Free: Contests & Raffles.
What is your current process of load development? If the gun and shooter are capable of .5-.75 you should have no troubles getting sub moa from a bullet the gun likes even with a poor charge. Normally if I have to work hard to get moa I’ll try a different bullet. If you like nosler I’d try the bt’s they seem to be easy to load for. But maybe the issue is in your load development.
I’ve read those ab’s can be finicky. Try that seating depth test mentioned above before you give up but to me it sounds like the rifle dosent like em.
I did at one point last year after I was not seeing the ABs group. I read that ABs can like a lot of jump, so I thought jump might be the culprit. But the seating test did not provide any groups. I just basically concluded that the rifle doesn't like ABs because I've seen other bullets and loads group well (using same loading process, me, shooting from bench, etc.)But I'll note what you said about a given bullet tending to group well regardless of charge if the gun likes it. That's kinda the starting point I'm looking for. I use proven powders (imr 4064/4350, H4350), full length resize brass, clean primer pockets, tumble brass, measure, trim, chamfer and deburr cases, seat off the ogive. I think the only thing I don't do is mess with neck tension or adjusting the case shoulder.It is kind of like pick which assumption you'll use as a starting point.
Quote from: wooltie on January 18, 2019, 06:29:13 AMI did at one point last year after I was not seeing the ABs group. I read that ABs can like a lot of jump, so I thought jump might be the culprit. But the seating test did not provide any groups. I just basically concluded that the rifle doesn't like ABs because I've seen other bullets and loads group well (using same loading process, me, shooting from bench, etc.)But I'll note what you said about a given bullet tending to group well regardless of charge if the gun likes it. That's kinda the starting point I'm looking for. I use proven powders (imr 4064/4350, H4350), full length resize brass, clean primer pockets, tumble brass, measure, trim, chamfer and deburr cases, seat off the ogive. I think the only thing I don't do is mess with neck tension or adjusting the case shoulder.It is kind of like pick which assumption you'll use as a starting point. Is all your brass the same brand? If not you can be fighting an uphill battle.If you're looking for AB type performance you could try Interbbonds and Sciroccos as well.
When I’m starting load development I’ll start with a low charge. Load up some 3 shot groups starting at .015” off the landes or mag length which ever is shorter and seat each group deeper by .030”. Which ever shot best I’ll use that seating depth for my load work. I shoot a ladder over my chrono ( I use magneto speed, must have an accurate chrono for this!) target dosent matter. Look for my upper flat spot near max. Then I’ll load up 5 shot groups and fine tune my seating depth in .005” increments. If you don’t have a magneto speed or labradar then you could do 3 shot ladder test at 300 yards. This is my method that’s worked well for me. Yrmv Have you looked at hammer bullets?
Wondering if anyone would share their process for evaluating whether a new load, or specifically a particular bullet has the potential to group well.I am going to test a different bullet/powder soon to see if it has potential to group well, and seeing how I'm new to reloading I am wondering what others do to vet potential loads.I've tried two different powders (4064/4035), at various charge weights and seating depths in an effort to get 165g or 180g accubonds to group in my 30-06. 165g performed better than the 180g. At most I could get 3/5 shots to shoot MOA at 100 yards from the bench. Alternatively, factory ammo 150g interlocks group .5-.75 MOA @ 100 yards all day long.
AB like to jump a bit in my experience. After velocity node is established try 40, 60, and 80 thou off lands. Betting 60 is your sweet spot
I do not subscribe to the "my gun doesnt like them" theory. I've never not been able to make a bullet shoot in a gun. The load isnt always optimal and may be a PITA to find but there is always a charge/seating depth combo that will work. I've done load development on easily 100+ rifles and have never been proven wrong. 20 thou off the lands in .2gr increments up to pressure over a chronograph. Find the velocity node. Go to the middle of it, then tune seating depth. Once your happy you can go back and tweak powder to pinch some more velocity out of it if you so choose.AB like to jump a bit in my experience. After velocity node is established try 40, 60, and 80 thou off lands. Betting 60 is your sweet spot
A Sierra game king will kill whatever you point it at at 200-300 Yards. if that shoots well I would send em.