Hello all, I'm new to the forum after lurking for a long time. I have recently got into the hobby of reloading and took advantage of the Canadian Thanksgiving long weekend to do some load testing. After much reading and careful selection of components and procedures I decided to perform and OCW test with my newly loaded rounds. I shot the test with my Remington 700 5R in .308 Winchester. The groups aren't the best and I can admit a lot of shooter error could be present. The load data is as follows;
Case - Winchester
Powder - Hodgdon CFE 223 - 45.5gn to 47.8
Primer - CCI Large Rifle
Bullet - SMK 175
COAL - 2.800
Any input of further testing a certain load would be much appreciated. One of my rounds from the 45.5 gn group landed in the 46 gn group, my error compounded by a large wind gust, hence the 4th round in that group. I am more concerned with the 47.5 area, it shows much promise but I am concerned it is at the max book load. I think that is my most stable area judging by the adjacent groups. I have no pressure signs, even at 47.8 gn which is above book max. I have included a picture of my fired cases, other than the ugly firing pin strikes, which I have read is common due to the large Remington firing pin hole in the bolt face, I think they look pretty good.
Results: @ 100yds
Fired Cases: Largest Loads on the left. The black on the primers of the higher loads is from a shapie which I used to indicate the book max +.
I hope to supply this board with as much of my knowledge as possible, your help and suggestions would be much appreciated. This powder seems promising and I hope to get some velocity readings this week. When I cleaned the rifle this morning it was quick and easy, maybe the reduced copper fouling claims have some merit too. I have learned much from this community and hope to be able to give some back as well. Thank you all.
Case - Winchester
Powder - Hodgdon CFE 223 - 45.5gn to 47.8
Primer - CCI Large Rifle
Bullet - SMK 175
COAL - 2.800
Any input of further testing a certain load would be much appreciated. One of my rounds from the 45.5 gn group landed in the 46 gn group, my error compounded by a large wind gust, hence the 4th round in that group. I am more concerned with the 47.5 area, it shows much promise but I am concerned it is at the max book load. I think that is my most stable area judging by the adjacent groups. I have no pressure signs, even at 47.8 gn which is above book max. I have included a picture of my fired cases, other than the ugly firing pin strikes, which I have read is common due to the large Remington firing pin hole in the bolt face, I think they look pretty good.
Results: @ 100yds
Fired Cases: Largest Loads on the left. The black on the primers of the higher loads is from a shapie which I used to indicate the book max +.
I hope to supply this board with as much of my knowledge as possible, your help and suggestions would be much appreciated. This powder seems promising and I hope to get some velocity readings this week. When I cleaned the rifle this morning it was quick and easy, maybe the reduced copper fouling claims have some merit too. I have learned much from this community and hope to be able to give some back as well. Thank you all.
