First hand loading results in, still some questions :)

Tak

Tak

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So,

Last weekend I went and tried shooting my very first hand loads : 25 rounds of 300 WM and about 20 of 30-30 win.

I realy got the chance to appreciate how groupings get tighter and tighter until you find the so called "sweet spot".

I finished up with getting a 1 3/4", 2 holes touching, 3 shots group with the 300WM at 100yds and 2 1/2" 5 shots group with the 30-30 at 50 yds, wich isn't bad for the gun and myself considering the retarded heavy trigger that's on my marlin 336.

I don't use any vise, just shoot from a table with a piece of wood to lean on and can't say I'm an awesome shooter Either.

The thing is, with the 300 WM I realy saw an up and down curve wich put the best results with 71.5 grs of Supreme 780 (max load was 72.5). That's fine, I'll finish up with .2 gr increments with the accubond bullets.

But with the 30-30, the groups just kept getting better and better and the best one was also the last one, wich I thought was my max load : 29.5 gr of IMR 3031 with 160 gr FTX. According to Hodgdon load data center max load for 150 gr is 30.5 and max load for 170 gr is 29.2.

Do you guys think I could go up to 30 grs and see what happens ? I don't have any pressure signs what so ever yet.

Thanks alot

JP
 
If you go to the Hornady site on the left hand side of the home page about 3/4 down you can find their suggested loads for the ftx bullet. There are also suggestions of trim to lengths etc for this bullet. IMR 3031 is not listed. I have loaded the 358 200gr FTX in a 354 when using conventional loads I had pressure signs and poor performance. Once I followed their loads things worked out pretty good. Good luck.
 
Pay attention to the answers, and the handles of those who say "Yeah, sure, go ahead and exceed the manual." Those who blithely tell a new handloader he can exceed max loads from a manual are eligible for the "disregard" file.
 
It might be possible to go higher, but you likely don't have the knowledge to really assess what you are doing, especially as you don't have a chronograph.

Where you are at will likely work fine for hunting. And you need a better rest if you want to relaly test your loads.
 
Gatehouse said:
It might be possible to go higher, but you likely don't have the knowledge to really assess what you are doing, especially as you don't have a chronograph.

Where you are at will likely work fine for hunting. And you need a better rest if you want to relaly test your loads.
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Will keep that in mind ! However I wasn't talking about going way Higher, maybe .2 to .5 higher, by .2 gr increments ?

And yes, I'll get myself a better rest, Im through with fireing with a poor rest :p

Thanks for the advices
 
JP

Not to rain on your parade, but if you haven't got a solid rest to test your handloads, you are really p*ssing in the wind. You can get a solid rest for very little money...a few sandbags under the forrearm and the toe of the stock. This will make your rifle steady and consistent and you will be able to give your loads the fair test that they deserve.

What bullet are you using in the 300? I've had good success with IMR4831, IMR 4350, IMR 7828 and RL22 in the past, depending on the bullet. I'm waiting to try RL25 with heavy match-style bullets for long range.
 
BigUglyMan said:
JP

Not to rain on your parade, but if you haven't got a solid rest to test your handloads, you are really p*ssing in the wind. You can get a solid rest for very little money...a few sandbags under the forrearm and the toe of the stock. This will make your rifle steady and consistent and you will be able to give your loads the fair test that they deserve.

What bullet are you using in the 300? I've had good success with IMR4831, IMR 4350, IMR 7828 and RL22 in the past, depending on the bullet. I'm waiting to try RL25 with heavy match-style bullets for long range.
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Yeah I know, I'll do that, i'm still fairly consistent usually, but I know I won't be able to find the really good one without a proper rest.

I'm using Nosler Btips and Accubonds 180 gr with 71.5 of winchester supreme 780
 
Reloading manuals can vary from manual to manual and its best to look at several before making any decisions. You will also find a given caliber has a "rated" chamber pressure and the factory loaded ammunition is normally loaded well below "rated" chamber pressure for safety.

Also when you are looking at pressure data you have the older CUP (copper units pressure) and the newer PSI transducer method. Therefore 50,000 CUP is approximately equal to 60,000 PSI, so don't get the pressures confused.

Buy a good solid rest for shooting from the bench if you want good results.

When it comes to reloading and near max loads remember this........

Reloading is like playing Black Jack, so stay light and beat the dealer and let the other fools go "bust". ;)
 
LYMAN used to have PICTURES of certain "experiments' in their referance section - things like wrong powder, magnum instead of standard primer, too much powder, that sort of thing- apparently some powders act funny in terms of a pressure SPIKE when you get to certain dosages- in other words, loads 1-5 may be ok, and load 10 may be WAAAY OVER in terms of pressure- that's the reason for the UPPER limit- i've been lucky in terms of over 40 years or reloading and NEVER had a RIFLE OR BRASS that has let me get ANYWHERE NEAR the top loads WITHOUT SHOWING PRESSURE SIGNS- but i ALSO use about 4 manuals and the internet to see if the load is good
 
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