First handloads a success!

[jr916]

Thanks to all of you who helped me learn about reloading the past couple weeks! I went to the range today with my first two batches of handloaded 7.62x54R (125gr Nosler ballistic tipped .308" bullets with 51gr Varget, and 123gr .310" Hornadys with 48gr Varget). The .308" bullets didn't perform that great, but I was expecting that outcome and they were still better than surplus (plus much less kick). The .310" Hornadys flew like laser beams to the target at whatever range I shot from (up to ~200 yards), it was amazing, and I could shoot that lighter load all day long as opposed to the 180-201 grain shoulder-pounding surplus. I swear that little 123 grain bullet zips to the target twice as fast and hits just as hard as a 150-180gr FMJ... at least it seemed so (and these loads were nowhere NEAR max).

I'm surprised the shorter Hornady bullets were more accurate than the longer Noslers, I expected the former to lose some accuracy due to not engaging the rifling immediately after being fired. I guess since the larger diameter is a better fit for my barrel this made up for its other faults.

Now I just have to buy some copper bullets for hunting, and experiment with different weight bullets, powders, cases, etc etc haha I'm hooked... I can tell my roomates are already getting annoyed at the "tap tap tap... BANG BANG... tap tap tap" going on for hours down the hall while they sleep.

Thanks again for the help, I'm loving this new hobby so far!

[LGB Loader]

You see that, boys... He's hooked!!!

LGB

[Revoman]

Easy enough to get hooked on a great hobby. Now it's all about better accuracy, fine tuning to your firearm and buying in bulk to save more money. Oh, a don't forget being a brass whore from now on.

[huckberry668]

Welcome to the Dark side JR916.

Now go get a Lee Hand Press kit and a set of Lee dies and take care of that noise problem. you can load better quality ammo even with brass not from your own gun.