Efficient load build-up?

[cyberpuppy42]

I've been reloading and shooting long range precision for some time, and I'm working on building up the best round for a new rifle. In the past I used to build up a bunch of different loads w/ different bullet weights to account for as many different variables that affect accuracy as possible: COAL, bullet weight, powder charge, prime selection, brass selection, etc. I ended up spending a lot of time at the range (not that I didn't thoroughly enjoy it...), but I'm looking at a smarter way to build up a load for my new rifle. I'm looking for some feedback on how you more seasoned guys do that.

First off, it's a Savage heavy barrel 26" chambered in 30-06. To start off, I've settled on Winchester brass (best case capacity and cheaper than Norma) and the Russian primers since they seem to have pretty low SD. I've also narrowed down my bullet choices to between 168 and 210 grains given my 1:10 twist, although likely leaning toward the heavier bullets for 1000+ yard shooting. I'm also looking to use a temperature-stable powder like 4831sc, but I don't mind experimenting with others for highest/most accurate safe velocity. So that should limit the number of variables I need to test.

So where do I start? Should I further down-select to one or two bullet choices? Which manufacturer? Do I check for the most accurate OAL first, and if I do which bullet do I use? Do I start with the most accurate powder charge per bullet weight?

I welcome your feedback.
Thanks!

 

[moody_221]

Re: Efficient load build-up?

The first thing I usually do is decide what I want to do with the rifle; hunting, long range shooting, ect. Then I decide on one or two bullets I want to use for that purpose and three or four different powders to try. For me seating depth depends on the purpose the rifle will be used for. If I'm using it for just hunting I seat the bullets as far out so as they will feed in the magazine, but in most factory rifles they will still be a ways off the lands. If its a single shot or if I don't mind single feeding rounds, I seat them .005" off the lands and try either two, three shot groups or two, five shot groups with each powder I've selected and see what seems to group the best and start working a more in depth load with that. I can't speak for others, but this method seems to work for me. Hope this helps.

 

[oldfatguy]

Re: Efficient load build-up?

I have been picking a couple of bullets and using Dan Newberry's OCW method to work up loads. Different workup for each bullet weight/brand. For the initial round of testing I seat .025 off the lands for all charge weights. After I've found the node I'll do pretty much the same OCW method except with different seating depths and constant charge weight.

Add an additional powders to the mix and the clock starts over for each one.

OFG

 

[cyberpuppy42]

Re: Efficient load build-up?

Thanks for the feedback. Am reading the OCW method, and it sounds a lot like what I was doing anyway, so I think I'm on the right path. There's a lot of tips and tricks on that website I'll try out thought - great find! Hadn't heard about it until now, and was still trying to figure out the ladder method.

Cheers!

 

[Huckleberry75]

Re: Efficient load build-up?

If you are just punchin paper, the 190 SMK may be dang near perfect for that rig. If you want to hunt both flesh and paper, maybe the VLD and VLDH's.

 

[cyberpuppy42]

Re: Efficient load build-up?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Huckleberry75</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you are just punchin paper, the 190 SMK may be dang near perfect for that rig. If you want to hunt both flesh and paper, maybe the VLD and VLDH's. </div></div>

Good suggestion - thanks! It'll be primarily for punching paper. Looking to try my hand at some F-Open competitions out to 1000 yards. I did by the rifle to serve a dual purpose in case I take it hunting, so I may very well develop a few different loads for it depending on purpose.

 

[cyberpuppy42]

Re: Efficient load build-up?

I decided I'll start with the 208 AMax and build an OCW load around that. It's cheap, and seems to work fine on other -06's I've read about. Thanks for all the feedback!