Time to settle down... I think

[mroels]

Started reloading .223 for my AR a little over a month ago. Pushed out 1k rounds over this time period (been saving brass for a while), using a Lee Handpress. I played with 4 different powders; Varget, TAC, H322, H335. Used 68gr hornady HPBT, 69gr SMK, 69 gr Noslers. Built loads from min to max for each powder, using each bullet. Then retried it all with different OAL's. Results were pretty similar, each powder at favored load for each bullet shot around 3/4moa which is good considering my 16" nothing special AR, not to mention my limited abilities.

Rifle didn't like Noslers bullets as much, SMK's required less powder than hornady. Varget had less recoil than TAC. Etc etc etc. I don't even want to know how OCD I'm gonna get when I get a chronograph!

So the question when do I stop experimenting and just buy items in bulk? Or am I gonna buy bulk but then get bored and feel the need to continue experimenting.

I might be saving money on my rounds but range fees spent this past month are crazy. I'm happy I don't have a turret or progressive because I'd really go nuts if the actual process was easier. Oh and for now I'm just gonna order an 8lb jug of TAC and the hornady rounds and perfect that combo first before continuing with this madness.



It is still a very meditative hobby for me though...despite the craziness.

[MaHoTex]

I ended up sticking with Varget and some 55gr BTs. I went crazy and built something like 2500 of them.

Time to reorder components now.

[gau17]

If your results were pretty similar, why not go with H335? It meters great.

I personally have two loads. for my AR's.

Plinking = 55 gr. Hornady w/ 25.0 gr. of H335
Match = 77gr SMK w/ 24.7 of Varget. (On the Hot side)

[mroels]

Well I'm gonna load up 50 precision node loads with each powder using the 68gr hornady and drive out to my BLM spot to see how they perform at 500yds+, and let that be the deciding factor. It's kind of why I got into reloading in the first place, to shoot distance accurately.

My big concern with taking 4 different loads is that at a 100yds I've notice similar groups but POI shift quite a bit, gonna be a challenge at the longer ranges.

[mroels]

Match = 77gr SMK w/ 24.7 of Varget. (On the Hot side)

Damn dude that's a full grain above the max load. I've not gotten anywhere near max loads yet, which on of the reasons I want to narrow down what I'm using powder and bullet wise. That way I can develop loads with less variables and feel more comfortable going a little hotter to see if I can hit another precision node with high velocities.

[mroels]

If your results were pretty similar, why not go with H335? It meters great.

Local shop is always sold out of hodgdon and always have TAC on hand.


But besides that I'm more curious at what point one stops experimenting and just start producing.....I'm starting to come to the conclusion that it's never.

[gau17]

Damn dude that's a full grain above the max load. I've not gotten anywhere near max loads yet, which on of the reasons I want to narrow down what I'm using powder and bullet wise. That way I can develop loads with less variables and feel more comfortable going a little hotter to see if I can hit another precision node with high velocities.

I was trying to get as close as possible to Mk 262 Mod 0 speed. Going 25.0 of varget is not uncommon.

see here.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=54716

[CGT80]

It all depends on your goals.

I shoot a mini 14 target model. My goal was to have fun and shoot inexpensive ammo. I didn't plan to shoot more than 100-200 yards. I bought 8 pound jugs of H-335 and bulk 55 grain bullets from berry's. I can do pretty well with that combo, but I haven't spent any time really trying to get good groups. I don't usually have anyone else to go shoot rifles with, so I have focused more on pistol competition and skeet shooting. I haven't tried any other bullets or powder in my mini.

I have spent a lot of time working up loads in a few pistols. I finally settled on a load for my 9mm, but sometimes think about using a cheaper bullet or cheaper powder. Then I get smart and realize that my pet load is awesome for me and I could spend my time working with a different gun or load instead of worrying about something that is already close to perfect (low price, great consistency).

I am still playing around with loads for my 460 revolver. I also have a chronograph and cast my own bullets. There is no end in sight with this hobby. My neighbor said he had no idea that loading ammo was so detailed and varied, when I explained some of it to him.

[mroels]

I was trying to get as close as possible to Mk 262 Mod 0 speed. Going 25.0 of varget is not uncommon.

see here.
http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...ad.php?t=54716

I wasn't judging, I'm far too new to pass any judgement. Just looked at my Sierra manual which said max was 23.9 and realized I'm far too chicken at this point to go even within .5 of the stated max. Still too many variables for me to get used to. But again that's kind of why I want to settle on one powder and one bullet so I can learn different brass effects, OAL effects etc etc. Once I feel more knowledgeable about that I'll start playing with more stuff again.

[mroels]

It all depends on your goals.

Right now my goal is to develop a load that will allow me consistent hits on a 60% ipsc steel target from 500-800 yds and beyond. I'm shooting a RRA 16" 1/9 twist with nothing fancy. It can shoot a little over half minute groups at 100yds (surprising considering the round count on the barrel).

Basically I want to take my rifle at far as it can go reliably...and by that I mean once I'm dialed in I want to make at least 90% hits. I know I as a shooter will probably fail before my rifle does but I want to set myself up for success with the best load. And once I fail I will train until I can go farther.

I started reloading so i would break the bank on match grade ammo, right now im producign match grade ammo the cost of plinking ammo. So I guess precision and consistency is important for me. Velocity is too but until I buy a chrono I can really load for that yet.

[wtkaiser]

I've been loading for the same .44 magnum revolver for close to 30 years now. Going back through my notes, it seems like I have rarely duplicated anything except for a 240 SWC at 5-6 gr Bullseye. The rest have been limitless combinations of bullet and powder, based on availability. But I love to experiment, so I'm hoping you learn to play around (so to speak) like I have. That's one of the joys I get out of reloading.

[gau17]

I wasn't judging, I'm far too new to pass any judgement. Just looked at my Sierra manual which said max was 23.9 and realized I'm far too chicken at this point to go even within .5 of the stated max. Still too many variables for me to get used to. But again that's kind of why I want to settle on one powder and one bullet so I can learn different brass effects, OAL effects etc etc. Once I feel more knowledgeable about that I'll start playing with more stuff again.

Book and powder manufactures will state different max levels. If you every decide to go past the max, pay attention for signs of over pressure.

Be safe, take it slow.