My First Reloads

[Enfield47]

I finally got a chance to go to the range today and shoot my first reloads. Everything functioned perfectly, except the shooter. For some reason I was shooting horribly (about 6-8" groups) - there was a light wind that probably had some impact on my rounds but not enough to be blamed for my inaccuracy. I know it wasn't the ammo because I performed the same with factory ammo. Even though my shooting was terrible it was still exciting to see everything working just as I had hoped.

Here are a couple of pics of my reloads.

First up .303 British - I created these at the OC reloading clinic. I loaded 20 rounds with a Hornady Match 174 gr. BTHP, Winchester LRP, and IMR 4064. I created a ladder test of five rounds each: 31.4 grains, 33.4 grains, 35.4 grains, and 37.3 grains. I want to test another 20 rounds with 31.4 grains and see how that does on a better shooting day.


Next up .223. I loaded 50 rounds with a Hornady 55 gr. FMJ-BT W/C, CCI #41 SRP, and IMR 4064. I again created a ladder test to test functionality in both my ARs. I created 10 rounds with 24.8 grains, 20 rounds with 25.3 grains and 20 rounds with 25.5 grains. All rounds functioned perfectly in both my M4 and M16 ARs. I was pleasantly surprised that the lightest load functioned so well so my next test will be starting with 24.8 and going up in .2 grain increments to find the sweet spot that my ARs like.


I initially had a problem with removing the crimp and priming the .223 LC brass (a big thanks to all who helped me out with this ). After reswaging and using a #2 Phillips Head on all of the primer pockets everything went fairly smoothly. Creating these was a fun process and I am looking forward to creating more!

[Swagman00]

Is the .303 through once fired brass? Also, are the cases just neck resized or full case resized?

Your cases look pretty good compared to the spent brass I have after just a single firing on my No 1 mk 3. Would you be willing to divulge the brass manufacturer that you use?

That could be what I'm doing wrong with mine.

[Enfield47]

The .303 is virgin brass - PPU, I got it from Grafs for about $50 for 100 cases. The cases still look pretty clean after firing them today, a little better than the PPU factory ammo cases. The IMR 4064 does seem to be a pretty clean burning powder.

The cases were full length sized just to confirm they were to spec to begin with. I will be using just the neck sizing die from here on out since they will only be fired from one rifle.

[Germz]

Good job man. they look good and its an even better reward when they work!

[bigchinner]

I haven't reloaded rifle ammo yet but they look "marvelous". good luck on future batches.

[milw50717]

Congrats. I reload both of those calibres, so your steps sound very familiar. Glad you are having fun reloading. Keep at it.

[Raralith]

Did you use a bench rest? Could be why your shots were off.

[Dark Mod]

Good Job! Glad to see you taking it one step further and concentrating on load development. Here are a few helpfull tips ive found of great value for load developement:

1. Shoot from a rest, Minimize as many variables as possible. Ideally the only thing you want affecting your shot placement is the load itself. A ransom rest would be ideal, but since we dont all have access to stuff like that we can make do with a rest and taking our sweet time on every shot.

2. Dont shoot farther than 100 yards, or closer than 25 yards. Variables from the way you shoot are the most important things to minimize, and these become pronounced at longer ranges, especially with iron sights. Not to mention wind. Closer than 25 yards and it starts to get difficult to see the differences between loads, you want the best groups to be fairly obvious.

Just how far down the rabbit hole you want to go is up to you, but i find that just doing those 2 things makes a huge difference. Ransom rests, bore cleaning between shots, temperature/humidity/wind correcting etc.. are all kinda the flea on the elephant.

Obviously others will have their own way of doing things, but ive had great results just from varying charge weight and OAL as long as i shot from a rest at a good range.

[Enfield47]

Thanks guys, I had a lot of fun creating my own ammo! I can see why this is so addicting.

I was shooting from a seated position at a bench with sand filled bench bags. For some reason I just had a really off day. Last time I went I had the same setup and literally shot out the middle of the target. I'm no match grade shooter for sure, but I can do fairly well for hunting or plinking.

Am I better off for load testing to go to the indoor range in Stanton? It is 25 yards and there aren't any variables like wind to interfere with the target. If I stick to Burro it is outside and I can shoot farther distances but wind may be an issue. What is your preference for finding the perfect load?

[stilly]

It is nice to see someone loading for the crater maker- err 303...

[gemoose23]

welcome to the addiction....