So, here's the story. 3 yrs ago I developed a handload for my hunting rifle, because I wasn't too pleased with it's performance. I figured out what it liked best, which wasn't great but good enough for deer. Well, yesterday decided to put a scope on another 30-06 I had and went to the range with some factory ammo (165gr Ballistic Tip) and a few of my handloads (180gr BT, IMR4895) for my other rifle. Used the factory ammo to sight in the scope at 100 yds, and when I had it close, moved to the 200 yd target (target tacked to bigger piece of cardboard). Took a couple shots, tweaked the scope, you know the drill.
So, figured I'd see what the handloads looked like. Took a shot, looked like a miss. Used the BDC reticle to move up a notch and got the middle hit, a little off the paper (definitely a different point of aim between factory and my HLs). Hiked down to the target, marked it, came back, and decided to send down 2 more to see how consistent they were. This is what I got. Not bad, for a day with gusting cross winds ranging from 10-15mph.
So here's what I have, factory I don't care for much, because they don't seem to hit as hard as I'd like, but shoots really flat from 100-200 yds and holds a decent 2-3" group at 200, and my handloads that seem to hit hard, are accurate, but are not as flat shooting. Does it make more sense to work up another load, maybe a bit flatter shooting, or keep the current load?
So, figured I'd see what the handloads looked like. Took a shot, looked like a miss. Used the BDC reticle to move up a notch and got the middle hit, a little off the paper (definitely a different point of aim between factory and my HLs). Hiked down to the target, marked it, came back, and decided to send down 2 more to see how consistent they were. This is what I got. Not bad, for a day with gusting cross winds ranging from 10-15mph.
So here's what I have, factory I don't care for much, because they don't seem to hit as hard as I'd like, but shoots really flat from 100-200 yds and holds a decent 2-3" group at 200, and my handloads that seem to hit hard, are accurate, but are not as flat shooting. Does it make more sense to work up another load, maybe a bit flatter shooting, or keep the current load?