Process for finding an accurate load?

[squirrel sniper]

I just got a P14 rifle for target shooting at paper and steel anywhere between 100-300 yards. I plan to start handloading to save money, but want to know where to start narrowing down my load choices. I know there are several different sizes of bullets, ranging from .309 to .312, and I've even seen a few .314s floating around. I was planning on using 150 grainers, since im not shooting extreme distances. I wanted to know whether i should try a few different bullets using the same powder load, case, and primer, just to see which has the best accuracy, then start to narrow down the best powder load from there. Or should i just try one bullet diameter and hope thats the best? any and all help would be appreciated.

 

[1858rem]

i would start with .308 bullets, but am unfamiliar with that rifle so your choice, .308 is more common/available though..... start at 10% below max load and work up in .5 grain increments up to max load....once you see the best group drop down .2 grain and up .2 grain and see if it improves more or not.... then play with seating depth starting around min COL and into .020-.015 inch off the lands ......this is all stuff i plan on doing, once i get my own rifle fixed:banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead:

 

[superhornet]

P14---normally chambered in .303 British ?? Bullet diameter normally somewhere between .311-.313. Been my experience that a .308 bullet rattles down the bore. Poor accuracy....IMHO

 

[tomj44]

Good info here http://www.clik.to/optimalchargeweight