First reloading results

[Alric]

Just got back from the range where I fired my first reloads. I was testing them for velocity, trying to vet my process by that uniformity (and my gun not exploding in my face). I only loaded 20 rounds, and from that only got chrono readings on 15 of them, but the readings puzzled me a bit.

(.308, FC brass, 150gr Hornady SP, 43gr Win 748)
2649
2635
2635
2700
2735
2743
3354
3649
2779
3145
3161
2900
2768
2739
2807

Chrono is a Shooting Chrony F-1. Setup approximately one ft from muzzle.

Rounds were loaded on a Hornady LNL AP with powder dispenser, Hornady dies were used for sizing and seating.

The numbers above 3000 fps are what concern me. That seems really hot for what I intended to load. I'm unsure if the disparity is due to something wrong with my reloading process or if the chronograph is just giving bad readings under some conditions. I checked over the fired brass and it all looked pretty uniform regarding the primers and case necks. I also don't recall feeling a significant difference in recoil from shot to shot.

I'd appreciate any thoughts or suggestions.

 

[country888]

Re: First reloading results

Your chrony should be 10 feet from from rifle. That may have something to do with it. How much time between shots?

 

[BirdEyes]

Re: First reloading results

Country is correct. One foot is too close. Your chrony is reading muzzle blast. You need to set up a consistent repeatable distance to take measurements from. His recommendation of 10 feet should work. Your instructions spell that out as well as the two inch window you need to shoot through i.e. 4-6 inches over the twin lenses. Distance varies if lower power rifle.

 

[Alric]

Re: First reloading results

Well of all the things to mess up, that seems like a pretty good one to have go wrong.

There were probably 5 seconds between shots. I wasn't paying much attention to that and I know I wasn't consistent.

 

[buffybuster]

Re: First reloading results

Your Extreme Spread is over 1000fps.......... That's bad load....HA!


Chronograph was too close. All that data is worthless.

 

[l115a3]

Re: First reloading results

Aware of muzzle blast which may make them error test.

 

[Bob 964]

Re: First reloading results

Congratulations on not having any of your first reloads blow up in your face. I remember when I shot my first reloads and I was nervous as a whore in church when I closed the bolt on my first reload.

Go to the Sniper's Hide home page. In the upper left-hand corner, click on "Featured". Scroll down until you see an article entitled "Easy Chronograph Set Up." This will help you get your chronograph set up properly so you will get more accurate and consistent readings.

 

[country888]

Re: First reloading results

Hey, its ok. We all goof up from time to time. NO one was hurt, thats the good thing. You know your loads shoot, thats another. I would give at least a minute between shots for the barrel to cool some. As the barrel heats up you will get higher velocitys. With a 10 shot string, they can get higher and higher. Good luck and enjoy!