Did I pick the wrong rifle to hand load for?

[Blue68f100]

If your using Hornady 68gr bullets you will need to use there load data and not Sierra's. Due to the shorter length the charge will be 1.5-2.0 gr less than Sierra's. If not you will get over pressure conditions due to smaller case volume.

 

[bikemutt]

If your using Hornady 68gr bullets you will need to use there load data and not Sierra's. Due to the shorter length the charge will be 1.5-2.0 gr less than Sierra's. If not you will get over pressure conditions due to smaller case volume.

Blue68f100, thanks for the note, I am using the Hornady load data.

 

[DeadEye9]

That Black Hills ammo is practically match grade. I wouldn't sweat it. Pick up some 69 gr SMKs to load yourself. Even if you only match the Black Hills load, you'll still save money.

I aggree with this. Black Hills loads a very quality product so don't be upset your not beating their work as a new hand loader. Also the Savage is a super accurate bolt gun as well; my 110 in .338 Lap Mag allows me to put up 5.5" 10 shot groups at 1000yd with a 24 power and I'm far from a pro shooter. So in short, your shooting excellent Ammo in an excellent rifle to begin with.
I too enjoy the 69gr match loads for .223/5.56 although I feed mine to ARs. My current "go to" 69gr hand load uses Barnes 69gr Match Burner BTHP. I'm getting 3/4 MOA groups with these from 16" carbines all day long with and around 2.5" groups at 300. This is with a Mark AR 1.5-4 power optic and again, I'm not a pro shooter by any means so this is very good for me.
I would highly recommend the Barnes Match Burners to anyone who enjoys a 69gr pill as they are just as accurate as others I've tried yet cheaper than most. I get mine at Cabellas for around $15/100 buying small or they can be found even cheaper in bulk. For powder I like CFE 223, Varget and good old H-335 still does the job very well also. Good luck!

 

[horsey300]

Good to know, I'll try seating some Hornady's to "spec", and some to the same internal depth as the SMKs. I guess that's the great thing about hand loading, I get to experiment within the bounds of safety.

Hornady is good about starting you at a good depth, I would start there, sometimes I'll go a little longer than hornady or Sierra list (not much and that's something for you to play with) and sometimes, I add another .2-.5 gr of powder depending on the load because of the change in pressure. I doubt I'd go shorter. If you're not too close to the lands going shorter will probably not help and might hurt.