First Batch!!!

[TrappedinMD]

So I have been contemplating getting into reloading for awhile and finally pulled the trigger. After not being able to find my preferred .30-06 ammo for several months I decided it was time. I spent one evening setting up the resizing/depriming die to bump the shoulder back .00125" and cleaning the brass. Tonight I measured the COAL when the bullet was just touching the lands, then set the seating die up to seat the bullet .0015" off the lands. I'm loading 180 grain Sierra Matchkings into Winchester brass and using IMR-4350 powder. Based on the book the power start is 42 grains and the max load is 46 Grains. So I loaded up 4 rounds for each 52,53,54,55 and 56 grain powder charges to shoot a ladder test. Once i figure out which of those shoots the best I will go .6 grains up and down in .2 grain increments. I'm pretty excited about this, hopefully it will be a big step into improving my shooting.

 

[Shamr0ck]

CONGRATS!!! As a new reloaders myself, I'm having a blast and learning a LOT


---
Shamr0ck

 

[TrappedinMD]

Thanks! I'm rather excited to see how the ammo performs!

 

[Praeger]

You may want to color code your bracketed rounds, so if they fall out of the box you know which is which. I use a sharpe to color the tip of the bullet.

 

[byf43]

You may want to color code your bracketed rounds, so if they fall out of the box you know which is which. I use a sharpe to color the tip of the bullet.

Good idea!

I use a Sharpie to color the casehead.

 

[DocAitch]

Great start, keep us posted. Nice photos.
DocAitch

 

[Melnic]

You may want to color code your bracketed rounds, so if they fall out of the box you know which is which. I use a sharpe to color the tip of the bullet.

learned the hard way on this one. Box opened up on me putting it into the car once. I shot them anyway (that was a waste) but with Hind Site should have just pulled the bullets and started over.

 

[Traveler]

This is why I use a sharpie on freezer ziplocks these days.

 

[Magnumite]

Nice setup. You are on your way.

Are you sure you didn't mean 0.015" off the lands?

 

[4570inMD]

This is why I use a sharpie on freezer ziplocks these days.

+1

 

[coopermania]

Sounds like you are off and runniing, have fun

 

[Uncle Duke]

So I have been contemplating getting into reloading for awhile and finally pulled the trigger. After not being able to find my preferred .30-06 ammo for several months I decided it was time. I spent one evening setting up the resizing/depriming die to bump the shoulder back .00125" and cleaning the brass. Tonight I measured the COAL when the bullet was just touching the lands, then set the seating die up to seat the bullet .0015" off the lands. I'm loading 180 grain Sierra Matchkings into Winchester brass and using IMR-4350 powder. Based on the book the power start is 42 grains and the max load is 46 Grains. So I loaded up 4 rounds for each 42,43,44,45 and 46 grain powder charges to shoot a ladder test. Once i figure out which of those shoots the best I will go .6 grains up and down in .2 grain increments. I'm pretty excited about this, hopefully it will be a big step into improving my shooting.

You can't shoot those rounds! Those rounds are clearly defective! There are holes in those bullets!

Looking good OP! Enjoy!

 

[TrappedinMD]

Thank you!! I'm itching to get the stock adjusted and the action bedded so i can try them out!

 

[TrappedinMD]

Sorry guys i just noticed that i missed a couple posts. Yea I meant .015 off the lands! added a zero there lol. I dont think you can see it but i wrote the charge in sharpie on the side of the cases.

 

[TrappedinMD]

So I finally made it out to the range tonight. I only got to shoot the baseline Winchester ammo, followed by the 4 shot groups of 52, 53, and 54 before the rain hit. Looks like she really likes the 52 grain IMR-4350 load!! (Ignore the flinch)

 

[j8064]

Good job.
And it's only just begun.

 

[Uncle Duke]

Fun, huh? Damned betcha! Shooting Bug eyed tight groups is a LOT of fun!

Don't be surprised to find that your higher charge weights oftentimes won't yield improvements in accuracy. In fact, the reverse is oftentimes true.

Make good ammo. Watch always for pressure signs, keep good notes, be safe and Enjoy!

 

[TrappedinMD]

Thanks guys! Yea it's already addictive! Lol those are my first four 52 gr loads too. Yea the 53gr groups were slightly larger and the 54 were slightly larger than the 53. I might try out 51.5 and 52.5 but I don't expect much better groups.

 

[Pinecone]

Great going.

Look at this method for working up loads. Works VERY well. - http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspace.com/

 

[TrappedinMD]

Thanks! I have read about that some, I still need to give it a try.