Dilemma - keep the load, or start over?

[GaryL]

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?

 

[Floppy_D]

Are you kidding? Keep it. Unless you're hunting mice, that's a winner. I nitpick accuracy sometimes, but I strive for a group like that. Assuming the load performed consistently like that, I'd trust it farther than I would trust my own shooting.

 

[GaryL]

Are you kidding? Keep it. Unless you're hunting mice, that's a winner. I nitpick accuracy sometimes, but I strive for a group like that. Assuming the load performed consistently like that, I'd trust it farther than I would trust my own shooting.

To be honest, I never had anything that would shoot like that before (although I'm beginning to wonder what other treasures are in the safe waiting to be discovered), and was wondering if it's worth going to the effort and expense to work up another load for it, since all I did was use what I had on hand for a different rifle. I figured a few guys here have been down this path before.

 

[rcmodel]

If you have a Model 70 shooting dime-size groups at 200 yards, I doubt you will improve on it much no matter what you do.

Just figure out the trajectory and go with it! (unless it's only giving 2,000 FPS muzzle velocity.)

rcmodel

 

[Floppy_D]

It looks like you could keep them all on a playing card at 500yds, and I can't imagine the need for improvement over that. You found the load. Write it down your recipe in 5 or 6 places, just to make sure you don't lose it.

 

[GaryL]

Unfortunately no chronograph to check it with, but based on ballistic tables and an estimate of the load, it's fairly close to 2500fps. I need to get out on a calm day and lock down the scope alignment. Wind drift was about 5" at 200 yds with this load.

FWIW, IMR4895 - 43.5gr, 180gr Nosler BT, WLR primers, OAL length 3.260", FC - brass

 

[presspuller]

Dude, that is why they put those dials on the scopes for is to move the cross hairs to where the group is.
Looks like you got a keeper.

 

[mswestfall]

Accuracy is accuracy. If you have one, keep it.

Accommodating for bullet drop is an issue of experience.

Find an accurate load and shoot it and shoot it and shoot it....

 

[bullseye308]

Looks like you hit it, just adjust the scope to match and you are done. One of these days I'm gonna do that.

 

[ants]

Nah. Scrap the load and throw all the data away. It was for a different rifle anyway. Start over from scratch, spend a lot of time and a lot of money. Go through intense periods of pain and frustration. Be patient. Don't give up. Eventually you will find a decent load for that rifle. It just takes a long, long time and a lot of trial and error.

 

[GaryL]

Looks like I'll be loading more of the same.

Sent the pic to a shootin' buddy at work, and he responded with:
You missed high and left. Adjust your windage and elevation.

Serves me right for trying to impress an ex military guy.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

What would it cost to reload the brass with a slightly higher charge and see how that does?

If it still shoots well, but has higher velocity, good. If not, go back to the old load, and you're only out a few bullets, primers and a cupful of powder.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

First-

Make sure it's repeatable. A few times. THEN worry about if it's fast enough. One group won't tell a good enough story. But it does appear that you're onto something here.