How the heck do I make a load for this?

[Hoodlum]

I have reloaded .308 for several years for a Howa 1500 and a Savage 10.... With both rifles, I could watch the groups open and close with different powder charges, oal, etc... Well, last week I bought a Remington 700sps tactical with a 20" barrel... I loaded 5 168smk's over starting load of 43.5 of varget, 5 at 44, etc up to 45 gr.... I just seated them to 2.80" as a starting point... I set up at 200 yds, and shot 4 groups of 5 shots, and except for a couple of fliers, every group could be covered with a dime!!!! The only variance was the 43.5 shot about 1/2" lower than the rest of the loads... From 44-45gr, the targets looked almost identical!!!! I have never owned a rifle that acted this way, and I am not complaining either!!! I have to say, it is kinda boring, because I can't figure out what the heck to do next.... I guess I could choose the most consistent velocity between the groups?
Hoodlum

 

[Joop]

Personally, if it were mine, I would chronograph and check the 44-45gr. loads. Take the one that has the better and/or more consistent velocity. If the 45 grain load isn't moving any faster than 44, or is all over in ES/SD, I would go back down to the 44 (assuming it's more consistent). That's assuming, however, that you want to shoot this load as far out as possible. For short/medium range, you may want to use the least amount of powder required to get the accuracy you want. It's always nice to have options and it looks that you're lucky in that respect, so far.

 

[40xs]

A dime group at 200!! what's your delimma? Choot dat thing!!!

 

[Paladin2147]

Shoot more - worry less. Let the target face be your guide.