First target, downloaded .270 Winchester

[J-Bar]

Background: I started a thread in the Rifle Forum about .243 versus .257 Roberts because I don't like the recoil from my .270 using factory loads. Based on that thread, I decided to try downloading the .270. I started a thread in this Forum seeking advice on which powder to use. Consensus was 4895. Today I shot my first centerfire rifle handholds.

Results: Encouraging, I think. Interpolating between loads from several sources, I used enough powder to get me into the 2700-2800 fps ballpark with the Hornady 110 grain bullet. This target was shot at 100 yards using my hunting scope, a Leupold 1- 4 set at 4 power magnification. I was at a conservation department managed range and had to shoot fairly quickly, so I think the vertical stringing is probably due to barrel heating. A 5-shot 2" group is acceptable for hunting, but I think I can shrink the groups by tweaking the load. Recoil was a bit more than I expected, but noticeably less than the factory loads, easily bearable.

Now, don't laugh. I got an estimate from Dillon Precision that it would cost about $150-180 for the parts needed to convert my 550 press to produce rifle reloads. I love my 550, I love Dillon, I am a customer for life. But Midway had the Lee Loader ("whackamole") on sale for $25 so I bought one, and these test cartridges were produced with the Lee. I am impressed that I could get this kind of consistency with that tool. I expect to be a very low volume reloader for this caliber, and the Lee will probably suffice.

Next step is following Olympus's outline for working up the most accurate load. Here's hoping I can post a better group before long.

Thanks to all for your comments. It has been fun reading and learning.

 

[Legionnaire]

That's great! Thanks much for the update! Great to see things coming together for you.

Way back before I got into reloading I sold a rifle because I didn't like the recoil. Had I known then what I know now, I'd have started reloading if only to develop reduced-recoil loads. And it wasn't even a Ruger #1.

Well done!

Edit: I'm going to have to order one of the Lee Loaders--maybe in .357 mag--just for the experience of using one.

 

[Mosin Bubba]

Nice work! How does the kick compare to full-load 270s?

 

[J-Bar]

Nice work! How does the kick compare to full-load 270s?

Realize that shooting over a bench rest seems to increase perceived recoil, at least for me...and I had a basal cell cut out of my right cheek less than two weeks ago, and the incision area is still tender, but I did not experience pain in my cheek when I shot these hand loads.

I would say that today's load moved me about like lightly loaded 12 gauge shot shells; 7/8 or one ounce skeet loads maybe. The factory .270s would probably have had me flinching; but I could have shot these hand loads for a lot longer than I did today without being bothered. My range test today was just to see if I had manipulated the reloading tool properly and make sure the rifle would go bang.

 

[George P]

A gun that absolutely fits you perfectly will also go a long way to helping with recoil, as will one of the many recoil-dampening stock devices.

 

[doubleh]

You might try a Past recoil protector that straps on your shoulder. I use one with my rolling block in 50 cal. Sharps. I can tell quite a difference using the Past compared to a bare shoulder. In fact I no longer shoot the gun without the protector. I'm not tough enough to handle the recoil without the pad anymore. It does increase your length of pull about 1/2-5/8 of an inch.

Limbsaver recoil pads do the best of any stock mounted pad I've used, especially the one's for shotguns. I have had one that started falling apart after several years though and I had to replace it..

 

[J-Bar]

A gun that absolutely fits you perfectly will also go a long way to helping with recoil, as will one of the many recoil-dampening stock devices.

6’ 5”, no one makes a gun to fit me. Sigh.

I have learned to adapt. You should have seen me teaching my granddaughters how to hold the Cricket .22 I bought for them!

 

[George P]

I am almost 6'3 and shoot more shotgun where fit is CRUCIAL............6'5" there are several products that might help;,BUT do not forget abut cast, DAC, DAH, pitch and toe besides LOP

 

[mustanger98]

I'd consider that group encouraging too. Bet it'll bust clay birds out to 200yds.

You might try a Past recoil protector that straps on your shoulder. I use one with my rolling block in 50 cal. Sharps. I can tell quite a difference using the Past compared to a bare shoulder. In fact I no longer shoot the gun without the protector. I'm not tough enough to handle the recoil without the pad anymore. It does increase your length of pull about 1/2-5/8 of an inch.

Limbsaver recoil pads do the best of any stock mounted pad I've used, especially the one's for shotguns. I have had one that started falling apart after several years though and I had to replace it..

Plenty of situations, I use that Past strap-on recoil pad, and especially if I'm not wearing my hunting vest (goose down) or coat... makes a big difference. Sometimes I'll double the layers of Past and Limbsaver, depending on cartridge and L.O.P.

 

[303 hunter]

You have inspired me! I had neck fusion several years ago, and anything with much recoil is painful to shoot. I’ve got a Ruger Gunsite Scout 308 that I wanted for years, and finally found one at a decent price. Well, the recoil was bad enough that after 5-6 shots I had to put it down, so it’s sat in the safe for some time.

Today I ordered some Hornady 125gr SST’s. Figure I can load them a bit above 7.62x39 speeds, and they’ll be more comfortable for me to shoot. Should also be a good short to medium range deer load. Almost sold this rifle, but decided to give it another shot because of your thread.

