When do you "settle" on a load?

agreed. I don't think i've ever gone to the range without multiple loads to try. I think part of the fun is load development. I'm always trying new powders, new bullets, playing with the COAL just to see how things change.

Kachok said:

I think I am OCD or something because I cannot go to the range without a few batches of experimental loads for each of my rifles that I have to try even if I have a load that shoots one ragged hole already,

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Well, taking your "experimental" loads to the range, how often have you found a better load for a rifle "that shoots one ragged hole already"?

I don't play around much if at all once I have "the" load for a given rifle, bullet, powder, case and primer combination. My approach is ...

1. Find the desired velocity range
2. Use the OCW method to find "the" load within the desired velocity range
3. Shoot the load under different conditions to validate the load
4. Perfect the load by optimizing the bullets (sorting) and cases (sizing, annealing, primer pockets, necks etc)

Kachok said:

That is just it, you don't.

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So why do it?

Since I record all my load results, continued work ups provides me with multiple loads that produce the same tight groups, this in turn gives me some choices regarding components. Who wouldn't like to have more than one excellent load to choose from?

GS

Who wouldn't like to have more than one excellent load to choose from?

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That's a fact.
If I have one load that shoots excellent in a given rifle, and I feel like playing around with that rifle load again, (who doesn't, we get board), I try to make another load with a different recipe that shoots to the same POA-POI as the first one.
I never change my scope once it's set for my perfect load.

Try that, it will keep you busy for a while.

If I was willing to settle I would use factory ammo. I do have a go to standard load for most of my guns, I am always trying different componets if for no other reason the to see what happens.

I love to take a rifle that a group that measures X inches with factory ammo and try to make it shoot groups a good smaller than X inches. When I find the smallest group at a decent speed, I'm happy and generally settle on that load for a long time....I worked up a load for a pet hunting rifle 20 years ago and am still using it. I haven't ever tried anything else.

I will develop a load on the bench and then go shoot it in a highpower match. Ninety nine percent of the time the load shoots well in competition, if I shoot well in competition. That is the kicker, there have been the 1% where I shot poorly, and I have no idea if it was the load or not because I did not shoot that load again.

It was probably me when I think about it.

With success you build confidence in your loads.

There are days when I can put them all in one hole, and there are days where I would be doing better with a 12 GA and buckshot.

The human factor is the greatest source of errors in the system.

I have a couple 'pet' loads for different guns, and the only time I 'retest' or adjust is when I start a new lot of the same powder...

Why?

Simple, because you can! If you couldn't, none of us would.

Hello . My name is Dave and I am a reload-aholic. I cant stop at just one ....

10 Spot

When it does what I want it to do. Repetitively. With multiple users, so I know its not me.

There are enough new bullet types and guns, that asking for more than 1/2" for rifle, and 1" for pistol for me is really wasting bench time. I can't shoot better than that, anyways.

With rifle, its always been more of a "lands" development. The precision mic takes a lot of this work out, and saves a lot of cost. Once I find the magic seating number, it seems to hold across multiple bullet designs fairly well.

With pistol, its more of a bullet type and charge combo than anything. I like to find one FMJ, one or two HP, one plated, and one or two Cast Lead.

Wash, rinse , repeat.

The human factor is the greatest source of errors in the system.

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True nuff, as shown above.

It's just natural for people, being people, to keep asking ourselves, "What if...?"

Normally you don't unless your looking at a backup powder/bullet combo.

when I can get a nice close group in the center of the bullseye with the 45/70 at 100yds. using peeps!.

I'm not one to talk, really, but as a sort-of coaching aspect, you probably would appreciate the next step... putting those ragged holes up against other's ragged holes... then at least you might feel like it's for more than OCD. hehee

disclaimer: sorry I just had to throw this in...

PS, I meant to mention that your shooting is awfully respectable to me, Kachok.

I work up a load for each different bullet type I may have a use for. As an example I have a great load in .223 for 50 Gr TTSX as well as an equally great load for a 36 Gr Varmit Grenade. Since these are expensive to plink with I worked up one for a bunch of 55 Gr FMJ pulldowns for the kids to play with.
Face it reloading is addictive I,m always working on a load for something. When I get it all sorted out I'll but a new something to work up a load for. There are far more unhealthy ways to entertain yourself and reloading seldom ends in divorce or prison time.
It can however drive you into the poor house.
Have fun
T

I will continue load development until I am satisfied that things are getting worse on target. Then use the best data and shoot it to make sure it is consistent. Any more than that is wasting resources. Then I shift to one hole in paper/critter mode and make ME more accurate.

when you get your "deer" load set, work one up for coyotes, the next one for hogs (may take a tougher bullet). then work up a light load just for fun.

go to your next weapon and repeat as above.

should stay busy for a while.

murf