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AvyDriver
Average Member
USA
80 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 30 2009 : 19:07:56
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So I was at the range for work today and when everyone left I mozied over to the rifle range and put a few rounds down range to test a couple loads. My very first self loaded rifle loads (first of any loads actually). The casings had no ill signs, the groups were pretty darn good but I am sure with more work can be better.
I shot two load builds, 10 rounds each in 3 round groups. The loads were 243 Win. with 85 gr sie hpbt gameking, Lapua brass, rem 9 1/2 primers, Hodgdon 100v 40.0 grains, seated to 2.620 oal. group size was 1.28 on 2 3 round groups and the 3rd was a little bigger
Second load was identical except the powder was 40.5 and the group size was 1.08 1.1 .98
I will be working up two more loads increasing by .5 grains again. I think a huge issue is I still need to work on something on the rifle, the shooter  . Still a very new rifle and I need practice but I am enjoying myself so thats all that matters to me at the moment. |
Brett
New Reloader
243 Win Howa 1500 heavy bbl on B&C stock & Nikon Monarch 3 12x42
Dolce Bellum Inexpertis |
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BISCUT
Moderator
2243 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2009 : 19:14:39
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Very good. Keep shootin and the learning will come real quick. Lots of good guys here and a ton of past screw ups to keep you from making a few. These guys certainly kept me from blowin up a few guns |
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Perferator
Average Member
USA
144 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2009 : 20:47:36
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| It's a thrill to pull the trigger on your first handloads, isnt it? Next best thrill is taking a nice buck with one. |
I love to shoot. Shoot, I could shoot all day. Shoot the breeze, shoot the bull, heck shoot the cat. |
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Ds28
Moderator
USA
2189 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2009 : 22:11:24
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quote:
Originally posted by Perferator
It's a thrill to pull the trigger on your first handloads, isnt it? Next best thrill is taking a nice buck with one.
+1 |
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If common sense was common, then everyone would have it
Inside every older person is a younger person wondering, 'What the
heck happened?' |
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lightman
Average Member
127 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2009 : 22:47:14
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| Hi Avy,those are great groups.Lots of factory rifles and lots of shooters can't do that.In the .243 win,don't overlook the old stand-bys like the 4350s.Not that there is anything wrong with your choice.Sounds like another reloader may be hooked! Lightman |
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AvyDriver
Average Member
USA
80 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2009 : 22:59:50
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| I grabbed the 100v because it was the only thing that wasnt on backorder forever a couple months back. Figured I got it now I may as well use it. I am always open to try other stuff as well. I actually lightened my trigger a little tonight too so I think that will help somewhat. It felt pretty heavy when i was shooting it today. |
Brett
New Reloader
243 Win Howa 1500 heavy bbl on B&C stock & Nikon Monarch 3 12x42
Dolce Bellum Inexpertis |
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fishstan2
Advanced Member
USA
1601 Posts |
Posted - Oct 31 2009 : 03:22:57
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AvyDrive, "Congradualations", and it makes you feel good don't it . +++ to what already been said. Stan |
WILLIAMS, STANLEY W.
SGM U.S. ARMY
CAMP TAJI IRAQ
"SHOOT EM FROM LONG" RANGE" |
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Lee C.
Average Member
Armenia
167 Posts |
Posted - Oct 31 2009 : 05:06:29
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| Nice going on your first reload's Avy, and good shooting on your part with a new gun. I see your pretty much hooked already on this reloading thing. Have fun and be safe. |
Lee |
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ten2six
Senior Member
USA
248 Posts |
Posted - Oct 31 2009 : 10:50:39
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| Cheers to poppin' caps...especially your own! Nicely done. |
"Chances are, when we meet intelligent life forms in outer space, they're going to be descended from predators."