 

[Olympus]

Congrats! You’re on the right track. 31.0gr was the sweet spot for my last 270.

I can’t believe it costs $150 to “convert” a Dillon 550 for rifle rounds. I have a 550 myself. You need a toolhead and caliber conversion is all. You’ll need the dies regardless and a powder measure of some kind regardless.

 

[falmike]

Looking like a good start!

I would not tweak the load until you rule out every other factor, like breathing, sight picture, and how you hold the rifle. I would practice with what you have to see what happens.

As far as Dillon, caliber conversion, dies, and toolhead for any caliber change will run you about $150 without a new powder dispenser. For low volume rifle shooting, I would stick with a single stage press and spend my $ on powder, primers, and bullets.

The only rifle caliber I run on my 550 is .223. I even load 6.8 SPC on my single stage as I shoot it so little.

 

[J-Bar]

I can’t believe it costs $150 to “convert” a Dillon 550 for rifle rounds.

Dies, conversion kit, tool head, shipping. I have a balance beam and Dillon automatic dispenser.

I used a Lee 2.8 cc dipper to measure my first loads. (The Lee came with a 3.4 cc dipper but it was just too much.). For the next batch I will be measuring each powder charge on the balance scale.

 

[Olympus]

Conversion kit $50
Toolhead $17
Lee 270 dies $33
That’s $100 and I didn’t shop for lowest prices. And the dies you’d have to buy regardless of what press you decide to use. So it’s really on $67 to use your Dillon press which I’m certain will produce far more consistent rounds than the $25 Lee press you bought.

Also if that’s your only 270 rifle, you should consider a Lee Collet Neck Sizing die. This just resizes the neck only and leaves the shoulders of the case fire formed to your gun’s chamber. Less case stretching, less trimming, and longer brass life. I think it also helps a bit with accuracy too.

 

[J-Bar]

Redding dies...

 

[J-Bar]

You have inspired me!

I am honored.

Hope you get good results!

Getting old can be a challenge...

 

[Nature Boy]

Every rifle I own, from .223 to .358 has a load that uses H4895, and in many of them it’s the most accurate.

Good shooting

 

[Ole Joe Clark]

4895 is a great powder for the .270, and so is 4350. I've had great results with both of them.

Have a blessed day,

Leon

 

[Nature Boy]

This may go without saying but I’ll say it anyway

Make sure when you’re making reduced recoil loads that you use the H4895 and not the IMR4895. They aren’t the same powder and only one is recommended for reduced loads

 

[J-Bar]

This may go without saying but I’ll say it anyway

Make sure when you’re making reduced recoil loads that you use the H4895 and not the IMR4895. They aren’t the same powder and only one is recommended for reduced loads

Thank you. Good catch.

 

[mustanger98]

The comments I had here had to do with IMR 3031, but when I thought further back and looked back at the threads, it has nothing to do with it, so disregard this one.

 

[J-Bar]

Accuracy tests will use H4895. They are loaded, just gotta get to the range!

 

[mustanger98]

Accuracy tests will use H4895. They are loaded, just gotta get to the range!

Okay, you got the right powder... good to know. This should be interesting.

 

[Steve S.]

When I asked an experienced handloader for his recommendation for an accurate .308 load for deer, without hesitation he suggested I try a download of 41 grains Varget with a decent 150 grain bullet of my choice (I use the SST 150). He insisted that this load will be very accurate in most any rifle and was plenty of horsepower for any MO deer. I was skeptical but I gave it a try. To his credit, he was spot on. The load is very accurate (1/2 to 3/4” 100 yard groups) for deer sized game and in both of my .308 rifles (a Kimber 84M and a Winchester Model 70). As a side benefit, this load reduced the felt recoil in both rifles (my guess is in the 10 to 15% range) especially with the ultra light Kimber. I have been impressed with this reduced deer load - for my needs, it works very well.

 

[Random 8]

When I asked an experienced handloader for his recommendation for an accurate .308 load for deer, without hesitation he suggested I try a download of 41 grains Varget with a decent 150 grain bullet of my choice (I use the SST 150). He insisted that this load will be very accurate in most any rifle and was plenty of horsepower for any MO deer. I was skeptical but I gave it a try. To his credit, he was spot on. The load is very accurate (1/2 to 3/4” 100 yard groups) for deer sized game and in both of my .308 rifles (a Kimber 84M and a Winchester Model 70). As a side benefit, this load reduced the felt recoil in both rifles (my guess is in the 10 to 15% range) especially with the ultra light Kimber. I have been impressed with this reduced deer load - for my needs, it works very well.

Surprised you got good results with Varget reduced. I tried this in 7.5 Swiss as part of the process to develop an off-book load, and got lackluster accuracy vs. IMR 4064 at similar velocities. Winchester primers and a Lee Factory Crimp improved groups somewhat, but the Varget just didn't want to group well until I got to higher velocities/pressures. I've heard of similar results in 30-06 with Garand safe loads, it doesn't want to group as well as some of the other powders like H or I 4895 or I 4064, although will do very well in some rifles.

And RE IMR4895, it most certainly can be used in reduced loads. .30M2 ball for which this powder was milsped is basically a reduced 30-06 loading. H4895 has been tested and marketed by Hodgdon for this purpose, but although not exactly the same, they are quite similar in burn characteristics.