357 work up advice.

[Waterboy3313]

It's been too long since I've been able to go shoot. Over the long time away I have worked on several different new loads and today was the first time I got a chance see what was going to happen.

I loaded 6 different 357 mag target/plinking rounds using RMR 158gr plated round nose flat point bullets with Titegroup. I shot these early this morning with no food or caffeine in my system. I guess it's been so long I didn't follow my usual routine. By the time I was halfway through I was getting shakey, the wind was blowing enough to be annoying and I was shooting off hand standing.

I ran 6 rounds of 4.5-5.0gr each in 0.1 increments at roughly 10 yards. Each target is designated by powder charge. I was using my Ruger GP 100 with a 6" barrel and new grips that I had never used before. Because I was shooting off hand and I wasn't feeling 100% I know I can do better.

I would appreciate your input looking at the picture. Which one looks the best? I know there were a few shots that were off in almost every target because I shaking.
I normally run 3 rounds on each target and then run through 3 more after I run through the whole process. I don't know why I did what I did today but it wasn't my normal process.

 

[Waterboy3313]

I don't know why the picture didn't post in the original post. I think it's been one of those days.

 

[fxvr5]

Here's what you're doing wrong: Never test accuracy when shooting offhand. ALWAYS test accuracy off a bench. And do it past 10 yards. 25 yards is best.

 

[Virginia Jim]

Top middle.

 

[Riomouse911]

Based on your above groups, I agree that you shot your best group at the top middle and lower middle targets.

As was stated above, it may not be the most accurate group your gun will fire because of the variables.

At least got back to the range!. Shooting is a perishable skill, you’ll get your groove back soon .

Stay safe.

 

[Charlie98]

Given your difficulty at the range, I wouldn't make any determination from those groups. While the top center looks the best, that may have been just happenstance rather than the best load if you take out shooter input. Try it again when you are feeling better... you will likely have better results all the way around, and if you can rest the pistol in any way... that's all the better.

 

[mdi]

I normally use 10-12 rounds, from a rest to get an idea of what the load does, removing my marksmanship from the equation as much as possible. When a load is promising, I'll give it more testing from a rest under good conditions (weather, my health, time of day, et.). I make notes in my log if I'm having a "Bad Eye Day", a term for when I'm not shooting well being the reason for the poor accuracy...

But I like reloading and think all the loading and testing is fun...

 

[Riomouse911]

Same here, I shoot at least twice around the cylinder to be sure a load works well no matter which charge hole gets a round.

This target was 30 shots, offhand/two handed 10 yards with 148 gr WC and 3.0 Bullseye out of my Colt 6” heavy barrel .38.



I think the 5 high and 1 low flyers were my fault, but it’s entirely possible one charge hole caused the high ones (5 times around, 5 high shots.... maaaaaybe that’s a culprit?)

A Ransom rest and shooting each charge hole individually would really show if there’s an issue with individual charge holes or a love/hate with a particular load overall... but that’s well beyond most of our budgets.

For the OP, if you can get back and try shooting your load-ladder off a good front rest and another to support the grip it’ll really help you figure out which load combo your GP loves best.

Stay safe.

 

[Ru4real]

Are you shooting single action or double action, off hand? Basically, all the groups (except middle upper) are about the same, so let’s talk about your stance and how you can minimize shaking.

One technique to find your best offhand shooting stance is this - stand in front of and face a mirror. Point empty handgun at mirror and dry fire. Don’t look at the sights, but instead look at the muzzle as you dry fire. Find the stance that produces the least muzzle wobble.

For me, I’ve learned that with a single action 1911 or striker fired XD for IDPA, a squared to the target two handed grip, straight arms, knees bent works best (isosceles). I’m right handed and I use my left arm / hand to pull back against my right arm. Both thumbs pointing to the target, left thumb over right thumb. Multiple targets is the driver for my selection.

For a revolver, I’ve learned a sideways (weaver) stance is best, right arm locked, upper left arm up against the body, elbow bent, legs locked, two handed grip. Left hand pulling hard back against locked right arm and shoulder. Both thumbs pointing into dirt 10 feet ahead, right thumb over left thumb. A single target and accuracy is the driver for my selection.

