My first handload batch tested today

Crash2k

Crash2k

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Hi guys,

I tested my first handload batch today and would like to have your input. This was fired in my Stevens 200 .243 Win and all group were 5 group shot. Today it was a nice day (around 0 celcius) at the range just a bit of wind.

Here is the load information:
Caliber: .243 Win.
COL: 2.650"
Brass: Winchester
Primer: CCI BR2
Powder: Varget
Bullet: 6mm Nosler Balistic Tip 80 grains

Load from left to right: 36 grains / 36.5 grains / 37 grains


What do you guys think, what next should I try?

First-Handload.jpg




Thanks again for your input!

Dave
 
If I was coaching a recruit on the range, #3 would probably have me telling him not to jerk the trigger.

If that was the case - trigger finger problems - and you corrected for that, Group #3 would fit under that dime. Which makes it a pretty good place to start, from my way of thinking.

I'd work on minor variations on 37 gr and the OAL.

My two cents.
 
Elevation wise your 37.0 gr group is the best. I would say the horizontal spread could be due to wind rather than poor trigger control.
 
maynard said:
Elevation wise your 37.0 gr group is the best. I would say the horizontal spread could be due to wind rather than poor trigger control.
Click to expand...

Not saying you are wrong, but the OP described the wind as, "just a bit," which lead me to the other logical possibility. In either case, wind or trigger control, would you agree that that's the best place to start from?
 
I can pretty much guarantee you that with a little more load development, that gun will shoot 1.0 MOA or slightly less. Do you have the original factory trigger in it ??? If you do, for just over $100, you can buy a Timiney target trigger that WILL make a difference. You can install it yourself in about 1/2 an hour. If you set it up as per the included instructions, it'll be around a 1 lb pull or a little less with almost no creep. You'll learn to keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot REALLY fast :D I can only speak for my 200 in 300 win mag, but it's a Savage 110 action that says Stevens on it.
 
Did you try any other loads? The Nosler manual has the max charge of Varget for that bullet at 40 grains. If you were not getting any signs of pressure I would start again from the 36.5 load and continue working up. But around 37 could be the one.

How long did you leave between shots. You seem to have 3 pretty close together a couple of times. Have you bedded your stevens?

Thats a nice trigger you have there btw. :)
 
Hi Warrenb,

that's the only loads I tried and my Stevens is not bedded yet. I was looking to bed it sometimes, but it's a future project maybe for this summer.

I didn't really waited between shots, but waited around 10 minutes between groups.
How long should I be waiting ?

Thanks again!


warrenb said:
Did you try any other loads? The Nosler manual has the max charge of Varget for that bullet at 40 grains. If you were not getting any signs of pressure I would start again from the 36.5 load and continue working up. But around 37 could be the one.

How long did you leave between shots. You seem to have 3 pretty close together a couple of times. Have you bedded your stevens?

Thats a nice trigger you have there btw. :)
Click to expand...
 
ATOM, I agree it could be trigger control or wind. Many people don't consider wind to be a big factor at 100 yards but a little gust and a little let off you will get a bigger horizontal spread than you think.

Crash2K, Bedding isn't a huge job and there is a good chance it could reduce your groups by 1/2. I would wait at least 1 minute between shots.
 
I would try some 95 gr Nosler Balisitic tips ,IMR 4350 or 4831 and you might just put all those under a dime . My stevens will , worth a try
 
I would try starting again at 36.5 and work to MAX in .2 gr ingroment looking for a sweet spot.fire all shoots at the same aiming spot and record the points of impact on a target you have on the bench .when you have found a good charge weight you can then play with oal for the cartridge.which should tighten up your group.
 
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