Or, do you pick one of the "standard" powders for the cartridge (e.g., IMR 4350 in the .30-06) and try a bunch of different bullets? If so, how many bullets will you try?

John

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www.rifleshooter.com

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Ray Atkinson

ray@atkinsonhunting.com
atkinsonhunting.com

Most of the time full loading density is considered desireable. But it's not mandatory.

So for the 30-06 you mentioned I use IMR 4350. I have no problems with this powder. I tried ball powders and I am staying away from them but I have a open mind about it.

As far as selecting a powder, or powders, research all you can of published data to see what powders are recomended. At least in my experience, the recomended powders have always performed well, both in accuracy and velocity.

My quick and dirty load regime is to pick a single bullet and powder. I seat the bullets .025" off the lands if possible. I work up to max loads in 1/2 to 1 gr increments, depending on the size of case, and chronograph and compare groups. If one load shines, I'll repeat that load, and go 1/4 to 1/2 gr higher then lower (provided its not a max) and this will confirm its a good load, and see if minor changes don't further tune it.

If the groups don't seem to vary much, but are so so, I'll go with what appears to be a max load, and try various bullet seating depths, say .030", .020", .010" and .005". This will show me which direction to go in bullet seating, or if it has much affect.

I've typically been able to find a good load for a gun in 2-3 range sessions with this technique. Remember, only change one variable at a time when working up loads, or you'll spend alot more time and $, and not know what changed what. With a single bullet, powder and primer, changing charge weight and bullet seating depth is plenty to worry about, and typically all that is needed to make a good load. Occasionally you'll have a combo that won't want to shoot, which is sometimes the gun, but often times an attempt to make a combo work that consists of either an inapropriate bullet and or powder.

Most of my shooting is target or varminting. I will start with the bullet .010 of the lands and work up the load in .5 grain increments, looking for groups that show consistency. After i find one that looks good, i start working in .1 grain increments from there until i find the winner. I choose powders based on loading density and velocity (and pressure info if available). I pick a primary and a back up powder. So far i have only had to try 2 different powders on one really picky rifle.

My $.02

mike

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NRA Life Member

America, Love it or LEAVE IT!

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NRA Life member

Bullet always come first.

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saeed@ emirates.net.ae

www.accuratereloading.com

For instance, I know my Model 70 shoots well with IMR 4350 behind a 180 gr. Hornady Spire Point. If I want more penetration, I would be willing to use a Partition, Partition Gold, Grand Slam, Fail Safe, or whatever. I just think the bullet is a bigger accuracy variable than the powder, perhaps?

Or have you seen, for instance, a rifle that will shoot a Spire Point well with IMR 4350 but a Partition only with H4350?

John

quote:

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Originally posted by John Frazer:
I just think the bullet is a bigger accuracy variable than the powder, perhaps?

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I'd have to agree there.

I generally pick my bullet based on expected use, then look for a powder. Example... for varmints, I'll usually go with a Nosler Ballistic Tip, for targets I pick Sierra Match Kings, etc. It's not very often that I have to go beyond my first choice, or maybe two, before settling on the bullet. I usually know in advance what weight I will be shooting. THEN, I can start looking at powders, seating depth, etc.

quote:

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Originally posted by jagtip:
In order to break the monotony,put me down as one who chooses the primer first.

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I think we just found the "one in every crowd".