Reloading for PRS

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b_w.

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Curios what guys that are competing in PRS matches are using for reloading equipment. Found this article from the Precision Rifle Blog http://precisionrifleblog.com/2015/12/31/reloading-tips-from-top-precision-rifle-shooters/ that I found interesting.

I have never reloaded for for anything other than my AR's so have never been to focused on the utmost precision. I am looking forward to shooting some matches in 2017 so will be dusting off the Dillon 550B and seeing if I can make accurate ammo on it. I will be loading for a Ruger RPR in 308 and am loaded up with 175g SMK's and Varget. Thinking about picking up a RCBS Chargemaster combo and will run the Dillon as a single stage.

I am new to this so looking forward to hearing what locals are using and the processes you are doing. :)
 
I wouldn't try to overthink anything here. PRS is not bench rest or even F class for that matter. Usually the stages are fast paced, sh!tty barricades or props but on generous sized targets. If you can get your rifle anywhere close to 1/ 2 MOA, it's more than accurate enough for these types of matches. The shooter is in all likelihood the weak link here.
Load up some decent ammo and go practice shooting from different positions, then do it under time constraints.
 
X2 to the above!

I was reading an article the in the last couple of days that some real big names in the precision world (I want to say Brian Litz but I could be wrong... or the article could be too) use a progressive press for their ammo.

The 6.5 guys have a good article on using a progressive press for precision loading and they say it works. If I remember correctly they used the progressive for everything except they weighed the powder seperately and charged the cases on their own (empty station maybe?).

I will say this though, HOLY BALLS are those SMKs expensive. I would highly recommend 178gr Hornady Amax (they are discontinued so buy lots) or the 178gr Hornady BTHP. Both shoot great out of my AX and TRG and are much cheaper. I have 1,600 BTHPs coming my way and I got them for just under $0.41 per. They have a better BC as well.
 
I think if you're looking into PRS specific loading for 308 I would take a look at some of the 155 class bullets. Most of the points are made up in the 300-600m ranges. The extra velocity and reduced recoil of the 155's may very well pay off.
 
Be aware that the Tactical Division will have limits on bullet weights and velocity for 2017.

Tactical Division: Intended to allow competitors the opportunity to compete using traditional military and law enforcement caliber. This promotes Active Duty military and law enforcement competitors use of their Service and Department issued rifles.

5.56 NATO/223: Bullet weight cannot exceed 77 grains and muzzle velocity cannot exceed 3,000 fps.
7.62 NATO/.308 Winchester: Bullet weight cannot exceed 178 grains and muzzle velocity cannot exceed 2,800 fps.

https://www.precisionrifleseries.com/rules-and-scoring.html
 
First off I am saying this from expirience not what I read or heard on some forum or YouTube. I personally know quite a few PRS competitors that use progressive such as the Dillon, biggest reason being is the amount they shoot in a season usually 5000 plus rounds so time is money and time is better spent in the practice pen. Some not all will load match ammo on a single stage and come with the best they have and why not as they are going to showcase their best so why not bring your best. In the practice pen 1/2 MOA is way plenty, even at a match as well, but if you are gonna put the time into precision loads do exactally that get the most of your time by making precision loads, most good rifles now can shoot factory ammo at 1/2 MOA or less...0.2-0.3" accuracy with a 308 in this game does pay off, as well does running heavier bullets like the 175 gr, might run a little slower depending on your system an load but they really shine at distance, true a lot of the distances in PRS are the 600-900 yard range but don't fall for just being average and rack up your points in those ranges, stretch your legs and pick up some points at distance where most won't hit or can't for that matter, those 5-10% of targets past the 900 range are easy points to slowly move you up on the score board, yes even with a 308, 10 extra points like that make a huge difference especially on the 308 end where every little bit counts. Your bullet powder combo is perfect pick one bullet and get to know it and know it well, proof your dope at various temperatures, if you run a ballistic calculator true it up on your hard dope, adjust the speed and BC as needed, just because the calculators says something it doesn't always bode true...proof it this pays off. And as always practice your wind reading skills, especially with the 308 as the margin for error is so small, wind reading is a parishable skill so you need to practice it just knowing how won't cut it and the 308 will show you that, before a PRS match don't limit yourself to the PRS game go shoot some F class for a day or two and trust me it will help shrink the spread of a 1/2 MOA rifle or load just on wind calls alone. You are on the right track with your set up and idea. One more thing if ever you can get to the USA to shoot a precision rifle match do it, you won't be sorry you did, you will be humbled I can assure you of this but you will make some great friends and contacts as well as you will come back a better shooter with a better respect of the sport and realize Internet forums YouTube and keyboard commandos cannot and will not give you what real life expirience can.
 
