New to reloading looking for some help

[GcG166]

I recently started reloading and am reloading for my .223, just started to develop a load and did some testing with different charges of cfe223. I got sub moa with three or four of these loads with one putting 4 of the 5 rounds in one hole. I still have more work to do with the charge weight. My question it about testing the best overall length, should I do that before working out the charge any more? And when I find the best distance off the lands wold this distance work for other loads with different projectiles for this rifle? This is my first time with load development so any advice would be appreciated

 

[Magmalis]

If you are getting sub moa with very little load development and haven't played with seating depth then you are doin very good already and I always start with charge weight before seating depth. I usually try to load on the lands and work back from there to find the best load length but that is not what everyone does.

I suggest taking the same load and shooting it at 2,3 and 400 yards if it is possible and see what happens to the group from there.

If you start to get horizontal stringing that is a sign that you need to play with seating depth. Each new bullet will possibly need different seating depths for the best results but you should be able to find a happy place that works for similar weights rounds.

I also found that I need very different powders to accurately shoot different weight bullets from 36gr to 80gr.

 

[Gunneegoogoo]

Have a read of the load development article written by Jerry of Mystic Precision.

Not all will agree with it, but it's a good start.

One thing I would suggest right off the top is to use CBTO (case base to ogive) length rather than COAL (Combined Over All Length). You can get the hornady tools for this for a low cost. Get the hornady OAL tool while you're at it.

You're doing well already, as said above.

 

[BCRider]

You don't say what the distance was that gave you 4 out of 5 in one hole. But even if it is only at 50 yards out I'd suggest you carefully record the charge weight, bullet type and OAL of the loaded rounds since you appear to have stumbled on at least one primo load recipe.

OAL for one bullet doesn't work for another if the shape is dramatically different. In particular if you are looking to seat the bullets such that they are just off the leade of the rifling. Shape of the ogive counts.

 

[Dogleg]

I start at the lands if the combination will allow that. That way, if playing with COL there's only one direction to go, and that's the safe way.

 

[GcG166]

I'll have to do a little more playing with the charge weight and see if i can get it any better and then start stretching it out a little. All the shooting was done at 100 yards

 

[mbogo3]

Set your OAL first before monkeying with various charges........it will save you both time and money in the long run................Harold

 

[Leatherstocking]

If you seat "to the lands", I think you might want to start with a MINIMUM powder charge and work up. Pressure may increase without the 'running start'.

 

[Gunneegoogoo]

Set your OAL first before monkeying with various charges........it will save you both time and money in the long run................Harold

Pick your starting OAL, then mess with charges, then mess with CBTO seating if you what.

I was advised to go lands -20thou as a rough start.