Groups - Reloads vs Factory, Expert opinions please!

[triplepete]

So I tried a variety of hands loads to see what performance I could achieve and here are my results. 30.06, Browning X-bolt Hunter on Cadwell Led Sled. Groups 1 - 9, top left to bottom right.
All loads with 46.5 grains of IMR 4895. OAL the same. 100 yards all point of aim on center of each cross. 5 shots per group.

My question is why are the heavier factory loads hitting 2 inches higher than the hand loads? I do not own a chrono so I dunno my velocity. As it is, I am happy with the scope sight-in for the factory loads for hunting. Are my loads dropping too soon? Need more powder? Different powder? Thoughts?


1. 150gr Hornady SST, neck size only, no crimp.
2. 150gr Hornady SST, neck size only, crimped. (Ignore group because I adjusted scope)
3. 150gr Hornady Interlok, neck sized, no crimp.
4. 150gr Hornady, Interlok, neck size, crimped.
5. 150gr SST, full length resize, no crimp.
6. 150gr Interlok, full length resize, no crimp. (Sweet group!)
7. 150gr SST, full length resize, crimped.
8. 150gr Interlok, full length resize, no crimp.
9. 165gr Federal with Nosler partition heads - FACTORY loads.

 

[maynard]

You are at the starting load so velocities might be a little on the slow side compared to factory loads. All of you bullets are 150 gr except for the factory 165 gr. Barrel harmonics/velocity/bullet weight all come into play. Even a different primer can make a difference.

 

[Cleftwynd]

However so far it looks as if interlocks work well from your rifle, no vertical stringing suggests the horizontal was more than likely wind.

If I was you I would start working up loads with the interlocks.

 

[barsik]

usually loads which have heavier bullets have a longer "barrel time" due to their lower velocity. which means that when the rifle starts to recoil before the bullet leaves the barrel, the muzzle is starting to flip and will be at a greater elevation when the heavier bullet leaves the barrel verses a lighter bullet because the lighter,faster bullet leaves sooner. keep in mind this is all in very tiny fractions of an inch, but at longer ranges it makes a difference. you can also change your point of impact simply by changing the hold on your firearm. a tight grip will shoot to a lower point of impact than a loose grip. there may be more to this than I am aware of,so if someone out there can correct me please educate me,I would be grateful.