Am I headed the right direction?

[Donut]

I just bought a Stevens 200 in .308. Since .308 is pretty 'spensive, I also picked up a Classic Lee Loader.

While I've been waiting to pick it up, I started picking up different types of ammo to run through the gun, mainly to try and see what weight bullet the rifle likes. Currently I've got some 147gr Federal XM80, 150gr Winchester Super-X Power Point, 155gr Hornady A-Max TAP,168gr Federal Gold Medal, 168gr PMC Bronze, and some 175gr PRVI Partisan Match.

Now is it as easy as shooting three 5-round groups of each at 100 yards and then comparing average group size to determine what weight bullet I should start with, or am I oversimplifying it? Is there a better way?

[jandmtv]

Sounds like a good plan. The general rule is If your rifle has a 1/10 twist, its going to like heavier bullets, such as 175grain+ If it has a 1/12 twist, its going to like bullets up to 170grains. But you can never be too sure without putting some rounds down range.

[CSACANNONEER]

You've got to start somewhere! Other factors that will also come into play are bullet design, type of powder, powder charge (directly relates to muzzle velocity) and OAL. Then, there's also, your brass and how you are prepping it.

[Donut]

You've got to start somewhere! Other factors that will also come into play are bullet design, type of powder, powder charge (directly relates to muzzle velocity) and OAL. Then, there's also, your brass and how you are prepping it.

You're talkin' algebra to someone learning multiplication tables.

It occurred to me after I ordered the smorgasbord of .308, that the fact that all those rounds are completely different loadings, from different manufacturers, with different components, that it might not provide the info I had hoped. (At least It'll give me some brass to start with, huh?)

I've got The ABC's of Reloading, and Ammo & Ballistics 3, Third Edition : For Hunters, Shooters, and Collectors on the way, and then once I decide on a bullet I was going to pick up "Modern Reloading" (It wasn't eligible for Amazon's Super Saver free shipping, when I ordered the other two. ) and the manual from the specific bullet manufacturer I decide on. (Hornady? Sierra?)

I've also got a laundry list of hardware I still need to get (Scale, bullet puller, case trimmer, etc) before I'd even think about assembling any ammo.

That $18 Loader sure is getting expensive, quick.

[f4tweet]

Find an instructor that teaches the NRA Reloading Course. Best two days of learning I've had. Everyone else is in the same boat, so no stupid questions.

[Splinter]

My savage 308 shot everything pretty darn well. Best was 155grn SP and 168grn BTHP. You just have to try loading a few different ones at min, than ramp them up slowly till you find what it likes. Not hard to do. Can be done in one day if you load 10 rounds per powder load and check 3 shot groups and signs of over pressure. Dont be surprised if everything you shoot makes one hole though. Every savage I have shot could even do that with PMC ammo. The ammo you bought will give you an idea. Just take down the weight of bullet and OAL if you find something amazing.

[CSACANNONEER]

You're talkin' algebra to someone learning multiplication tables.


That $18 Loader sure is getting expensive, quick.

Again, you gotta start somewhere! BTW, your $18 loader should end up costing you at least $500 by the time you are satisfied with your ammo. By then, you will have a new single stage press and a variety of crap filling up the new bench you are going to build. Reloading is a great hooby and can be very rewarding so, just take it one step at a time and be safe!