Ryan.M.Anderson said:
X2 to the above!

I was reading an article the in the last couple of days that some real big names in the precision world (I want to say Brian Litz but I could be wrong... or the article could be too) use a progressive press for their ammo.

The 6.5 guys have a good article on using a progressive press for precision loading and they say it works. If I remember correctly they used the progressive for everything except they weighed the powder seperately and charged the cases on their own (empty station maybe?).

I will say this though, HOLY BALLS are those SMKs expensive. I would highly recommend 178gr Hornady Amax (they are discontinued so buy lots) or the 178gr Hornady BTHP. Both shoot great out of my AX and TRG and are much cheaper. I have 1,600 BTHPs coming my way and I got them for just under $0.41 per. They have a better BC as well.
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Depends where you buy them. They vary in price a lot, but yes have gotten a lot more expensive.

I've shot the SMK's, Amax, BTHP, VLD's, etc. All good bullets but now starting to differ in price by quite a bit. The bergers were the best for uniformity from my findings. SMK>Hornady, etc. All represented by price though.

Progressive you could easily dump powder in a empty stage. I'd suggest not using a standard powder drop. I reserve that to handguns loads and 3G ammunition where a little variance isn't that big of a deal. (my 3G AR loads are actually pretty damn accurate for the cost).
 
b_w. said:
Curios what guys that are competing in PRS matches are using for reloading equipment. Found this article from the Precision Rifle Blog http://precisionrifleblog.com/2015/12/31/reloading-tips-from-top-precision-rifle-shooters/ that I found interesting.

I have never reloaded for for anything other than my AR's so have never been to focused on the utmost precision. I am looking forward to shooting some matches in 2017 so will be dusting off the Dillon 550B and seeing if I can make accurate ammo on it. I will be loading for a Ruger RPR in 308 and am loaded up with 175g SMK's and Varget. Thinking about picking up a RCBS Chargemaster combo and will run the Dillon as a single stage.

I am new to this so looking forward to hearing what locals are using and the processes you are doing. :)
Click to expand...

The various case prep steps you need to make precision ammo don't really work well on a progressive. You can certainly use one but it really becomes a clunky single stage.

I use a single stage press to make my match ammo and will also use this process to make my LR practise ammo. I have mechanised and sped up all my manual operations and I find it easier to do each step in batches. Besides, there are several case prep steps you may need to do and not easily done on a progressive.

My SR practise ammo is made on a combo of single stage for case sizing and progressive for everything else. Using a ball powder so powder charges are very tight. Wouldn't bother doing this with an extruded powder.

I have made the investment in an auto trickler to go with my FX 120i... it is an investment but can drop a charge almost as fast as it takes me a put a bullet in a charged case. Fast and precise. Will really help to control vertical at distance and ammo that has little vertical is far easier to drive.

YMMV.

Jerry
 
Ryan.M.Anderson said:
I always thought they were but it looks like only certain AMAX lines were cancelled and being replaced with the new ELD-X and ELD-M.

The BTHPs are cheaper and have a better BC anyways.
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FYI, the Amax line is getting phased out for new options in the ELDM and -X line up. Yes, the 178gr Amax is no more.... the ELDM replaces it.

Hrn is making a big push and offering a number of new options in pretty much all target shooting cals. My guess, the bullet itself will be similar to the Amax just with a new tip and price.

Prices continue to be a big step down from Berger and Sierra. if they shoot in your barrel, they can be a great value product. I shoot alot of Hrns each year in practise and will shoot even more next year.

Jerry
 
Decided to bite the bullet and order a Co-Ax press, A&D 120i scale, annelaer and auto trickler. Looking forward to shooting some matches next year. Might still try some loads on the Dillon just to see how well it does. I might also look into some 155g's...might be beneficial for a fast and flatter trajectory.
 
b_w. said:
Thinking about picking up a RCBS Chargemaster combo and will run the Dillon as a single stage.
:)
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The chargemaster is incapable of producing accurate ammunition. In the end you'll find its simply an overly elaborate mechanism to feed powder to a cheap single digit scale that is no more accurate than about .4 grains.

The poor accuracy of the scale will cause load variations that cause muzzle velocity variations that cause vertical dispersion at long range. Out to about 300 yards, the single digit scales are fine, but by 400-500 yards, the verticals start to cost you, and it gets worse from there.

For the cost of the chargemaster, youd be better of getting a set of powder scoop spoons and a 2 digit or even a cheap 3 digit scale.

Your loads will be more accurate and you'll actually get the long range accuracy you are looking for.

