What a difference -3 grains makes!

[Stuart C.]

So just for the heck of it I reduced my normal 38.5 grain load down and loaded about 12 rounds with only 35.5 grains.
Shot this afternoon.
Man, the accuracy went way up! And I'm no expert shot.
Best groups I've ever had with this gun.
I could NOT believe it.
Problem is that puts velocity down to around 2250 fps from 2500+.
I shot some of the hotter loads in between and they were,as usual, inches apart.
?
Unbelievable.
Dang that was fun.
Thanks for all the help here!

[stimpylu32]

Your welcome , thats what were here for , to help each other . 

stimpy

[Grumulkin]

Even half a grain can sometimes make a BIG difference in accuracy.  I never load for velocity; only for accuracy.  Two hundred fifty fps either way won't make a significant difference hunting and the main thing is putting the bullet where it's supposed to go.

[LaOtto222]

Accuracy trumps velocity What good is it to have 250 fps more if you can't shoot with confidence as to where the bullet is going? Bullet construction (for the expected terminal velocity and game) and PLACEMENT are key to quick kills, not velocity. That is one of the reasons it is advised to work a load up. Start low and work your way up incrementally. As you are working your way up, you will notice the accuracy improve and then start to fall off. When you find the sweet spot, you have found your load. If you can't find the sweet spot from a starting load to a max load, then it is time to try a different powder. Good Luck and Good Shooting

[Davemuzz]

No doubt about it. My .223 shoots cloverleafs when it's slowed down by 200fps. And my 6.5 Swede does the same......when I load up the 140gr. Bergers by 1.5gr over the max recommended load.  Not something I would do with a military action.....I'm shooting a Savage action....but you are right....it's funny what a tiny bit of powder can do.

Dave

[LaOtto222]

Take a look at a Nosler reloading manual that list the most accurate load for a given powder. You will find that there is no predictability for a certain chamber. Some times it is the lightest load some times the middle load and some times it is the highest load. The bottom line is, you have to find what works best for your rifle and do not worry about velocity. I believe most loading manuals do not list this because they realize that it will vary from gun to gun - in other words you have to find what works for your particular gun. Some times it will be the lightest load some times the heaviest load and some times some where in between.

[mechanic]

I had formed a habit of loading five each beginning a little below the min. load, and up to a grain or so over.  Then I shoot for group.  Now in my initial workup I leave off the hot loads.  They have never been the best for me. 

[223Shooter]

The loads for my 30-30 and 35 Rem are very accurate because I load the for accuracy not velosity. I find that as little as .5 grs (and less) makes a big difference in my Marlins. I use IMR 3031 for both rifles. Works for me.........

[LONGTOM]

Stuart C.:

Just wondering - what caliber, bullet weight and gun?


LONGTOM

[Stuart C.]

7x57
139 gr regular BTSP not crimped and the cannelure well exposed (so I can get closer tothe lands) (going to try the SSTs next)
Ruger #1a with a Lueppy 4x and my crummy eyes 
Going to load up in .5 increments as 223 shooter.
The funny thing was I was over on the 'back nine' because all the regular ranges were full.  Had an old cruddy lawn tractor tire for a rest - not the usual ideal conditions.   

Stuart C.:

Just wondering - what caliber, bullet weight and gun?


LONGTOM

[LONGTOM]

Thanks!


LONGTOM

[Oldshooter]

a man used to tell me, when he was learning me to shoot " little powder much lead shoots farther kills dead" less was more to him also!