Need advice from experienced reloaders

Testyboy

Testyboy

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I currently started developing loads for my Savage. 22-250 model 10 predator and used the following components.
Brass - once fired Hornady
Primer - WLR
Powder - H414
Bullet - Hornady 50 Gr. V-max
I started at 37 Gr. And worked my way up to the recommended Max of 40 Gr. In .5 Gr. increments with no signs of excessive pressure and got the following 3 shot groups at 100yds:
Factory Hornady superformance - 1.456
37gr. - 1.393
37.5gr. - 0.857
38 gr. - .244
38.5gr. - 0.936
39 gr. - 1.04
39.5gr. - 1.464
40 gr. - 0.855
So now I was wondering what my next step should be? Should I load up 7 rounds of the top 3 best grouping loads and try them again to get a more consistent idea of what load is best or should I be doing something different? I guess I should mention that I shot off a bench with a bipod and bags under the butt of the rifle.

TIA Chris
 
I would be loading up 3 sets of 5 for each powder weight at this point to give you a decent result.
Start at 38 gr, then move up and down .2 gr

15 @ 37.8
15 @ 38
15 @ 38.2

Test those and see if the 0.244 group is still the best for you, or if it will tighten up a bit. I like shooting 5 of the lowest, then 5 of the mid range, then 5 of the highest powder measure. Clean rifling between each string. then shoot the next set of 5, 5, & 5, and then repeat again. Usually with a couple factory rounds ahead of each string as "barrel warmers" unless you have the patience to wait for a cool barrel before each and every shot.

I've had guys tell me that's overkill for finding a good load, but I'd ratherput some extra time in now and find a true result than rely on a "good day" and a randomly small group. I might even load up 5 each of the 37.5 and 38.5 as well to "prove" to myself they were strectching the groups as the 3 shot groups currently show ... 3 shots isn't what I would call a "lot" of data to go on yet.

As it stand though, I think the 38 gr seems to be a solid load for that gun based on those numbers.
 
I always shoot 5 round groups. 3 rounds is not enough for a single group.
Click to expand...

I either use five shot groups, or multiple three shot groups, to rule out flukes. With three shot groups, flukes do happen more often than you might think.
 
I think 3 rounds was good enough to get a good starting point sitting at a steady bench off a bipod and bags, not all that much chance of human error and no need to let a pile of rounds fly that just aren't going to cut it. Thinking I am going to try IMagius suggestion and take it from there.Thanks for the replies.
 
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