In a target shooting environment, if I figure out which hand load works best for my rifle at say 100 yards, then when I go out to 600 or 900 yards, do I need to work up a different load? I would still be supersonic out to about 1400 yards. Assume I am using the heaviest bullet I would want to use (in my case a Berger 6mm 105 grain VLD), with the a fairly high ballistic coefficient. I think I should be fine, but it got me thinking about wind effects and I wasn't sure if other loads might be better off. Testing that would be another matter. Has anyone tried this out?
Different Hand Loads for Different Distances for Target Shooting
- Thread starter MikeinCalgary
- Start date
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
There are many who believe tuning at 100yds is indicative of LR performance.
I am not one of them. A good shooting LR load will shoot well at SR.
A good SR load may not shoot well at LR.
This is my experience
YMMV.
Jerry
I am not one of them. A good shooting LR load will shoot well at SR.
A good SR load may not shoot well at LR.
This is my experience
YMMV.
Jerry
I have 6BR with 105gr Berger Hybrid Target and I use the same load from 100 to 1000 yards. When you put the data in the ballistic chart, you will know the MOA drop in every 100 yards.
Also it depends on your twist rate on the barrel. (Slow twist or fast twist).
Also it depends on your twist rate on the barrel. (Slow twist or fast twist).
Thanks Jerry .. I was worried about that. I got those 105 gr hybrids from you two weeks ago so I was going to redo this anyway, I'll wait til I can get out on a longer range to get it done. My older VLD bullets are great (got it down to 0.25 MOA) and I'm hoping the hybrids are even better, especially at longer ranges.
Thanks for yor response. Were you using the 105 VLD before? I just got the hybrids and haven't tried them yet. They should fly better I think.
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
There is only 1 way to find out.
Good luck and enjoy the shooting. Don't be afraid to tune in 0.1gr increments around your best node at LR.
It will show up on paper.
Jerry
Good luck and enjoy the shooting. Don't be afraid to tune in 0.1gr increments around your best node at LR.
It will show up on paper.
Jerry
No, I haven't tried VLD before. I researched and I found that the Hybrid is better for my target rifle. It shoots a bit flatter and more forgiving when you jam it.
If it's accurate at 100 yards and your velocity is consistent, it will be a good load as far as the bullet will stay supersonic. I don't believe for a second that a .25" load at 100 yards will somehow become a 3 inch load at 200 yards with no wind.
What the 100 yard test does not indicate however is the effect of fluctuations in velocity that will crush you at long range, and it does not reflect the effect of BC at long range. It's for this reason really that the inexperienced hand loader/long range shooter would not trust his 100 yard test for long range.
On the other hand, let's assume that you have a decent long range bullet (like the Berger 105), and you're not doing something out of left field, like testing RedDot or 50 BMG powder for the first time in your 6BR, your 100 yard test data is probably a good benchmark, just keep an eye on your velocity spreads. (you need single digit SDs)
Either way, to shoot the rifle at long range, sooner or later you'll need to establish your long range zeros, so you're trapped. You have to test the load at long range one day anyway... right? So we're back to square one.
What the 100 yard test does not indicate however is the effect of fluctuations in velocity that will crush you at long range, and it does not reflect the effect of BC at long range. It's for this reason really that the inexperienced hand loader/long range shooter would not trust his 100 yard test for long range.
On the other hand, let's assume that you have a decent long range bullet (like the Berger 105), and you're not doing something out of left field, like testing RedDot or 50 BMG powder for the first time in your 6BR, your 100 yard test data is probably a good benchmark, just keep an eye on your velocity spreads. (you need single digit SDs)
Either way, to shoot the rifle at long range, sooner or later you'll need to establish your long range zeros, so you're trapped. You have to test the load at long range one day anyway... right? So we're back to square one.
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In my experience with 180g .284 VLDs extreme accuracy at 500m plus does NOT mean accuracy at 100m.
1/4 MOA at 500m on a good day. Same load at 100m is over 1.
I've had very accurate loads with 69gr .223 that shot the same at 500m and 100m. Well under 1/4 MOA at 100m and 3/4 or better at 500m (wich is great in a factory bbl with little pills)
You need to try. I have mutiple loads for different distances in different rifles. Trial and error.
1/4 MOA at 500m on a good day. Same load at 100m is over 1.
I've had very accurate loads with 69gr .223 that shot the same at 500m and 100m. Well under 1/4 MOA at 100m and 3/4 or better at 500m (wich is great in a factory bbl with little pills)
You need to try. I have mutiple loads for different distances in different rifles. Trial and error.
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
Thanks for the chuckle.
But by all means, set up the rifle the way you feel most comfy.
See you on the line...They suggest the targets are at 900m or a bit further at 1000yds... Maybe they got that wrong.
Jerry
