Trying more loads?

[johnnyjr]

When you get a good accurate load that your happy with do you stop there or keep on looking. I have an outstanding load that I don't really think can be improved on. Granted this is only at 50 yards.
So where do I go from here. Maybe try it at a greater distance? Or maybe try a 10 shot group and 15 shots.?? Any thoughts on this.? Thanks

 

[Michael]

Yep, all of the above, have at it. I'll hold your beer.

 

[MW65]

It really depends on what I'm looking for...

My 300sav, I found an amazing load for 150gr psp, hunting load... I'm not looking to do anything more with the 150s... locked in with that combo. Proven tackdriver with 10shot groups at distance.

However, thinking about some condor friendly loads for blasting wild piggies in CA....

Also have some great rcbs 30-180 cast loads developed... but want to expand to 311291 & lee 309-170gr... maybe 311-120gr for fun...

If I'm really happy with a load, and components are still available, why reinvent the wheel???

 

[JWFilips]

When I get an accurate load I refine it to perfection! Adjust powder charge up and down .5 grains! plus a lot of little crap that most would not want to hear about! But I am a glutton for punishment!

 

[johnnyjr]

Decided to try some of theNOE 74 gr. A few plain base and a few with the gas check. Same powder though Winchester wst.

 

[Mainiac]

When you think your all done,,fired a 10 or 15 shot group,,,then you may find,your not done!

 

[Brad]

Once I get a load that meets my needs I stop looking. I enjoy shooting, not messing with a variety of bullets, powders, and such.
I know that many enjoy variety but this is a place where I enjoy simple. I like a single bullet and load for most cartridges. All of my 38 special loads are a single load. My 357 are the same way.

 

[CWLONGSHOT]

When you get a good accurate load that your happy with do you stop there or keep on looking. I have an outstanding load that I don't really think can be improved on. Granted this is only at 50 yards.
So where do I go from here. Maybe try it at a greater distance? Or maybe try a 10 shot group and 15 shots.?? Any thoughts on this.? Thanks

I choose a caliber and bullet then work up loads starting @ 50 stopping as far as I figure to need to know accuracy. Then Im done... With THAT bullet.

Plenty of other molds, Calibers and powders!!!

CW

 

[JonB]

Much like Brad, I prefer trigger therapy over shooting through sky screens and writing down notes.
I dislike using the bench and bags...much prefer offhand.
So I try to get the load workup done as quick as possible...but it never seems to end.

 

[Winelover]

Depends on what your plan is for that load. Plinking, paper punching, hunting, etc. Most cast loads are developed in mild temperatures. If your plan is to hunt in cooler temperatures, it behoves you to test that load in those temperature ranges. You might be back to the drawing board.

 

[Bret4207]

Once I get something that I really like, I stop. Simply don't have the time to play that much in seeking a 1/8" improvement, especially since I don't think my shooting skills are still where I could tell 1/8" anymore.

 

[johnnyjr]

Well,the older the more Shakey I get so I doubt I can really get much tighter groups.

 

[Petrol & Powder]

Once I get a load that meets my needs I stop looking. I enjoy shooting, not messing with a variety of bullets, powders, and such.
I know that many enjoy variety but this is a place where I enjoy simple. I like a single bullet and load for most cartridges. All of my 38 special loads are a single load. My 357 are the same way.

/\ To expand on this /\

I have "Standard Loads" for many of the cartridges I reload for. Sometimes I find them quickly and other times it takes a fair amount of work befoe I lock everything down. There is strength and a lot of comfort in consistency. That doesn't mean once I find a standard load I stop all experiments (that would defeat much of the enjoyment of this hobby) but it does mean I have an established load (or a few loads) for most cartridges.

Like many, I maintain notes but the "Standard Loads" get printed on paper and posted above the loading bench.

 

[johnnyjr]

I record everything,log the number of shots through the barrel,etc. I would like to use my Chrono more but dislike setting it up. Especially if there are more shooters at the range.

 

[todd]

i set a rifle scope group 1 1/2"group at 100 yards (3-5 shots/bench) and an open sight group at 3" at 100 yards (3 - 5 shots/bench). i hunt deer/black bear in close cover, 60ish yards and under. once in a while, i see deer at 125-150 yards, but that is rare. the 3 - 5 shots are nice from a bench, but it is hard to set the bench up in the woods!!!!

i never did a compatition shoot, i only compete against myself. i did the "one-hole thing" , I came close (20 Vartarg and Reloder 7, .17 - .2" at 100 yards, 10 shots/bench), but i was carefully handloading everything (bullets/powder, neck trimming.....) till the handloaded cartridge was done (30 - 45 minutes per cartridge), when i could be shooting reloaded cartridges. i learned alot from it, but i won't be doing the one-hole thing any time soon.

2 shot group at 100 yards/sighting it in (35/30-30)

5 shot at 100 yards with the 9.3x57