- Location
- Republic of Alberta
I bought lapua now I'm just trying to get a good load. I'm going to try it right from the barnes manual and see how it goes today.
The best group I ever shot
- Thread starter play.soccer
- Start date
I bought lapua now I'm just trying to get a good load. I'm going to try it right from the barnes manual and see how it goes today.
You need to understand that a rifle that can shoot only 6 inch groups may shoot one random 1/2 inch 3 shot group just by chance alone. One spectacular group proves nothing, and you will have a lifetime of hurt trying to match performance that is just a random event. Testing the actual accuracy potential of any given load takes way more than one three shot group. You MAY be onto something; but it may be very misleading too.
Go in 0.5 gr increments, do 5 rounds each, then when you get a good spread. Go on 0.2 and 0.1 increments, it's how I was able to work out my 1/2 moa 300y load.
Working up loads is very satisfying and annoying. And fairly costly lol.. especially when doing 10 round groups, but when it's done nothing better!
- Location
- Republic of Alberta
Yeah and that's why I'm kicking myself for wrecking that brass. I actually had 2 loads that made good groups in that brass but after I found out the shoulders were bumped back too far I had to start over.
I'm not expecting the most precision out of a 20" pencil barrel hunting rifle but damn I should be able to get .75" at least.
I said "In fact, a single 5 shot group at 100 does not mean that that load will perform at 100 yards. It could be a fluke. 2 fliers could have gone into the group instead of out of it. I am sure the OP has or will re-shoot that load to see if it works."
I was not trying to rain on your parade, but simply explain that a single 5 shot group does not mean much.
Since it is a light barrel (and probably a cheap factory barrel) 5 shots is a reasonable group size. Heat from a 10 shot group would be too much.
Don't use the Barnes book data. You are not shooting their rifle.
Start 1 gr lighter than the last good group, and shoot 5 shot groups in 0.3 gr increments, with lots of cooling time between groups and a slow pace for the groups.
A realistic goal is a load that shoots consistently under 1 minute.
I was not trying to rain on your parade, but simply explain that a single 5 shot group does not mean much.
Since it is a light barrel (and probably a cheap factory barrel) 5 shots is a reasonable group size. Heat from a 10 shot group would be too much.
Don't use the Barnes book data. You are not shooting their rifle.
Start 1 gr lighter than the last good group, and shoot 5 shot groups in 0.3 gr increments, with lots of cooling time between groups and a slow pace for the groups.
A realistic goal is a load that shoots consistently under 1 minute.
- Location
- Republic of Alberta
Well I found a load I'm happy with. Finally. Calipers measured 0.86" approx. Now I'll play with this at 200 300 400. Same powder charge as before 48gr but seated DEEPER than the last times. Ran out of light cause a buddy came shooting but it's a better start now.
