First reloading results!

[Arenchar]

Hi all! I'm new to long range shooting, not to mention reloading. I've been totally self taught, using resources such as the Hide. And just yesterday got to test my first hand reloads, quite exciting stuff (loading for a Remington 700 SPS Tactical .223). Four groups hanging right around 1" at 100yds, I've done better, but I was mainly happy for all 20 rounds to be successful. Using 23.5, 23.8, and 24.0 grains of Varget with 69gr Sierra MK's. Winchester brass and Remington primers.
Just thought I would share my first experience.

My reloading area.

Here rifle setup. Scope is a 3-9x40 Leupold 'Riflemen' (upgrading soon), Burris XTR rings, NF 15 MOA Base, Bell & Carlson Varmint/Tactical Medalist.

 

[67rschev]

Re: First reloading results!

Nice job and congratulations on the successful first range trip . And welcome to the sickness / therapy . Try ramping up the charge to ~ 25 grains , and you will be happy .

 

[armorpl8chikn]

Re: First reloading results!

Looks like a good sensible setup for a beginner. Isn't that one of the SmartReloader presses....maybe the OMega? How do you like it so far?

You can probably push the load a bit farther with the Varget and the 69SMK. I use 24.5gr Varget with 80gr Custom Comp in my custom 223. Not telling you to do anything stupid, but you will probably find your best accuracy with the 223 at or near max pressures. Just keep a close watch on pressure signs and put a little more powder behind that SMK.

 

[justinbaker]

Re: First reloading results!

were you nervous the first time you pulled the trigger on your reloads.

i knew i did everything correctly but i was still nervous

 

[aloreman]

Re: First reloading results!

first hand load i ever shot i was looking the other way lol. i use 24.8 grains in my rifle. keep increasing the powder and checking for pressure signs. accuracy should increase with varget as you near max in my experience. and checking the primer is not checking for pressure signs

 

[Bunnyblaster]

Re: First reloading results!

Might want to try some of the 52 SMKs with the 1:12 twist too. They shoot great out of my Savage 10 with 26 gr of Varget.

 

[Bill Larson]

Re: First reloading results!

Hey.... great job.... you know we all started some where... and the point is you started.....reloading is nearly as much fun as shooting.... but what you`ll come to realize.... you meet the best people in the shooting world.... and if you ask questions with respect.... there is a wealth of knowledge....
bill larson

 

[Arenchar]

Re: First reloading results!

Yes it is a Smart Reloader press, the XVI model to be exact. Got it as a birthday gift. It seems to be sufficient, a little loose (even when tightened) on the joints, but it works good.
I plan on working my load up a fair bit more, taking it slow.
Just curious, what twist rate were you shooting those 80gr bullets out of? I'm using a 1-9" and want to get a feel for how heavy I can get with it.

 

[Arenchar]

Re: First reloading results!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: justinbaker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">were you nervous the first time you pulled the trigger on your reloads.

i knew i did everything correctly but i was still nervous </div></div>


Haha, I tried to keep it out of my head. But yeah, I was.

 

[armorpl8chikn]

Re: First reloading results!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Eucalypti</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I plan on working my load up a fair bit more, taking it slow.
Just curious, what twist rate were you shooting those 80gr bullets out of? I'm using a 1-9" and want to get a feel for how heavy I can get with it. </div></div>

I use a 1-8 twist with a 15" barreled XP100R. 1-9 should stabilize the short ogive 75gr Hornady Match bullet with ease, not the AMax. It may stabilize the AMax but I doubt it. You just have to try them and see, the shorter ogive heavies will have the most potential to stabilize in the 1-9.

 

[Arenchar]

Re: First reloading results!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: armorpl8chikn</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Eucalypti</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I plan on working my load up a fair bit more, taking it slow.
Just curious, what twist rate were you shooting those 80gr bullets out of? I'm using a 1-9" and want to get a feel for how heavy I can get with it. </div></div>

I use a 1-8 twist with a 15" barreled XP100R. 1-9 should stabilize the short ogive 75gr Hornady Match bullet with ease, not the AMax. It may stabilize the AMax but I doubt it. You just have to try them and see, the shorter ogive heavies will have the most potential to stabilize in the 1-9. </div></div>

Alright, thanks.

 

[Elnino31]

Re: First reloading results!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Eucalypti</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: justinbaker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">were you nervous the first time you pulled the trigger on your reloads.

i knew i did everything correctly but i was still nervous </div></div>


Haha, I tried to keep it out of my head. But yeah, I was.</div></div>Hopefully, I'm a short time away from reloading my first batch. Funny you guys thought this, b/c I was just thinking how nervouse I'll be to shoot my own loads. I've shot other people's reloads and never even gave it a thought.

Everytime I look in the reloading threads there's always noobs getting started and it's encouraging.

 

[jsthntn247]

Re: First reloading results!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 67rschev</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nice job and congratulations on the successful first range trip . And welcome to the sickness / therapy . Try ramping up the charge to ~ 25 grains , and you will be happy . </div></div>

Yep, 25.0 with the same bullet shoots lights out in mine seated to touch the lands.

 

[wrhunter]

Re: First reloading results!

25g with Varget / 69smk (use with Nosler CC also) is my go to load along with several others. With 1-9 twist I would try up to 77smk or Nosler CC. Might work, might not.