Load dev and brass

[021411]

Just getting into rifle reloading but I do have reloading experience with pistol cartridges.
Pertaining to load developing, is it better to develop with sized/trimmed/etc once fired or brand new brass that is sized and bumped?

 

[HoustonB77]

It is always better to work up a load with once fired brass from that rifle.

That being said I generally work up a decent load with virgin brass then just fine tune it on once fired. Best groups should e on the fired brass.

 

[021411]

It is always better to work up a load with once fired brass from that rifle.

That being said I generally work up a decent load with virgin brass then just fine tune it on once fired. Best groups should e on the fired brass.

Thanks. I wonder if I should just load up a bunch of rounds using the factory recipe for the Hornady 140gr match just so I can get once fired brass to load up. I know that load can produce 1/4” groups out of my rifle.

 

[spife7980]

I prefer to start with new brass. Buy 200 or so and you can zero and load an easy ladder test at a few hundred yards with under 50 rounds. Load the other 150 based on the ladder results and you have enough to shoot a club match or two.

At the end of that you will have nice brass that’s fire formed to your chamber. Begin your load testing in earnest. It shouldn’t be that different than before but it won’t be the exact same.

 

[021411]

I prefer to start with new brass. Buy 200 or so and you can zero and load an easy ladder test at a few hundred yards with under 50 rounds. Load the other 150 based on the ladder results and you have enough to shoot a club match or two.

At the end of that you will have nice brass that’s fire formed to your chamber. Begin your load testing in earnest. It shouldn’t be that different than before but it won’t be the exact same.

I'm gonna pick up some Lapua brass this week and get things going.

Thanks again for the info.