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9/26/2012 4:00:56 PM EDT
Hello,

I just started shooting NRA highpower and cmp service rifle competitions. I would like to start reloading for them but have questions on testing the loads. Since the competitions are at 200, 300, and 600 yards and I only gave access to a 100 yard range locally. Would testing them at that range be sufficient or would I have to drive and find a longer range to test them. I know ideally it would be wise to test the loads at the distance they will be used for.
9/26/2012 4:09:21 PM EDT
[#1]
You can get graduated targets to set up at 100 yds.
We use them at our club and work just fine.
9/26/2012 4:19:12 PM EDT
[#2]
I do all my load development except the 600 stuff at 100.  I do the 80 gr load stuff at 300, but am not sure I should be.  I would not hesitate to do it all at 100 if that was all I had to work with.
9/26/2012 4:20:52 PM EDT
[#3]
Google njhighpower for some starting loads.
9/26/2012 4:28:36 PM EDT
[#4]
I was thinking of using the reduced targets. In my mind it was just questionable about the loads at 100 yards versus at the other yardages. But thank you for the answers.
9/26/2012 5:06:24 PM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
I was thinking of using the reduced targets. In my mind it was just questionable about the loads at 100 yards versus at the other yardages. But thank you for the answers.


Using reduced targets is not the same as shooting those same bullets at 200 or 300 yards because the trajectory and wind deflection is not going to be the same. I just shot two different loads at 100 yards yesterday and both put 10 bullets touching one another at 100 yards. Had I not shot them at 200 and 300 yards I would have not know which to use because 100 yards did not tell me anything. If you want to know what load works best you have to eventually test them at that range. Long-Range Load Development is a great write up on this subject. Also, to reiterate my point on how testing at 100 yards is not the same as longer ranges... watch this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pF8W5liSRc
9/26/2012 7:31:56 PM EDT
[#6]
I wouldn't hesitate to at least check a small batch at 100 if that is what you have, but I would also advise you not to commit to big batches unless you test the best of your 100 yard results at the correct distances first.

As for SR loads, don't agonize over them too much. It is more important to get going with good-enough loads and learn to shoot and dope wind. You will keep learning as you go, but SR isn't about fiddling with loads that much, it is about trigger time.

There are many excellent recipes for SR using the widely available bullets so you won't have much load development to run.

NJ Highpower Web Page

Go to the link on their web page called reloading stuph, it won't copy correctly.
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