working up a load

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C2C

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Hi , I'm new to the reload game and have a couple questions . I started loading for my 22-250 ... using 55 gr. Hornady SP , 38GR. h 380 POWDER .. The first 3 shot group of this produces a straight line across the target at the desired height but an inch apart .. Is it just me ? Where do I go from here without burning lots of powder and time back and forth to the range ..
 
I'd look into "incremental load development." It's probably one of the more efficient ways to develop rifle loads. Here's a link to it.

The short version is; start at the low end of your charge table and work up incrementally. You can decide the space of your increments, but .3 or .4 is usually what I use. You'll end up loading probably 20-30 rounds and shoot them one at a time until you've shot them all, then look for the best consecutive group of shots.

I usually give my barrel a few minutes to cool down between shots and I use a weighted rest. Your rifle will let you know when its happy.
 
The first 3 shot group of this produces a straight line across the target at the desired height but an inch apart ..

I doubt that the grouping has anything to do with your component selection, it's more likely that you have a bedding issue or a forearm that is putting pressure on the barrel.
Maybe even a scope or mount problem.
Lateral dispersion of shots with that spacing indicate something else is going on.

I should ask if you have fired any factory ammo, and if the rifle has shot well before the handloads?


NCsmitty
 
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