Hey guys, another question.

I hope these don't sound too stupid - but I am trying to get a feel for what is/isn't possible by reloading

The question is:

If I started reloading, what kind of groups can i expect out of my first handloads????

depends on whether you gun likes the load or not.

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"Laws are like sausages, it's better not to see either being made"--Otto Von Bismark

When in doubt, do a nuclear strike.

You will want to get at least 2 different brands of powder, if you don't have your heart set on one bullet brand or weight, try some different bullets, try different brands of primers. Load at least 10 with one combo, 10 with another combo. and so on. You will soon find a combination that works better than others. Start to refine what is working best. You might find a good load right off, or it might take awhile. For me ,that is part of what I like about reloading, even though I may already have an accurate load for a favorite rifle, I am always trying something else. Most reloads that I have loaded, without even testing them, will shoot a little better than factory loads, at least they do for me. I just traded for a 220 Swift, the guy that had it only shot factory ammo in it. It was shooting 1 in.to 1.5 in. groups at 100 yds. This was a custom made gun and the guy was not happy with it because it would not shoot better. I have tried 5 different powders, 3 different primers, and 3 different bullet brands and weights. I have looked at a bunch of different reloading sites on the net, plus 6 different manuals. I now have this rifle shooting true one hole groups, I can't do one hole groups every time or anything, but this rife is shooting smaller groups than any rifle I have ever had. I've been working on loads for this rifle ever since last fall. Hope this helps....BA

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I may be from Arkansas, but I never voted for Bill Clinton!

Johnny, it is impossible to answer this question. There are just too many variables involved. Likewise, however, no-one can tell you what kind of a group you will get from a factory load either, before you test fire it in your rifle!!

I know this is a very open question...maybe I can reword it.
Factory ammo:
With Federal classics in my 30.06 I can get 1 inch 3 shot groups at 100.

With Remington factory in that gun, I can get 2 inch groups.

I guess what I am asking, is if I decide to get into reloading, it's not going to take me hundreds of rounds tinkering to achieve factory accuracy, is it???

[This message has been edited by Johnny Ringo (edited 03-22-2002).]

My personal favorate manual is by Nosler as they list there best load with each powder and the best overall powder (in their testing).
In several rifles that I load for the there recogmendations have been spot on for me, sub MOA, but I do work up from the bottom.
In my 06, Noslers recogmended loading for the 150 BT, a dime will completely cover 3 shots @ 100yd (5 shot groups are under 2" @ 300yd).
So you can see that the results are worth the effert.

[This message has been edited by Tailgunner (edited 03-22-2002).]

1" 3shot groups is very good, you might get that gun to 3/4" with handloads. What you will really see is much more consistancy with diff bullets with handloads.

When I made the decision to start reloading, i just devided the cost of the reloading gear with the price of 1 cartrige, and asked myself- am i going to shoot more than this?
The answer is obvious, economy reasons alone justifies reloading, beating the accuracy of (some) factory ammo is just a matter of time,skill,components and patience.

Beats the hell out of collecting stamps, watching tv, etc

All the best

Jens

Your assumption that reloading is cheaper is FALSE!!! As you reload, you shoot more, as you shoot more, you reload more, etc, etc. You will not save a penny reloading but you'll probably enjoy the whole procces, have fun!! enjoy!!

Sorry, I need to reconsider my deductive ability.
I guess its a downwards journey into poverty.
kaboom, 1 buck down the drain.
Whatever, nevermind.

//Jens

quote:

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Originally posted by jthessen:
Sorry, I need to reconsider my deductive ability.
I guess its a downwards journey into poverty.
kaboom, 1 buck down the drain.
Whatever, nevermind.

//Jens

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Wait till you start reloading for some of the EXPRESS cartridges, at the tune of $10 bucks per shot! Factory though for 470 NE is almost $300 per 20 rd box!

For ordinary chamberings, you will not save a dime reloading, but you will shoot five times as much for the same price. That's what it's all about, being able to shoot more, and in most cases with far better ammo!

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..Mac >>>===(x)===>
also DUGABOY1
DUGABOY DESIGNS
Collector/trader of fine double rifles, and African wildlife art

Mac, i could not agree more.
Please do not remind me how much I neeeed a 470.
When You get into thinking that "I need to unload these rounds cause i need them cases" then your just a step away from the dangerous reloadamania, not a bad condition really, depending on how healthy your wallet is. Getting dies for brass you don�t have a rifle for is another.

All the best

Jens

[This message has been edited by jthessen (edited 03-25-2002).]