All the best shooters I know are using 3 digit scales and would not consider anything less. It's a whole new game once you have one.

I use Vibra 0.0001g myself... fwiw.

Here's a link.

http://vibracanada.com/
 
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BadAsMo said:
Geezuzzz don't do it!!!!

The chargemaster is a gimmick product that is incapable of producing accurate ammunition. In the end you'll find its simply an overly elaborate mechanism to feed powder to a cheap single digit scale that is no more accurate than about .4 grains.

The poor accuracy of the scale will cause load variations that cause muzzle velocity variations that cause vertical dispersion at long range. Out to about 300 yards, the single digit scales are fine, but by 400-500 yards, the verticals start to cost you, and it gets worse from there.

For the cost of the chargemaster, youd be better of getting a set of powder scoop spoons and a 2 digit or even a cheap 3 digit scale.

Your loads will be more accurate and you'll actually get the long range accuracy you are looking for.

All the best shooters I know are using 3 digit scales and would not consider anything less. It's a whole new game once you have one.

I use Vibra 0.0001g myself... fwiw.

Here's a link.

http://vibracanada.com/
Click to expand...

Whoa man, did a chargemaster kill your family or something? It isn't that bad and some top PRS shooters use them (or multiple at the same time).

Lots of videos on Youtube show they are not crazy far off like you claim.
 
BadAsMo said:
Geezuzzz don't do it!!!!

The chargemaster is a gimmick product that is incapable of producing accurate ammunition. In the end you'll find its simply an overly elaborate mechanism to feed powder to a cheap single digit scale that is no more accurate than about .4 grains.

The poor accuracy of the scale will cause load variations that cause muzzle velocity variations that cause vertical dispersion at long range. Out to about 300 yards, the single digit scales are fine, but by 400-500 yards, the verticals start to cost you, and it gets worse from there.

For the cost of the chargemaster, youd be better of getting a set of powder scoop spoons and a 2 digit or even a cheap 3 digit scale.

Your loads will be more accurate and you'll actually get the long range accuracy you are looking for.

All the best shooters I know are using 3 digit scales and would not consider anything less. It's a whole new game once you have one.

I use Vibra 0.0001g myself... fwiw.

Here's a link.

http://vibracanada.com/
Click to expand...

That is not at all my experience with my Chargemaster.

GGG
 
BadAsMo said:
Geezuzzz don't do it!!!!

The chargemaster is a gimmick product that is incapable of producing accurate ammunition. In the end you'll find its simply an overly elaborate mechanism to feed powder to a cheap single digit scale that is no more accurate than about .4 grains.

The poor accuracy of the scale will cause load variations that cause muzzle velocity variations that cause vertical dispersion at long range. Out to about 300 yards, the single digit scales are fine, but by 400-500 yards, the verticals start to cost you, and it gets worse from there.

For the cost of the chargemaster, youd be better of getting a set of powder scoop spoons and a 2 digit or even a cheap 3 digit scale.

Your loads will be more accurate and you'll actually get the long range accuracy you are looking for.

All the best shooters I know are using 3 digit scales and would not consider anything less. It's a whole new game once you have one.

I use Vibra 0.0001g myself... fwiw.

Here's a link.

http://vibracanada.com/
Click to expand...

Cough-cough! Wait, wut?!

I guess all of my hits at distances beyond 300m are all flukes from my chargemaster reloads.

Wuff!
 
BadAsMo said:
Geezuzzz don't do it!!!!

The chargemaster is a gimmick product that is incapable of producing accurate ammunition. In the end you'll find its simply an overly elaborate mechanism to feed powder to a cheap single digit scale that is no more accurate than about .4 grains.

The poor accuracy of the scale will cause load variations that cause muzzle velocity variations that cause vertical dispersion at long range. Out to about 300 yards, the single digit scales are fine, but by 400-500 yards, the verticals start to cost you, and it gets worse from there.

For the cost of the chargemaster, youd be better of getting a set of powder scoop spoons and a 2 digit or even a cheap 3 digit scale.

Your loads will be more accurate and you'll actually get the long range accuracy you are looking for.

All the best shooters I know are using 3 digit scales and would not consider anything less. It's a whole new game once you have one.

I use Vibra 0.0001g myself... fwiw.

Here's a link.

http://vibracanada.com/
Click to expand...

I agree with this.

My Chargemaster is really nothing more that an automated powder thrower. I weigh again on a GemPro (These are junk btw but thats a subject for another thread).
When you have a higher resolution scale you realize how inconsistent the Chargemaster is (even after tuning).
It is more tedious, but I'd rather manually throw charges then fine tune on an RCBS 10-10 than trust my Chargemaster.
 
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