Post by: wooltie on October 08, 2017, 12:43:37 PM
I started reloading 30-06 recently--I'm new to reloading. I found a load that grouped will using the round robin approach to identify a stable charge, meaning--all three rounds were touching. So I loaded another 12 rounds at this charge/seating depth. Returned to the range today to adjust/chrono and get my drops--but this load would not group.
Shots were 1" left, 1" high, 1" right. Some shots were touching.
Only difference between when the load grouped well and today was the temperature outside was about 20 degrees cooler. I've followed the same cleaning routine after each range session.
Also, I have a ctrl group of ammo that groups consistently, so I always verify my poi and shoot two fouler shots before shooting my handloads.
Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
55.9g IMR4350, 165g SST, seated .010" off the lands grouped the best during the round robin approach, though I think I will try 57g next.
Post by: h20hunter on October 08, 2017, 01:00:58 PM
Post by: wooltie on October 08, 2017, 01:04:16 PM
Check the gun? Nothing loose?
Oh yea -- I go through a checklist of items to ensure consistency. Same bench, same target height, same stool, same positions on the front and rear rests, action screws tight, barrel floated.
I always shoot two foulers with factory ammo that I know shoots well, and also shoot 1 shot of this ammo at the end just to ensure that the rifle and setup are still under control.
Post by: Bill W on October 08, 2017, 01:11:24 PM
Post by: Hilltop123 on October 08, 2017, 01:38:29 PM
Nice you have a checklist, but you mentioned everything but, scope bases and rings. When I have a drastic or erratic change with bullet impact, the culprit is usually found with those two pieces of equipment. JMTCWCheck the gun? Nothing loose?
Oh yea -- I go through a checklist of items to ensure consistency. Same bench, same target height, same stool, same positions on the front and rear rests, action screws tight, barrel floated.
I always shoot two foulers with factory ammo that I know shoots well, and also shoot 1 shot of this ammo at the end just to ensure that the rifle and setup are still under control.
Post by: lokidog on October 08, 2017, 02:19:03 PM
If I recall, I am slightly compressed so have not tried the longer Cu bullets.
Post by: hunterofelk on October 09, 2017, 01:21:43 PM
Post by: Curly on October 09, 2017, 01:38:25 PM
Post by: jmscon on October 09, 2017, 01:41:46 PM
Post by: wooltie on October 09, 2017, 01:49:56 PM
Post by: hogslayer on October 09, 2017, 02:03:56 PM
Post by: wooltie on October 09, 2017, 02:07:03 PM
How many rounds down the tube? I have had this happen before. Ended up the barrel broke in at about 120 rounds. Loads speed up about 75 fps and groups were not good. I would also check to make sure all that cleaning didn't mess up your crown depending on cleaning methods. And see if your bullets are still .010 off the lands. If you checked this measurement on a dirty barrel. It could of given a false reading. When I load things close to the lands they can get off the sweet spot very easily. The second node back is usually more forgiving.
thanks. I'm going to move to .020". Bore is clean but may not be all the way broken in. I estimate about 100-120 rounds shot through it.
Post by: Wazukie on October 09, 2017, 02:14:31 PM
Post by: wooltie on October 09, 2017, 02:19:08 PM
Weather conditions?
No wind, but the temps were about 45-50f. I think the temps were around 60-65f when I shot that good group, and no wind.
Post by: Blacklab on October 09, 2017, 07:43:55 PM
Post by: Reidus on October 09, 2017, 10:34:39 PM
One 3 shot group doesnt tell you a whole lot.
Post by: Crunchy on October 09, 2017, 10:56:14 PM
I'd load 3 each
.010
.020
.030
And drop your charge a grain or two.
Post by: bobcat on October 10, 2017, 06:09:33 AM
Post by: Buckblaster on October 10, 2017, 08:01:53 AM
Post by: DRobnsn on October 10, 2017, 10:59:03 AM
Weather conditions?
No wind, but the temps were about 45-50f. I think the temps were around 60-65f when I shot that good group, and no wind.
Any chance you were shooting through a chrony both times? Did you leave the ammo in the sun one time and not the next?
Post by: wooltie on October 10, 2017, 11:07:55 AM
I assume that you sort your brass and use all the same brand? Mixing different brass will make a difference in your groups, mainly because the capacities vary slightly producing inconsistent velocities.
Yes, this was new brass, same manufacturer.
Post by: Yondering on October 10, 2017, 11:34:05 AM
a lucky 3shot group is not that uncommon :twocents:
One 3 shot group doesnt tell you a whole lot.
Exactly. Trying to work up a load with only 3 shot groups can easily end up in this situation. The target pictures above are a classic example why.
If the scope or rings aren't loose, I think it's pretty safe to say you didn't work up a good load, you just got lucky with two shots touching each other. The third shot that far out should have been a clue that there's a bunch of variation in that load's accuracy.
Post by: JLS on October 10, 2017, 12:49:49 PM
a lucky 3shot group is not that uncommon :twocents:
One 3 shot group doesnt tell you a whole lot.
This. I don't consider a load reliable until I can replicate the accuracy I want with at least 10 rounds.
Post by: Bill W on October 10, 2017, 01:01:52 PM
Post by: JimmyHoffa on October 11, 2017, 06:22:01 PM
Post by: dune on October 14, 2017, 02:26:42 PM