Shot my first hand loads today.

[MrMike]

.308 SPS Tact. 20" barrel 1:12 twist
rem brass
CCI 200LR primers
IMR 3031 (for now, it was available)
Sierra 168 gr HPBT
2.800 OAL in a 2.980 COAL

I worked up a load using an OCW method. The particular method I chose started loads at 10% below max working up 1% at a time until max is reached. The minimum load I started with proved the best group (pic included). The groups were fired using a "round robin" sequence, so no single target was fired twice in a row. I also fired from a vise type rest to take the as much of the human error out as possible. Velocities are not know as I dont have a crono. I started showing pressure signs(very slightly bulged case) at 40.6 gr, 41gr being sierra's recommended max. Though the case was slightly buldged it extracted just fine, if I hadnt been inspecting each case carefully I wouldn't have noticed.

Now because my lowest load was the best group I am going to load up 1 and 2% below that and 1% above to confirm that it is the most accurate load.

Best load was 39.3 gr

Thoughts? suggestions?

Target shot at 100 yards

 

[splean]

Re: Shot my first hand loads today.

Seems to me you are on the right track.....

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Re: Shot my first hand loads today.

Hey you missed the middle......LOL.
You done did good. Now try 5 & 10 shot groups to see what happens when the bbl warms up.
What was the outside temps when you shot?
Thanks for your service!
Respectfully,
LG

 

[MrMike]

Re: Shot my first hand loads today.

out side temps were in the mid 50s. Next weekend I'll adjust zero and I want to give the SH practical target a try and see how I fair

 

[Belisarius]

Re: Shot my first hand loads today.

Great shooting! You got yourself a nice combo there! Love the out of the box rifles, that CAN SHOOT!

 

[MrMike]

Re: Shot my first hand loads today.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Belisarius</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Great shooting! You got yourself a nice combo there! Love the out of the box rifles, that CAN SHOOT! </div></div>

No kidding! I was thinking of bedding the action and the scope base but I dont think it would make a difference... less work = more play!

 

[3rd eye blind]

Re: Shot my first hand loads today.

Welcome to the wonderful world of reloading! You are off to a great start. Just wait until you load for 30-40 calibers and have 20-30 different type of powder, bullets, etc. hehehe.

 

[MrMike]

Re: Shot my first hand loads today.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 3rd eye blind</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Welcome to the wonderful world of reloading! You are off to a great start. Just wait until you load for 30-40 calibers and have 20-30 different type of powder, bullets, etc. hehehe. </div></div>

I know its like crack.... I was thinking of casting my own lead for my .45 too. oh where does it end?

Isnt life GREAT!