In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.
Options
I've made my first .30-06 rounds!
Navybat
Member Posts: 6,849 ✭✭✭
Well, after weeks of assembling equipment and components, and making test rounds without powder or primer, I have finally made my first set of live .30-06 rounds. I hope you experienced reloaders remember your first rounds! It feels good.
I have been shooting factory 180 grain Hornady SST out of my Savage 111. Precision is good (I think), cloverleafing at 50 yards and 1" groups at 100 yards. For reloading, I've got the same 180 grain Hornady SST bullets, and also new Hornady cases. I'm using IMR 4350 powder.
I've loaded 10 test rounds at 49.1g (starting recommendation by Lee I think); 50.0g (starting recommendation by Hornady--could be vice versa); and 51.0 grains. My Lyman book just shows I'm in the safe range here, all three books show similar velocities expected. I'll shoot all three loads next to 10 rounds of my factory Hornady loads to see which is more precise (smallest grouping) at 100 yards. Then I'll go from there.
My plan is to shoot three rounds each at 50 yards. Then zero my sights to the factory load. Then shoot three rounds each at 100 yards, rezero to factory. Then another three, to see which of my handloads is better for accuracy and precision (I'm looking for something closest to the factory load in zeroing, as long as group size is small). All things being equal, also which is better for recoil and comfort.
What else should I be looking for when I test my loads? My hunting ranges are generally no more than 100+/- yards, so I'm really not interested in high power/high velocity loads, simply what is accurate and easy for me to shoot and practice with. Bullet drop usually isn't an issue for me.
Advice is appreciated. I'll also be reloading to match my factory .280 Remington ammo, with Remington brass, and Hornady 139 grain SST, IMR 4350 powder again. Rifle is a Remington 760.
I have been shooting factory 180 grain Hornady SST out of my Savage 111. Precision is good (I think), cloverleafing at 50 yards and 1" groups at 100 yards. For reloading, I've got the same 180 grain Hornady SST bullets, and also new Hornady cases. I'm using IMR 4350 powder.
I've loaded 10 test rounds at 49.1g (starting recommendation by Lee I think); 50.0g (starting recommendation by Hornady--could be vice versa); and 51.0 grains. My Lyman book just shows I'm in the safe range here, all three books show similar velocities expected. I'll shoot all three loads next to 10 rounds of my factory Hornady loads to see which is more precise (smallest grouping) at 100 yards. Then I'll go from there.
My plan is to shoot three rounds each at 50 yards. Then zero my sights to the factory load. Then shoot three rounds each at 100 yards, rezero to factory. Then another three, to see which of my handloads is better for accuracy and precision (I'm looking for something closest to the factory load in zeroing, as long as group size is small). All things being equal, also which is better for recoil and comfort.
What else should I be looking for when I test my loads? My hunting ranges are generally no more than 100+/- yards, so I'm really not interested in high power/high velocity loads, simply what is accurate and easy for me to shoot and practice with. Bullet drop usually isn't an issue for me.
Advice is appreciated. I'll also be reloading to match my factory .280 Remington ammo, with Remington brass, and Hornady 139 grain SST, IMR 4350 powder again. Rifle is a Remington 760.
Comments
It's fun and relaxing--AND I get to shoot. What more could you ask of a hobby? [8D]
As far as testing out the rounds. You might go ahead a ZERO for a facory load that provides a relatively accurate FPS. Get that one down to where you are positive, THEN go to your different loads.
As long as your point of aim is the same, you will be able to size your groups where ever they are on the paper. Once you find the one you are going to go with, THEN re-zero.
When experimenting loads, I'd use your preferred bullet weight until you nail the best load for your rifle. I prefer a lot lighter projectile. One rifle likes 155 gr. MatchKings and the other 168 gr. MatchKings.