So I'm using a scope on my RRA NM to develop loads for service rifle matches. I'm getting .8 MOA average with mixed LC brass, 24.2 R-15, WSR primers and 77 SMK. I tried the 77 SMK with caneleur and they grouped even better. All testing is 5 shot groups. No complaints about this load, I'd like to get .5 with a scope, but with standard rifle primers, not trickling each case and using mixed  year lots of LC brass, I'm ok with it for the 300 yd line. For my 600 yd load, best I am producing is about 1.3 MOA, that's with 24.7 of R-15, WSR primers, 80 AMAX, mixed LC brass. I usually get .4 rounds grouping .8 MOA and by the time I get a 5 shot group, I will have 1 flier that opens the group up to 1.5-1.2 MOA. Wondering how important BR primers and same year brass would help. My next step is changing to Vitavori N140 and try this. Any pointers would help. I shoot open sights for matches. Just scoping rifle for load development to take out as much human error as possible.
Forgot to ad, 80s are COAL 2.450, 77 SMK are 2.255, mag length.

I'd sort for same year.

Have you uniformed the flash holes? How do you remove the crimp?

Dillon super swager. Anyone sell LC brass from same lot numbers? I've been collecting brass a d I must have 14 different lots, dates on my LC brass.

I would weigh each brass if that is practicable. I've been surprised how once fired same year brass can vary by several grains. The weighing is done before reaming, trimming & chamfering. Using the brass that is +/- 1 grain of your desire weight will give a consistent case capacity. Reaming and screening for off center flash holes will also help.

Your load might be a bit hot. QL shows 24.2 R-15 in or near the red (depending on case capacity) with 77 SMK at mag length (2.260) in 20" barrel. Also compressed load with only 97.05% powder burn. Try 23.5 which was my go-to load with R-15/77 SMK/LC, except now I shoot 8208XBR which gives me my velocity at lower pressure, and meters well. Don't be afraid to experiment with other primers. Try the CCI BR4 or Wolf SRM. Also try the "ladder" or incremental charge test to look for a sweet spot. This is time well spent in my opinion.

ETA I never weigh brass for 200/300, headstamp sort is all. At 600 I only use Lapua brass.

It should not take much work to develop 1moa loads.

I never turned, uniformed, weighed brass, or regularly sorted by year.

I used 24.0 of Varget initially with Nosler 77s and 80s. Along the way I switched to 23.2 of XBR. I always use Wolf SRM primers. I was able to leg out with these loads. The trick is building a good position more so than a super tight load.  AMAXs are finicky in some guns.

With the long shape of the AMAX the closer they are to the rifling the better, they do not like long jumps.

Check the throat length and set them .01 off or even touching (work the load back up on that)

Billy, where do you shoot in Texas?  There's a good group of service rifle shooters here that can help with anything and everything service rifle.

1.  Your 77 load looks fine.  Fair common load
2.  Your 80 AMAX is on the warm side but thats up to you and your barrel
3.  Remember, the X ring is 1 MOA and the 10 ring is 2 MOA in diameter on the MR 1 target at 600
4.  adjust jump/seating depth
5.  Try SMK 80 or Berger 80.5/82  
Nobody on the TSRA team shoots AMAX 80s
Team has done well the past several years at Perry

If you're in TX come to the state HP matches.  They have been in Houston the past several years.  We can help

How do the Bergers 80.5 do with the RRA Wilson 1/8?

Haven't had a chance to use them at 600, but they're similar length as the 75gr AMAX and 77gr TMK, and those have been precise. You lose a little BC compared to a 1:7.7 or 1:7.

I think I had a node at 22.5gr H4895. 23+ began showing high pressure signs

That's what I am going to use both IMR 4895 and H 4895.  You used 22.5 H4895 with 77's?  I have used 24gr of IMR 4895 with 77's, just never tried the 80.5 yet.

I use 23.8 with 77s. I'll double check my most recent test results for the 80.5s.

Thanks, I will check this forum tomorrow, heading to bed.  Have to get up at 5am.   :-((

Blueskies

Check out FastAndFriendlyBrass on the EE.  I just got 1500 once fired Lake City cases, 100% dated 2012.  I was amazed.

82gr Berger (pretty much identical to the Fullbore)
23gr H4895
CCI 400
FC "small letter"
2.425" OAL, should be 0.010-0.015" from lands.

Avg: 2665fps
ES: 54fps
SD: 17fps

Primers started to flatten, faint ejector marks, I consider this my Safe MAX. I suck at shooting from the bench, but still got 1.25" at 100yds. I think jumping a bit more or touching would work.

Thanks for the info.  I have to do some testing.  Your numbers give me a good starting point.  I will down load a little and work up.

Thanks, Blueskies.

NJ Highpower Reloading Stuph - Pet Service Rfle Loads

Just in case you like to see a collection of typical SR loads.

Also, if you have access to a chronograph, it would be helpful to see your speeds for those 600 loads.

It is common to have to shoot groups for various seating depths while holding the charge weight constant to find the seating depth your rig likes.

If you have time, I would also try the 80 SMK to see if your rig does better or worse, but there is nothing wrong with your choice. You should be able to make it work.

If you have not already read about load development, you should. It is not too time consuming and you will find it interesting. The Zediker books are good, and the OCW web site is too.

Handloading for Competition

Top Grade Ammo

Dan's OCW page

Another good author is Bryan Litz of Applied Ballistics and Berger Bullets fame. This is one of the best volumes I have found for teaching what is important versus a waste of time.

Accuracy and Precision for Long Range Shooting

Berger 82's like to jump in our experience, jump a lot like .030-.040"
Should able to push to 24.0 H4895 in LC cases with 80/82's
23.5 with SMK77  shoots lights out too
CCI400 SR primers are thin and may not hold up well to what most HP shooters load to, which would be 5.56 pressures rather than SAAMI 223