I've been working on a new load for my Ruger Hawkeye in .300WM. I have a fantastic hunting load (165 gr. TSX & IMR 4831), but I hoped to find another and preferably with a cheaper bullet. I decided to try the OCW method since temperatures during hunting season can range from 0 to 60F and thought this method would help me find a load that shouldn't change POI.
I started with IMR 4350 because I have it on hand and Nosler shows the most accurate load they tested with that powder yielded high velocity and is near the max load listed by Hodgdon (71 gr.). I've found two consecutive loads (70.3 gr and 71.0 gr) that hit nearly the same POI, but the three-shot groups aren't spectacular. Groups were shot at 100 yards with a Led Sled and Leupold VX-6 on 12x, so shooter error should be minimized. The 70.3 gr load has two shots within 1/2 in and the third 1.25 in to the right. The 71.0 gr load has two shots within 1/2 in and the third 1 in low. Between the two loads, four of the six shots are within 3/4 in.
So, my question is, do I continue working with this bullet/powder combination or not? If I continue, my plan will be to load 5 rounds at each of 70.0, 70.2, 70.4, 70.6, 70.8, and 71.0 gr. If I have a series of loads within that range that hit the same POI, I would then play with seating depth. Unfortunately, the Ruger box magazine is pretty short, so my range of seating depths are limited.
The alternative is to try a different bullet or powder. I've also done the same OCW with 180 gr. Accubonds and IMR 4350 with similar result. Several years ago I tested 180 gr NBT, NAB, SGK, and Hornady SSTs with RL22, Hybrid 100V, and IMR 4831. Best I could do was about a 1.25" four shot groups with NBT and RL22. If you think I should try a different powder which would you try? I have the following on hand: AA 4350, H4831, Hybrid 100V, IMR 4350, 4831, 7828SSC, and RL22.
If I should try a different bullet, which? The SSTs grouped poorly in my rifle. I think the rifle doesn't like the secant ogive. Should I try other bullet weights? I've already got a good load with 165 gr. TSX. Should I try a 200 gr or 210 grain bullet?
Thanks for taking the time to read this and for any suggestions you can offer.
I started with IMR 4350 because I have it on hand and Nosler shows the most accurate load they tested with that powder yielded high velocity and is near the max load listed by Hodgdon (71 gr.). I've found two consecutive loads (70.3 gr and 71.0 gr) that hit nearly the same POI, but the three-shot groups aren't spectacular. Groups were shot at 100 yards with a Led Sled and Leupold VX-6 on 12x, so shooter error should be minimized. The 70.3 gr load has two shots within 1/2 in and the third 1.25 in to the right. The 71.0 gr load has two shots within 1/2 in and the third 1 in low. Between the two loads, four of the six shots are within 3/4 in.
So, my question is, do I continue working with this bullet/powder combination or not? If I continue, my plan will be to load 5 rounds at each of 70.0, 70.2, 70.4, 70.6, 70.8, and 71.0 gr. If I have a series of loads within that range that hit the same POI, I would then play with seating depth. Unfortunately, the Ruger box magazine is pretty short, so my range of seating depths are limited.
The alternative is to try a different bullet or powder. I've also done the same OCW with 180 gr. Accubonds and IMR 4350 with similar result. Several years ago I tested 180 gr NBT, NAB, SGK, and Hornady SSTs with RL22, Hybrid 100V, and IMR 4831. Best I could do was about a 1.25" four shot groups with NBT and RL22. If you think I should try a different powder which would you try? I have the following on hand: AA 4350, H4831, Hybrid 100V, IMR 4350, 4831, 7828SSC, and RL22.
If I should try a different bullet, which? The SSTs grouped poorly in my rifle. I think the rifle doesn't like the secant ogive. Should I try other bullet weights? I've already got a good load with 165 gr. TSX. Should I try a 200 gr or 210 grain bullet?
Thanks for taking the time to read this and for any suggestions you can offer.