Reloading: What is overkill?

[mikeyb]

First off I pick a projectile that I want to use, typically for hunting. I then pick a powder that will be suitable and hopefully have it in stock. I then do a ladder test to find the velocity node that I can live and look for a possible accuracy node

Then a do a few 3 shot groups at 100m with different charge weights around where I found my accuracy node. I usually stop here as I've either found a good load with a low sd/es OR I find something I don't like and it's back to the drawing board. Sometimes I mess with seating depth but a lot of my rifles it's just mag length.

I've found this to be a good recipe for success and takes the most minimal amount of components. Can usually fi d a good load in 25-35 rounds then I'll load up a bigger volume of them and prove them at distance.

Once I find a load I like a new component comes out that I have to try or i get bored with it and its back to the drawing board to rinse and repeat.

I do pretty much exactly this for all of my hunting rifles. The only time I get a bit nutso is loading my .223 for accuracy or loading a Weatherby, where I will compare book COAL to mag box COAL and see what does best (starting from book starting loads). That keeps it fun and "not a chore". Focus on the fundamentals and find something I'd be happy to hunt with, then spend the rest of the time practicing instead of chasing single digit SDs and ragged one hole groups. I like those, but reserve that effort for only one of my guns.

 

[Eagleye]

I have been at this reloading game for over 56 years, and how many steps I go through in my
reloading is dependent on the end use. For example, my 1000 yard ammo get more attention to
detail when I load it than does my hunting ammo.

For "plinking" ammo, even less steps. The nice thing about experimenting with different components/
procedures, is that occasionally you will find something that really works well.

I keep notes and when I find one of those "great" loads, I star it and make a few comments for
future reference. E.G. I have a 270 Winchester load with the 140 Accubond that has been exceptional
in 4 different 270 rifles I have tried it in. It's a great hobby, as long as one is careful. Dave.