Load development for those on a budget.

Ryan500

Ryan500

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
55   0   0
Location
Calgary
I know, I know, loading and rifles and a budget don't go together. However I beleive there are lots of people who load to save some bucks plus get a nice accurate round going. My question is what are your suggestions for load development when a guy only buys 300-400 bullets and a few pounds of powder at once.

My last batch was 300 bullets (150 gr Hot-Cors) and 3031 with WLR primers. I loaded up some rounds and found a good load was 43gr 3031 OAL 2.900" for my 7.62x54r. It was my first time reloading so it took about 100 rounds to find what I liked. Maybe thats the problem.

Now I have bought 400 150gr PRVI FMJ bullets (since the length of those hot-cors was all over the place i fugure FMJ would be better), the same primers and the same powder. How should I go about developing a load? The normal ladder way? Is it just me that uses that many rounds to develop a load? Any advice for me?

Ryan
 
I take about 50 shots to work out a basic load, FWIW. As for lengths all over the place, were you measuring ogives or points? Even Sierra Match Kings are all over the place for length at the points.

Probably depends on the level of accuracy you are trying to achieve, on how long you want to tweak the load.
 
Start by binning your brass and bullets by weight. Knowing that part of the equation is constant give you one less variable to account for.
 
Use a ladder test to sort out the accuracy load levels and max pressures. You should be able to identify the accuracy nodes and max pressure in 30 rounds or less, then maybe another 15-20 rounds to fine tune the accuracy points and you are good to go.

Edit - I see Drawblood beat me to it while I was typing. Jerry's method works well with minimal rounds fired.

Mark
 
Well - You're missing out on the biggest tuning variable - bullet weight. If you intend to stick to 150 grainers, then you should try another powder. In my experience good bullet/powder combinations show promise right out of the gate. Changing the powder charge and OAL are fine tuning.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom