Vld Load development help

[deerhunter_98520]

So this is my first time trying to really fine tuning a load, I'm  a beginner with reloading. I just built a 264 win mag and trying to work up a load for 140gr berger Vld and I'm using h4831sc.....I did a ladder test and 61 gr seemed to be my sweet spot so I just did the seating depth test that Berger says on their website and this was the result. I thought I would get one group that would really stand out from the other 3, but 3 of them are fairly similar.....3.387 is touching the lands if any of you are wondering. Should I have waited on the ladder test and did this test first? If so I should probably go back down to the 59.5 gr and do this test over?

[Stein]

I'm not a huge fan of the ladder test, there are a bunch of variables introduced that make it tough to be sure the results are accurate.

Do you have access to an accurate chrono?  I would start there.  It seems the days of shooting groups as the starting point are in the rear view mirror.  With a good chrono, you have reliable data to base decisions on.

[deerhunter_98520]

If me and my cousin can both have time to hit the range then I can use his otherwise no I don't, I'll eventually get one but with license, tags and permits coming up soon it will have to wait

[CaNINE]

In my experience with VLDs in several different rifles including the 264Win, they all shoot the best somewhere between touching and 0.030” off. My 264WM likes 59.5 grains of H4831SC with the 140 hunting vld ten thou off.  Make sure the barrel cools between shots and groups for testing. That 264 runs hot.

[deerhunter_98520]

Yeah it definitely likes it closer, how long are you waiting in between shots

[jasnt]

If you were closer you could use my magneto speed.  Bet some one here is near you that would be willing to help. 

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

[savagehunter]

Load my vld bullets on the lans

[Crunchy]

I load mine .015 or so off the lands.  Then shoot over a chrono into a dirt berm to identify flat spots in speed as powder charge increases.  Once i identify 2-3 i load 3 to 5 at each node.  Pray one of those shoot well.  Then load 10 of those shoot over chrony for ES and SD. 

[deerhunter_98520]

Loaded up a few, goin to the range tomorrow. Hope these are a little better...thanks for the tips 

[deerhunter_98520]

Well I got it tightened up today....let's see if I can make one hole next time

[jasnt]

Do you have parallax adjustments on that scope?

[deerhunter_98520]

Yeah side adjustment

[jasnt]

Typically when I shoot a group with horizontal spred it’s often cause I forgot to readjust my parallax.   Jme

[b23]

You mentioned 3.368 was touching and I see on your recent post it shows 3.380 so you're now jamming them 12 thou ??

[deerhunter_98520]

I should have clarified that, I'm getting help from my cousin and misheard him and wrote the wrong number down....3.387 is touching the lands, 3.368 is what the book said for the oal....thanks for asking that I'll correct it on there. That's where my problem was, I was seating the bullet to far back and quickly fixed it.....I'm .07 off the lands with the last grouping after correcting my mistake

[deerhunter_98520]

Typically when I shoot a group with horizontal spred it’s often cause I forgot to readjust my parallax.   Jme

I'll keep that in mind thanks   

[b23]

I should have clarified that, I'm getting help from my cousin and misheard him and wrote the wrong number down....3.387 is touching the lands, 3.368 is what the book said for the oal....thanks for asking that I'll correct it on there. That's where my problem was, I was seating the bullet to far back and quickly fixed it.....I'm .07 off the lands with the last grouping after correcting my mistake

I've always had my best luck with Bergers when they are 0-10 thou from touching, in fact, I'd say nearly all of my guns that shoot Bergers are typically real close to 5 thou off.

Berger bullets, generally speaking, are rather seating depth sensitive and usually like being pretty close to touching before they shoot their best which is why Berger's often don't shoot real well in factory guns with lots of freebore and limited magazine length.

[deerhunter_98520]

I found that out real fast...I've always shot partitions of my other rifles and this are alot more finicky that's for sure