Testing new bullets

[mrdayle]

I have a decent load worked up, but am not getting the bugholes that would have me satisfied. My current load:

Lapua brass(30-06)
55.3 gr of IMR 4350
180 gr sst
cci rifle primers
seated: 3.340
(I have tested different seating depths with no change in accuracy)

I am going to be testing some different bullets. Is it necessary to redo latter testes? OR would it be smart to test a single bullet at lower powder increments up to 55.3 to make sure there are no pressure issues, so I can do the real comparison between bullets at my current load? OR will each bullet have different load preferences, and require latter tests to get the optimum charge.

 

[Slamfire]

I have a decent load worked up, but am not getting the bugholes that would have me satisfied. My current load:

Lapua brass(30-06)
55.3 gr of IMR 4350
180 gr sst
cci rifle primers
seated: 3.340
(I have tested different seating depths with no change in accuracy)

...each bullet have different load preferences, and require latter tests to get the optimum charge.

^^
Quite likely this.

 

[Ganderite]

You are using a hunting bullet. If you are around 1" that is "good enough" for hunting.

If you want bugholes for the pleasure of shooting bug holes, a match bullet would be a good choice. And you would have to start over in load development.

Make sure the rifle has been prepped, with a good bedding job the first step.

 

[franktank]

I have a decent load worked up, but am not getting the bugholes that would have me satisfied. My current load:

Lapua brass(30-06)
55.3 gr of IMR 4350
180 gr sst
cci rifle primers
seated: 3.340
(I have tested different seating depths with no change in accuracy)

I am going to be testing some different bullets. Is it necessary to redo latter testes? OR would it be smart to test a single bullet at lower powder increments up to 55.3 to make sure there are no pressure issues, so I can do the real comparison between bullets at my current load? OR will each bullet have different load preferences, and require latter tests to get the optimum charge.

Find out what is your barrel twist and choose your bullets accordingly. Seat your bullets 0.015-0,020 off the lands. Always do a ladder test if you like the way you look in the mirror. If not then don't and you might get a new look because of bad luck with a hot load. I'm saying that because if you go with barnes bullets they are made of cooper and are longer. So the seating depth will be more which will create more pressure than with a lead core bullet. Food for thought...