Newb Range Report Numero Tres...

Iggy

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Feb 21, 2010
644
6
Northern California
I'm ranging more now, but it has been almost a month since my last plinking excursion. I was able to go this weekend to do a few things.

First was to re-zero my scope. I purchased a new rail and rings, but the main reason was to try my first hand loads! I had purchased all my reloading equipment and managed to get all the baking essentials (powder, primers, etc). So I made 50 rounds to test out and make sure I don't blow my face off. Here was my recipe:

168 Hornady BTHP
44gr Varget
Winchester 1 fired brass
Winchester Primers (WLR)
COL: 2.800
Case trim: 2.10max
Primer pockets uniformed and trimmed
Ultrasonic cleaning

Out of all the 50, one failed to lock in. I think I failed to push it completely through the resizing die. All the rest went bang and were very reliable.

After sighting the scope in, I played at 100, 200, and 300 yards. There was quite a bit of wind and I don't know how to measure it and translate that to a good dope. Again I'm a super newb, but I had fun!

So how did I do?

100 yards (5 shot):
100y.JPG


200 yards (7 shot):
200y.JPG


300 yards (10 shot):
The first two shots where to get a dope. The bulls eye hit was when the wind died down and there is on shot to the right on the edge of the target. I found out it was really hard to shoot the target with a fixed 10x scope. I think I need something more up to a 15x maybe or a better spotting scope.

300y.JPG
 
Re: Newb Range Report Numero Tres...

Those are Damn good...
Now get a look at your brass to check for any signs of over-pressure or any other "issues"... Not that you'll find any, it's just good to inspect your brass. Especially when you're relatively new to reloading.

I'm pretty new to reloading too but not to shooting. I always had my ammo given to me or just bought factory "Match" ammo in the past. There are some good posts in the reloading section about what to look for.
 
Re: Newb Range Report Numero Tres...

Always good to see that you are still in one piece after the excursion with your firs handloads. LOL. Very nice shooting indeed. It looks to me that you have have the load right there. No need to labor further. Good shooting.
 
Re: Newb Range Report Numero Tres...

I checked the brass and everything looks like it's holding up really well. No signs of over pressure (flat or cratered primers, cracks or stress points).

I am really glad I didn't blow up! I think I'm set with my formula, the only change might be to make the case trim length 2.15max. I'm going to make more this week.
 
Re: Newb Range Report Numero Tres...

Remember, the max trim length is so that you don't have problem with chambering. You don't want to exceed that. I usually trim them to just about 0.003-0.005" above the minimal length.
 
Re: Newb Range Report Numero Tres...

If you are going to be reloading frequently, a case gauge is your friend. they are cheap and make comparing the 150 cases out of the tumbler for minimum/max length and when to trim.

Dillon makes a good one (stainless)
All my newer ones are dillon. LE Wilson also makes excellent gauges, but they are high grade tool steel. Gotta keep them oiled after use or they will rust (ask me how I know)

Midway doesn't carry the dillon, but they do have the LE Wilson. Both work exactly the same.

I just checked and I don't see a .308 in the wilson, but they have a Lyman here:
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=271313

No idea if it is stainless or not.