Working on load optimization for my 270 WIN

[croue]

So I loaded up my first 'big' rifle rounds. (only pistol and 223 prior to this).
I made 40 rounds of 270 Winchester with 130 gr bullets.
IMR4831 powder 10 ea at: 51.0 gr, 53.0 gr, 55.0 gr, and 57.0 gr
Hornady book had the max load at around 56 gr, but Lyman listed up to 57.1, so I figured if things went well at 55, I'd try the 57 as well. Speed is supposed to be around 3000 fps, but I don't have a chrono so I won't be able to verify.

I'm looking to eventually find the best load for my hunting rifle. Thinking These loads run the gamut pretty much and will help me narrow my search for the next round.

I plan to shoot 5 rounds at each load, then repeat with 5 rounds at each load running smallest to largest then largest to smallest to average out hot/dirty barrel variability as much as possible without waiting for full barrel cooldown every shot.
Then take the 2 best results and start working between them to find a sweet spot.

Haven't measured my chamber yet, figured I'd get the powder load close, then add in seating depth as a variable with the next session.

Any thoughts on whether my plan makes sense? First time working up a load for optimum accuracy on a particular rifle.

[Fordtrucks]

Running near, at or ABOVE max on any book WITHOUT a chrono is like..... playing Russian Roulette. Hope u stay safe.

Oh one other thing, jumping 2 grains between loads in a high power rifle load is not advisable either.

Other than that everything else sounds standard and a good start, but for heavens sake be safe and stay alive please.

Without a chrono I wouldn't push a "hunting load" past mid range load data. It's just not nesessary for hunting.

[LynnJr]

When you are developing loads for a hunting rifle with a magazine seat a bullet in an empty case as long as you can make it then shorten it in small steps until it fits the magazine.
This is your maximum length and you only have to go in one direction by doing this.

Next use the 1% rule for your incremental charge weight variations. If your running 60 grains of powder you would use 0.6 grain increments intervalsintervals to develop your load.

[JTROKS]

I've loaded for 2 of my bolt actions chambered in 270 Win. IMR4831 is a very good powder for it when using 130 grains and heavier bullets. You'll get better performance if you use magnum primers as my reloads always had low variations in speed. Although the 4831 behaves really good at max level loads it's not wise to approach max loads with 2 grain increments. I have loaded over the highest max list data, but my COAL is longer than the data. Depending on the volume of the cases you're using it may be safe to go from 55 to 57 grains. What if your cases have less volume? Use the mentioned 1% increment, but with my experience I usually do it with .3 grain increments once I'm within 2 grains under listed max.

Also I've found that my accuracy loads are usually about 1 - 1.5 grain below max.

[croue]

Good stuff. I was looking to cover the whole range in one session, but perhaps that's a bit too ambitious.
The 57 grains isn't over the Lyman max, I've noticed that the Hornady maxes tend to run lower for whatever reasons. But point taken. It's a lot of powder.
Maybe I'll make some half grain steps around the 53-55 grain loads and bring them as well.
I noticed that these larger loads would sometimes hang up in my powder drop, and I'd have to shake the last bits loose sometimes. Is that normal, or do I have the wrong insert in? I hand weighed each charge in this session, but once I have a load I'd like to think I wouldn't have to keep hand weighing every charge every time.

[Fordtrucks]

U can check ur measurer make sure u don't have any oil or something residual from trying to lubricate the powder measure. These should always be lubricated with a dry lube like powder graphite. Other wise just tap the handle firmly when u lower or lift it. The powder shouldn't hang-up much. Another possibility is that it is getting compressed in the "loading" stroke. Maybe fill the hopper only half ways might help.

[JTROKS]

When I'm running the redline using stick powders I just hand weight each charge by carefully using exact same procedures for each charge. I'm not comfortable with the variations I'm getting with IMR4350/4831. I sure don't want to mess up with max loads. Come to think of it 57 grains that should be a compressed load. So you'll feel all them sticks breaking and compressing to seat that bullet properly.

[ElvenSoul]

Most bullets for .270 and .250 rifles are not designed for past 500yds

243 and 260 and .30 get all the long distance love

[ElvenSoul]

Berger makes a few .270 bullets that is about it for long range

[LynnJr]

Croue
The main thing when working up a load is to keep your seating depth as long as you are ever going to go and don't touch it until you find a powder charge.
Once you have your powder charge you then only need to go in one direction with the seating depth.
If your making multiple adjustments at once you will not know which one worked and which didn't.
One change at a time then move on to the next step.