Light loads for trigger time.. do you?

[Hawk45]

I just setup my .243 and am running some load development with powders I have on hand (H4350 and RL22) with 105gr HDY Match bullets. I started low and moved up as usual, but was not getting to the 3000fps + velocities I see some guys shooting. Working up I was getting velocities from 2700 to 2900fps out of a 26" barrel. I can obviously bump the changes up (as I will for proper testing at longer ranges) but my closest range (by like 45mins) where I do my testing only has a 100yd range. Close enough to do load testing and sneek down for some regular trigger time. Some of the groups I was getting at the lower velocities were .5 MOA.
So my question is, do you guys shoot lower velocity rounds at shorter ranges to save some barrel life and powder? Then have your LR rounds at higher velocities and just run dope and have on hand for both?

 

[milo 2.0]

Re: Light loads for trigger time.. do you?

In theory it sounds ok, keeping track of ammo would be a pain, I think.
I'd want my zero adjusted for the fast loads, and there would have to be a POI difference between them.
And then the freindly bet on who can smack 1K first, and you load up the wienies!!
Just have a couple cold beers, and let the thought drift away.

 

[High Binder]

Re: Light loads for trigger time.. do you?

I'd say get a .22 for trigger time and save the good loads and rifle for it's built purpose.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Light loads for trigger time.. do you?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: High Binder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd say get a .22 for trigger time and save the good loads and rifle for it's built purpose. </div></div>

Or maybe a 223

 

[clmayfield]

Re: Light loads for trigger time.. do you?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: High Binder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd say get a .22 for trigger time and save the good loads and rifle for it's built purpose.</div></div>

I disagree. All the 22 in the world is not going to give you good recoil management technique. The 22 does teach follow through, but follow through is not the same under large bore circumstances.

Personally, I have a nice low power load that I use at short range. It is easy on brass and barrel life. I would like to do long range more, but simply can't get to the long range as often as the short one. The approach makes sense to me, and I am doing it with a 308, which is known for long barrel life. I think it makes even more sense with a 243, known for its short barrel life.

And the ammo is not difficult to keep track of. I generally load only for what I plan to shoot and write down the settings for seating depth and charge weight so I can reset when I am done. Not a big deal.

 

[High Binder]

Re: Light loads for trigger time.. do you?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: High Binder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd say get a .22 for trigger time and save the good loads and rifle for it's built purpose. </div></div>

Or maybe a 223 </div></div>

.223 would be perfect. I was thinking about the .22 because it's super inexpensive.