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Originally posted by pahandgunhunter:
First and foremost, as a hunter, my first responsibity is to make a clean kill.

I think we all agree on this.

Lots of factors add into this equation of course. Distance of the shot, angle, size of the particular game, weather condtions etc. The only item I can really control are my loads.

I think that we need a certain level of skill with a particular weapon to be able to use effectively and to be willing to use it responsibly. Skill is something we control through practice. I don't think you intended to omit it.

This is how I load, right or wrong:

Depending on the critter I intend to hunt, I research the terminal preformance of a bullet, particularly the impact veloctity required to "do it's job". Retained weight, how much the bullet mushrooms (or fragments in varmint loads), penetration data, etc.

I'm with you so far... I do have a prejudice for bullets at the upper limit of or above the "standard" weight for a particular cartridge.

For this example, let's say a deer load for a Contender.

With the selected bullet's impact velocity,I work my ballistics backwards to see if that required velocity is obtainable within the intended range I expect to shoot my handguns.

I then determine which powder will give me the best chance of obtaining the required velocity. I prefer a high load density with out exceeding the pressure limit on the Contender frame.

I always attempt to have a loading density of 90-100%. The only other thing is that I give preference to powders that I have on hand. I always try them first before purchasing more powder.

If velocity required is possible, I'll load a series of cartridges in varying powder amounts and check these over the chronograph, then measure the groups. (I know most everyone does their loading this way).

I take it this is what some call a "ramp up" whereby they determine the maximum safe charge for their particular firearm. Then you are measuring groups to see which load had the best performance with regards to accuracy. Also, that you are shooting for groups over the chronograph.

If the most accurate load meets the velocity criteria, this will be the load I'll use for hunting. I want at maximum, 1-1/4" group at 100yds. I may then change the OAL to tighten group.

What is your general starting position for overall length? I.e., do you start with seating the bullet .050" off the lands?

I'll load 10 up and sight-in at x" high at y distance for a maximum point blank range distance of a 4" circle. This MPBR is determined by my ballistic program based on all data noted above.

Now in the deer woods, I know that within the MPBR distance I can shoot close to 1-1/4" group, and be 2" high max or 2" low max.

A 4" circle really shrinks the MPBR, not that I disagree. I like to see the whites of their eyes myself.

I have a few rules of thumb that I will adhere to also. For instance, I want at least 1200ft/lbs of energy for whitetails at my maximum distance.

Why did you select 1200 fpe as opposed to the oft quoted 1000 fpe?

Sorry this sounds like I'm lecturing, but this is a forum to discuss things such as this. How do you do your loads? Let's start a new thread. I'm sure we all have a trick or two to share.

Bill

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