Reloading Tests

308 with 180gr Sierra Pro Hunter Round Nose (flat base) and Varget. Working on creating a load for this round using the OCW test at 100yd. I noticed that sometimes my first round would be inches away from the other rounds in the group. This never happened when using 165 game kings, 168 SMKs, 168 MATCH, 175 SMKs, 178 MATCH bullets with H4895 and Varget. After the first test I noticed my suppressor was loose and thought maybe that was the problem. Did another test and made sure it was secure throughout and still had the issue. First test was done prone off bipod and rear bag. Second test was done off bench with bipod and bag. All shot with Magnetospeed V3 attached to the stock so not touching the barrel. Always check the scope base/ring and stock torque specs before and after shooting. Brass, bullets, powder, and primers are…

I do the exact same thing to my brass each reload so I know that wouldn’t be a factor , I trim , shoulder bump, clean and anneal each time. The load stays at a low ES and SD but it started at 2970 FPS and 3 times reloaded it’s now at 3025. I don’t understand why.

I did some final development for my 220 grain hornady eld-x load today. I was playing around with the seating depth and I think I found the sweet spot for my rifle right at 3.425 C.O.A.L. I ran the test with 2 different charges of rl22. One at 65 grains and one at 69 grains to test if the powder charge was really effecting accuracy that much. My initial groups where right at one inch with 69 grains but same hole with 65 grains. After playing with the seating depth I was able to get a ragged hole 5 shot group at 100 yards with one flyer that I knew I pulled using the 69 grain load. No pressure signs on the case. Overall I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, once it warms up a bit I'll take this load out to some distance. Load data: Hornady case with…

Is there a formula to calculate how much powder to add or back off for different bullet weight? Example: I have published load data for powder X with bullet weight X. That’s not for the bullet weight im loading for. My bullet is 50 grains more. So I guess my other more simple question is how much do I add to the published charged weight to get safe starting weights for my bullet?