How to find the "best"(or better) ammo...

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Saafire

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I poked around and found some comments about this, but not really any how to's.

I am trying to improve my shooting and accuracy, and would like to find out what ammo my 1022 likes to start. Ill work on my 30-06 later once my shooting has improved.

Other then quick statements like... "try many brands...."

what should i be doing? i would like to keep it fairly simple to start but there must be some basic rules or procedures to follow to make the exercise worth while.

so in no particular order here is some of the things i think i should be doing.

-bring out serveral brands of ammo ( i was thinking 4 to start)
-bring alot of targets probably 5x#ofbrands
-bring a log book, write stuff down. (not sure what, but i can always doodle)
-use a bench setup or some type of prop to increase accuracy/repeatability
-pick an appropriate range for ammo (50yrds for .22?)
-season barrel with 10-15 rnds before shooting groups?
-shoot 5 groups or 5rounds to get results(influenced by #of targets)
-mark targets with brand&range record in log book on non-doodles page.
-bring camera and record event to post for entertainment of more serious shooters (OMG! look at what he's doing :nest:)
- bring lunch.... this might take a while.

as to how to interpret my results... am i looking for good groups? or repeatable groups???

i have access to an accurate scale that would be good for comparing bullet weights, is it worth my time to sort ammo by weight for repeatability? or do i just ignore flyers?

:confused:help please:confused:
 
I test at 50yds, using 5 round groups and shoot 2 groups with each brand/type of ammo. Use a solid rest to take you out of the equation and try to be as consistent as possible with how you hold the gun to avoid influencing the results. I shoot one group with my current best ammo to season the barrel and warm it up a bit to avoid cold bore issues. I don't keep a log book, but I probably should and I mark the details on each target with a range and date to keep it all straight.

Mark
 
season barrel with 10-15 rnds before shooting groups?
Click to expand...

"Foul" or season the barrel with the type of ammunition you're about to test, of course....:)....I like to pass the Boresnake through once or twice before beginning the "seasoning", just because....;)
 
Yes, that would be the Full Monty of .22 ammo research you'll be doing. I did that for a number of my rifles and there were BIG differences in accuracy with ammo brands.
 
"...not sure what..." Brand of ammo. I'd just write it on the target.
"...good groups? or repeatable groups..." Yes. Your looking for accuracy and reliable cycling with a 10/22. 50 yards would be nice, 100 better, 25 will do. 5 rounds will suffice(part boxes can be used later for playing or another rifle/pistol). All off a solid bench rest. Sands bags will do nicely for that.
Go here, download and print one of the multiple targets on one page. You really just need an aiming point. http://www.reloadbench.com/pdf.html
 
groups

Generally, what I do is write the ammo to be used beside a row across my target, then I shoot that ammo on that row. Keeps me from forgetting which ammo is which. I like to shoot at least 5 groups of 5 to get a real good test. If you feel so inclined, you can pull a patch through between each type. I used to, but don't anymore, I find that usually after about 10 or so shots it is seasoned to that ammo anyway. I never measure the first group from any ammo, as the previous ammo will affect the next one. When I find an ammo that shoots well, I will shoot it later in testing to make sure that the rifle I am shooting indeed does like that ammo, or that it was just a fluke the first time. I always have a patchworm that I pull before shooting any rifle, just to make sure there are no obstructions before I start. Ammo testing can sometimes be a time consuming thing, the ammo I start with is always American Eagle hollow points, that for me seems to be the most consistant ammo in many different barrels and rifles. Good luck in your testing, and remember, the more you shoot the better you get. Later.
 
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