridge length is now established, load 5 @ initial charge weight, 5 @ +.5 grains, 5 @ -.5 grains. (80 rounds at this point)
you should now know which load to use, and assuming you bought 100 brass pieces you have 20 left to load up and wow your buddies at the range.  This will result in 100 once fired brass cases ready to be stoked with the most accurate load for your bullet of choice and a nicely broken in barrel, and a knowledge of the best rifling jump for the next bullet you try thereby eliminating the the first 65 rounds from this process.

Let me hear how you do it.
sooperdooty

[jhalcott]

  Snoop, I do NOT start at 1 grain below max. I use several manuals and arrive at an average MINIMUM charge and a MAXIMUM charge. Then I begin with the MIN charge and work up to a MAXIMUM FOR THAT GUN/BARREL.! After finding the max charge ,I will adjust seating depth till I get the most accurate SAFE load.Depending on the caliber,my increments may be as small as half a grain or as much as 2 grains (.17 ReM or .375H&H). For a NEW gun/caliber I usually buy 500 pieces of brass. This way I have lots of brass to play with. I try to keep the brass for each barrel/gun separate and in its own boxes.

[skb2706]

I was just wondering what method everyone used to arrive at an accurate load.  I will share my method as well
1.  look through the load books and select a powder that doesn't end up compressed, but fills the case very full at recommended maximum (95 % or higher fill).
2.  load 2 or 3 at 1 grain below maximum and check for pressure signs when firing if this is ok then go to next step
3.  determine optimum jump to lands 5@.005 off lands, 5@.010 off lands, 5@.015, ...., 5 @.050. clean after each 5 shots (you have almost broke the barrel in!)
4.  take the best one from step 3 and load 5 at .002 longer oal, load 5 at .002 shorter oal, and 5 at original oal this will be the cartridge oal.
***interesting note in my rifles tests have shown that once you find the most accurate jump it doesn't matter what style or weight of bullet they will all prefer this distance from the lands!
5.  cartridge length is now established, load 5 @ initial charge weight, 5 @ +.5 grains, 5 @ -.5 grains. (80 rounds at this point)
you should now know which load to use, and assuming you bought 100 brass pieces you have 20 left to load up and wow your buddies at the range.  This will result in 100 once fired brass cases ready to be stoked with the most accurate load for your bullet of choice and a nicely broken in barrel, and a knowledge of the best rifling jump for the next bullet you try thereby eliminating the the first 65 rounds from this process.

Let me hear how you do it.
sooperdooty

1. First I call the bulletsmiths at Sierra as the odds are good they have tried every concievable combination and have always had a pretty good idea what components have been most accurate for them in a given chambering. Saves huge amounts of time and money. Start there.

2. Using several sources of data I will start at some middle ground. Its not likely I will ever get to max and I believe it is a waste of materials to load at max.

3. Load all rounds for all guns as long as the chamber, the magazines and the bullet style will allow but not closer than .010" off the lands. Historically my rifles shot best with the shortest possible jump.

4. Work up loads in increments based on percentage on volume the case holds. Somewhere between .2 and 2 grains. Five rounds each. I will have what I am looking for in 40 rds. tops.

5. Keep good records for future reference. Don't ever 'wow' any buddies...not my style. For maximum accuracy I want fireformed cases regardless of the uses I have for the ammo. I don't believe in the "school of barrel breakin". Again I like very short bullet jump...almost none.

[Tom W.]

If I'm pressed for time, I give the rifle and bullets to my youngest son, and tell him to have a ball...