• Help Support TNDeer:

Who reloads?

B

bradshaw34

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 19, 2008
Messages
401
Location
Knoxville, Tennessee
I'm trying to get into reloading. I already have a setup and have reloaded 40 rds of .30-06. I'm wondering if I should get a chronograph to check velocities. I shoot a .270 win and have a bdc reticle so I wanna know my velocity so I can print the chart out. How accurate are the velocities listed in the manuals? Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm sure I'll come up with more questions too.
 
I had been handloading for a couple years before getting a chronograph. Glad I did.

I have found that velocities in the books can be a ballpark estimate. You'll notice that different manuals will sometimes show different velocities for the same load. There are so many variables that you never really know unless you use a chronograph.

In addition to knowing your average velocities, you will also learn if a load is consistent in your gun. My Savage 10ml-ii smokeless muzzleloader really surprised me in how consistent it shoots from shot to shot (usually within 10 feet per second). I have also found some velocities to be way slower than I had expected, as in the case of my .30-06 that "should have" been shooting a particular load at around 2,750 ft/s but was really shooting around 2,550.

Not necessary for handloading, but it is a useful tool.
 
BluegrassDan said:
I had been handloading for a couple years before getting a chronograph. Glad I did.

I have found that velocities in the books can be a ballpark estimate. You'll notice that different manuals will sometimes show different velocities for the same load. There are so many variables that you never really know unless you use a chronograph.

In addition to knowing your average velocities, you will also learn if a load is consistent in your gun. My Savage 10ml-ii smokeless muzzleloader really surprised me in how consistent it shoots from shot to shot (usually within 10 feet per second). I have also found some velocities to be way slower than I had expected, as in the case of my .30-06 that "should have" been shooting a particular load at around 2,750 ft/s but was really shooting around 2,550.

Not necessary for handloading, but it is a useful tool.
Click to expand...

X2
 
I reloaded a number of years before getting a chronograph, and yes there can be a big difference between what is in the book a what is accurate for a lot of reasons. A chronograph is not necessary but is nice.
 
Chronographs play an important role in Handloading. The standard deviation in say a five shot group (or over a month/year/lifetime) for your 30/06 should slowly get smaller and smaller as your expertise improves. Change a component such as brass or primer and review the chronograph results.

I have had one since the mid 80's. No, not the same one, of course not. You see, when you buy a chrony, you will shoot it. Everyone does, or will.
 
Another question. For best accuracy is it better to seat the bullet closer to max overall length or min overall length? For my .270 I'll be using 130 grains sst bullets and most likely varget or superformance, has anyone worked up any good loads with these combos? I also have some 110 grain accubonds I'd like to try.
 
The oal in a book is nothing more than a reference. Seat your bullet just off the lands in most cases. Some bullets like jump and others like to touch but I generally start just off
 
I reload but I guess I don't get too worried over such things. Only thing that seems real important to me is trying to get the bullet holes on my targets as close as possible
 
On bullet seating out to the lands/OAL, your magazine will dictate the practical OAL of your rounds. You may develop a more accurate round by seating just off the lands but most of the time it will be too long to fit in your factory magazine.
 

Latest posts

Back
Top