The Accurate Reloading Forums
What is the most important
20 March 2010, 05:49
Not_InfringedWhat is the most important
In terms of accuracy, what is the most important factor of reloading (bullet seating depth, optimal powder charge, consistent powder charge, uniform case volume, etc)?
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Consistancy. Same brass, not mixed bag. Fairly consistant powder, within +/-.1 gr. Consistant seat and crimp.
If your trying to optimize a load start with varying powder charge once you get the tightest group then play with seating depth.
One other note. Mixed primers will change point of impact. Even the same make in a different lot can change poi, group size may not change but poi can.
A bad day at the range is better than a good day at work.
20 March 2010, 06:23
ted thornI wish I could say....seems most of my rifles have a different opinion.
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20 March 2010, 06:32
308SakoTo answer your specific question: optimal powder charge.
Concentricity and consistency is what you need in all aspects of handloading. Everything you do makes some partial difference in the results, some more than others.
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21 March 2010, 03:01
BlacktailerThat's like asking what is more important to beauty? Hair color, build, complexion, or?
If it all isn't there in harmony, you probably won't get the results you are seeking. Sorry, I hope that isn't too Zen.
Have gun- Will travel
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21 March 2010, 03:14
Alberta Canuckquote:
Originally posted by Blacktailer:
That's like asking what is more important to beauty? Hair color, build, complexion, or?
If it all isn't there in harmony, you probably won't get the results you are seeking. Sorry, I hope that isn't too Zen.

Agreed.
I think it even trumps consistency. If one has a bad load for HIS rifle, it doesn't matter how consistently he dulicates it. It will still be a bad load...a consistently bad one.
My country gal's just a moonshiner's daughter, but I love her still.
21 March 2010, 03:21
vapodogquote:
In terms of accuracy, what is the most important factor of reloading
No question about it....it's picking the right bullet!.....After that's done it's picking the right powder and after than it's hundreds of little things.
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21 March 2010, 04:24
J.D.SteeleWhen seeking a load for a new rifle, I always start with testing different bullets. I seem to get more accuracy improvement by changing the particular bullet choice than from changing any other variable, at least in the beginning.
Regards, Joe
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21 March 2010, 04:33
SR4759A quality bullet whose length is appropriate for the chamber and twist.
21 March 2010, 05:59
woodsquote:
Originally posted by vapodog:
quote:
In terms of accuracy, what is the most important factor of reloading
No question about it....it's picking the right bullet!.....After that's done it's picking the right powder and after than it's hundreds of little things.
x2
1. bullet
2. powder and charge weight (regulating bullet exit timing)
3. acceptable brass (<.003" variance in neck thickness)
4. acceptable concentricity (<.004" TIR)
5. sizing method (PNS, PFLR, FL)
6. bullet grip
7. seating depth consistancy
8. seating depth
9. primer type
10. consistancy in all the above
Now the firearm itself (barrel, bedding, squareness of the action, etc) and the ability of the shooter trump all the above.
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There are those who would misteach us that to stick in a rut is consistency - and a virtue, and that to climb out of the rut is inconsistency - and a vice.
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Consistency with all components.
21 March 2010, 06:50
homebrewerHaving a good homebrew right there...
22 March 2010, 02:23
243winxbEverything counts, a great barrel comes first on the list. Read this>
Reloading for Benchrest.22 March 2010, 06:05
ARTJR338WMIf all else is equal with out a doubt CONSISTANTCY is the GOD of accuracy in all firearm types, not just CF rifles.
22 March 2010, 06:18
Jim Whitequote:
Originally posted by Not_Infringed:
In terms of accuracy, what is the most important factor of reloading (bullet seating depth, optimal powder charge, consistent powder charge, uniform case volume, etc)?
YES
99% of the democrats give the rest a bad name.
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22 March 2010, 06:21
ARTJR338WMI will add this as well.
I have been blessed with owning two rifles that will shoot most of what I feed them into or below .7 MOA at 100yrds, one more often than not will give me .5 MOA. I asked my self just how small could I get these rifles to shoot?
The reloading equipment I had (and mostly still have) was pretty basic. No neck turning tools or concenticity gauges and realy no other types of specialty reloading tools. I also only used Winchester brass.
Keep in mind this was in the days prior to me getting married and becomming a dad so I had enough "disposable income" that I could have used $20s for TP.
So I called and spoke to the tech reps at Sinclrare Int. Told them what I was shooting and what reloading equipment I had and the level of accuracy I was getting. I asked him his advice on invseting considerable $$$ on neck turning tools and other specialty reloading tools normaly reserved for the bench rest crowd. His reply was surprisingly truthful. In short he asked me if I was willing to spend over $100-$300 for every .125" I "might" reduce my group size by? because I would end up spending $100s of dollars to at best shrink a.5" group down to .3". He reminded me that after all I owned 100% factory rifles and the accuracy I was getting was a level I should be beyond happy with as it stood.
I agreed with him. I also called Redding and got a similar responce. So I did not spend any additional $$$ on any bench rest type of reloading tools and have never thought twice about it.