- Michio Kaku |
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AvyDriver
Average Member
USA
80 Posts |
Posted - Oct 31 2009 : 11:41:08
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| Ive never been a hunter mostly because I grew up in Southern California and it isnt very common here, so for now I am just working at punching paper and will be looking for a good place to go where I can shoot further once I get this all figured out. Thanks for the words of encouragement everyone and yes I am hooked. Its relaxing to go out in the garage and build some bullets away from the racket of the house, wife, baby and dogs. Shhhh dont tell them I said that. |
Brett
New Reloader
243 Win Howa 1500 heavy bbl on B&C stock & Nikon Monarch 3 12x42
Dolce Bellum Inexpertis |
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ten2six
Senior Member
USA
248 Posts |
Posted - Oct 31 2009 : 12:49:26
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| Sorry to hear about the new ammo law the Govenator just signed down there in CA. All the more reason to load your own!! |
"Chances are, when we meet intelligent life forms in outer space, they're going to be descended from predators."
- Michio Kaku |
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xarcher
New Member
USA
12 Posts |
Posted - Oct 31 2009 : 21:14:11
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Avy,
I was a newbie about 3 months ago and the guys here have been very helpful. It's great to see how easy it is to get up on the learning curve. Also the deal with some quiet time in your man cave can't be beat.
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AvyDriver
Average Member
USA
80 Posts |
Posted - Nov 01 2009 : 12:48:48
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| Boy thats the truth right there Xarcher |
Brett
New Reloader
243 Win Howa 1500 heavy bbl on B&C stock & Nikon Monarch 3 12x42
Dolce Bellum Inexpertis |
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AvyDriver
Average Member
USA
80 Posts |
Posted - Nov 06 2009 : 23:51:58
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| So I shot my next three loads today still trying to get the most accurate load. With three shot groups I kept putting two rounds on top of each other then one off in left field (well they were sub MOA but still). This was on two of the loads that were within .5 grns of each other. The third wasnt as accurate. Anyhow I would keyhole two rounds and then one out there. I have a feeling this is me and not the bullet. I have a lot of growing to do with a bolt action. Excellent shooter with a pistol, total novice with a bolt. Does this sound like shooter error to you guys? If so I will work with this load until I am out of this powder and then possibly try another powder that is more highly recommended. |
Brett
New Reloader
243 Win Howa 1500 heavy bbl on B&C stock & Nikon Monarch 3 12x42
Dolce Bellum Inexpertis |
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lightman
Average Member
127 Posts |
Posted - Nov 07 2009 : 00:55:12
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| Hey Avy,Sounds like your doing ok.Lots of shooters don't think three shot groups tell you very much,you may want to try some five shot groups.That odd flyer could be many things,and a five shot group may help find it.Good Luck Lightman |
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ten2six
Senior Member
USA
248 Posts |
Posted - Nov 07 2009 : 02:37:59
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Hey Avy,
Usually with rifles, "keyholing" means putting bullets through the target sideways. No crisp, nice hole...more oblong and jagged. If that's what's happening with your third group, your load is leading to an unstable spin. The Howa 1500 .243 comes with 1 in 10" twist, is that correct? If you're really getting keyholing, and you can't seem to find a good load with the 85 gr bullets, you may want to try 90's or 100's. I'll often go to the Lilja barrel site to check their charts (I'll put the link below).
If you meant to say two in one hole and a flyer, then keep trying to get a good load with the 85's. When I work up a "pet load" for a gun, I'll load 3 - 5 rounds with .1 gr load differences. I've seen swings inbetween the .5 gr you're using. Some will disagree with that, but that's what I do (and it's fun to shoot more).
Another tip, you can buy Snap Caps (dummy .243 cartridges that protect your firing pin), so you can practice shooting technique inbetween range sessions. Anyway, here's the Lilja link with the twist rate and suggested bullet charts:
http://www.riflebarrels.com/products/caliber_twist_rates.htm |
"Chances are, when we meet intelligent life forms in outer space, they're going to be descended from predators."
- Michio Kaku |
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Shot my first handloads today!
