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Posted: 3/9/2014 7:05:12 PM EDT
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After shooting the black guns today I tested my first round of .308 loads with what I feel were good results. Having said this, what is the next step in trying to fine tune it for shooting out to 500 yards? Do I increase the powder charge, mess with bullet seating depth, or both?
I could hit the 12" plate at 500 yards each time but would like to try my hand at true precision shooting. Load Sierra 155gr HPBT Palma Match Varget 43.1gr OAL 2.775 Winchester Large Rifle Primers Rifle Winchester Coyote Light 24in barrel 1:12 twist As with all my questions, your input and time is appreciated! 
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What distance did you shoot the group shown?
There's a little vertical showing some wind, probably from 6 to 7 o'clock. How did other groups look with that load? If conditions were calm, I would look for a load to take a touch more vertical out of the group. If it was breezy, I'd shoot that one some more to see how it works in different conditions, including the temperature. |
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Quoted:
What distance did you shoot the group shown? There's a little vertical showing some wind, probably from 6 to 7 o'clock. How did other groups look with that load? If conditions were calm, I would look for a load to take a touch more vertical out of the group. If it was breezy, I'd shoot that one some more to see how it works in different conditions, including the temperature. Thanks for the input guys! The distance was 100 yards with variable winds of 5-10MPH. The other groups were close, but didn't have the same stringing pattern. Some were clumped like a clover leaf, and some were a little wider apart like a triangle. Being new to reloading I have no idea what to try next as far as improving on the load. I've asked some local club members and some say more powder, while others say to seat the bullet further out so it touches the lands. I'm a bit confused. |
| If I was shooting this good of a group, I would not be changing the powder charge. I might play with OAL. I Would be willing to try this load at a longer range just to see how it shoots. With my BAR-10 I found that if I back off the powder, it shoots better. Might not be the 'fastest' down range, but they go where they are supposed to. |
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Quoted:
If I was shooting this good of a group, I would not be changing the powder charge. I might play with OAL. I Would be willing to try this load at a longer range just to see how it shoots. With my BAR-10 I found that if I back off the powder, it shoots better. Might not be the 'fastest' down range, but they go where they are supposed to. Thanks for the reply! I did shoot it out to 500 meters and managed to hit the 8in plate every time, which was fun and boosted my confidence. Some of the guys at my club do a precision shoot where they routinely bust 2in clays at 500 meters while making it look easy. I'd love to be able to do that some day! I am going to buy a chamber gauge and mess with the bullet seating depth as you suggested. Hopefully it'll make a good load a great one. |
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To shoot long range you will need to know what your ES is (extreme spread)
That will keep your vertical to a minimum so all you have to worry about is the wind. I will bet you can up your charge to find the next node which usually shrinks your ES. You will need a chronograph for that. Be careful working up your loads if you do. There are a lot of factors involved in shooting small groups @ 500 and further. |
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Quoted:
Thanks for the input guys! The distance was 100 yards with variable winds of 5-10MPH. The other groups were close, but didn't have the same stringing pattern. Some were clumped like a clover leaf, and some were a little wider apart like a triangle. Being new to reloading I have no idea what to try next as far as improving on the load. I've asked some local club members and some say more powder, while others say to seat the bullet further out so it touches the lands. I'm a bit confused. Quoted:
Quoted:
What distance did you shoot the group shown? There's a little vertical showing some wind, probably from 6 to 7 o'clock. How did other groups look with that load? If conditions were calm, I would look for a load to take a touch more vertical out of the group. If it was breezy, I'd shoot that one some more to see how it works in different conditions, including the temperature. Thanks for the input guys! The distance was 100 yards with variable winds of 5-10MPH. The other groups were close, but didn't have the same stringing pattern. Some were clumped like a clover leaf, and some were a little wider apart like a triangle. Being new to reloading I have no idea what to try next as far as improving on the load. I've asked some local club members and some say more powder, while others say to seat the bullet further out so it touches the lands. I'm a bit confused. I would seat the bullet to 2.80 inches COAL. It's probably not going to touch the lands anyway. Then increase the charge weight to find out if the vertical dispersion disappears. But first, shoot the load you have again, either in light cross wind conditions or calm conditions at the ends of the day to find out if the vertical is out now. You should also shoot the load in different temperature conditions to confirm it's the best load. I shoot lots of the #2156 Palma bullet with IMR 4895 out to 600 yards. I think it's a great bullet. |
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