So, You Want to Try Precision Shooting

Part 3: Loading Up

Trapr Swonson

       

FINDING "JUST RIGHT"

My method of selecting a load for a given rifle goes like this.

First, I scour the ballistic data provided by my ballistic program, comparing bullets, velocities and BCs. Then, I look at what powders will provide me the velocities I want.

I'll try to select a powder that is easily metered through a powder measure. I want the consistency afforded during the powder drop sequence. If an easily metered powder isn't available, I will have to drop a lighter powder charge and trickle the remainder.

Once I actually start loading, here's how I do it:

1. Drop powder charges every .4 grains, starting at a load that data shows as maximum. Lessen that load by .4 grains down to approximately 2 grains below the max.
2. Load six rounds at each charge. This allows me one called flyer should I mess up a shot and realize it. That gives me six different powder charges with six rounds per charge.
3. Fire five-shot groups at 200 yards with the chronograph. If all goes well, I'll have one round left over for every charge. That round will come into play later if I don't need it to make up a called flyer.
4. Write down the velocities and the average for each charge and place it with the one remaining round.

Compare group sizes, group location relative to aiming point and velocities.

I'm looking for one load that has good accuracy. I'm also looking for the load above and below it in powder charge to have comparable accuracy. My velocity is important but not nearly as important as consistent accuracy.

Remember, I started my load development already close to the velocity I was looking for. I want an accurate load (1/2 MOA or better) with comparably accurate loads above and below. Then, I look at where those loads landed in relation to my aiming point.

Load up the remaining single round from each load (assuming the relative location on all three is about the same). Fire those three to form a group from those three different loads. That group should deliver acceptable accuracy as well.

Load six rounds of the central powder charge. Deviate from it .2 grains up and down in charge weight up to the original loads that were .4 grains apart. Now, I have five loads separated by .2 grains each.

Shoot and chrono those loads just as I did the original loads. Once again, I'm looking for three loads that deliver the accuracy I'm looking for and are next to each other in powder charge.

What this whole process tells me is that even if I'm off a bit in my powder charge, I'm still good to go. My accuracy will remain consistent whether it's plus or minus from the target load. Invariably accuracy is excellent among the cluster of three loads, and velocity differences are negligible.

CONCLUSION

Studies have shown that trying to get maximum accuracy or velocity from your gun is a fool's errand. It really doesn't deliver great increases in your ability to hit long-range targets (10" target at 700 yds.)—less than 5% increase in probability.

I'm talking about trying to shrink groups from .75 MOA to .25 MOA or increase velocity by 100 fps. Just find a good load and go shoot. The practice will be more valuable than more fretting about your load.

Remember when I warned you in Part 1 about not getting sucked down the rabbit hole of research. Load development is another rabbit hole all its own. You can and will get lost down there too, so be careful.

The key to getting started shooting precision rifle is getting started.

If you're still here with me, I hope you've enjoyed this series and gotten some benefit from it. I know I have just reflecting on all this and putting it into words. It's also been a pleasure.

I hope I've given some of you the boot to get out there and try your hand at this game. I know I've enjoyed it immensely since I've started, and you will too. Now, go find a match close to home, load or buy some good ammo, take your rifle and GO SHOOT!