You can see my stances are different based on shooting, and yours might end up being different as well.

 

[Waterboy3313]

I've never shot a pistol from a rest. I'm thinking I will be buying or building something to use at least for working up. Generally shoot pretty decent off hand. I was thinking maybe something like a cheap camera tri pod with some kind of padded top surface to rest on. I was thinking with adjustable height I could take a chair or stool to sit on to help me stabilize better.

So my question is this. While shooting a pistol from a rest will having the barrel touch the rest create a problem? Or would it be better to rest your wrists so you don't get any issues like with a rifle in non bedded stock?

Most of the time I'm trying to shoot as accurate as possible especially while working on new loads so I do shoot single action two handed. I was planning on redoing this one more time.

 

[Charlie98]

I'm in Ghettoville... I use an ammo can lying on it's side with a bunched up towel or sandbag to rest the front of the pistol on. Understand, shooting a revolver, with it's barrel-cylinder gap, will trash whatever it is you are shooting off of, so don't use the Mrs'. favorite dinner table doilies. Shooting rifle, I'm even more Ghetto... an upside down bucket or 4 and a sandbag...

 

[Blue68f100]

I've never shot a pistol from a rest. I'm thinking I will be buying or building something to use at least for working up. Generally shoot pretty decent off hand. I was thinking maybe something like a cheap camera tri pod with some kind of padded top surface to rest on. I was thinking with adjustable height I could take a chair or stool to sit on to help me stabilize better.

So my question is this. While shooting a pistol from a rest will having the barrel touch the rest create a problem? Or would it be better to rest your wrists so you don't get any issues like with a rifle in non bedded stock?

Most of the time I'm trying to shoot as accurate as possible especially while working on new loads so I do shoot single action two handed. I was planning on redoing this one more time.

I support my wrist only. I find it's more stable than trying to support the barrel only.

 

[Waterboy3313]

I'm in Ghettoville... I use an ammo can lying on it's side with a bunched up towel or sandbag to rest the front of the pistol on. Understand, shooting a revolver, with it's barrel-cylinder gap, will trash whatever it is you are shooting off of, so don't use the Mrs'. favorite dinner table doilies. Shooting rifle, I'm even more Ghetto... an upside down bucket or 4 and a sandbag...

You have me thinking now. I built shooting table for rifle shooting that I don't use much. I could probably extend the legs and if I have to stack an ammo can I will. Thanks for that idea.

I've never been one to shoot from a rest or a bench. Now I'm going to have to start over with everything and see if I can improve.

 

[Charlie98]

I've never been one to shoot from a rest or a bench.

When you are working up a load, or trying to prove one, it helps to take as much of the human element out of it as you can. I even have an old variable power scope that I throw on some rifles, like my AR, to help me work through loads, although I don't like scopes. It is what it is.

 

[AJC1]

You have me thinking now. I built shooting table for rifle shooting that I don't use much. I could probably extend the legs and if I have to stack an ammo can I will. Thanks for that idea.

I've never been one to shoot from a rest or a bench. Now I'm going to have to start over with everything and see if I can improve.

There is some scientific things involved in our controlled high speed burn events. In testing removing or isolating as many factors as possible is a great way to prove the quality of our creations.

 

[Bfh_auto]

Call it a fun day shooting and revisit load development another day. We all have bad days. If I do. I shake the dust from my boots and move on.

 

[BreechFace]

Top middle has the least vertical dispersion; but like others have said when testing accuracy shooting from a rest takes a lot of the shooter variables out of the equation.

 

[Riomouse911]

I bought this two-block set of foam rests off Amazon a couple of years ago. I like them because they are super light and won’t mar a nice stock or metal finish.

https://www.amazon.com/Foamrest-Rifle-Pistol-Shooting-Block/dp/B071ZHV9MB

These stay in my range backpack, I’ve zeroed both rifles and handguns using them.
You do have to watch the B/C gap if shooting a revolver, the blast can eat up the surface of the rest (I learned that from experience!).

Stay safe.