41 Mag
Member
I have a few rifles where like you mentioned I hit a great load right off the bat. This however isn't usually my norm. As some others have mentioned it might also depend on the intended use.
If I am loading for a rifle which will be used more in open areas allowing shots out to 2-300yds I want my accuracy to be the driving factor, and I let the velocity fall where it may within the listed loading data. If I am loading for a rifle or handgun that is to be used for ranges of up to 100yds I still want the best accuracy, but I will settle on a bit bigger group than with the above mentioned rifles, but the velocity is usually in the range that simply will provide enough to readily expand the bullets and can easily be starting loads.
When I was only loading jacketed bullets in my handguns I usually went for the best velocity I could get with acceptable accuracy out to the max intended range I would be shooting. Plenty of loads shoot well at 25 but start to wander out at 50 or 75. I shoot enough from a rest with all of my handguns to know quickly if the load is going to work out. Once I see a potential load is good I go to shooting offhand.The handguns are all more accurate than I am and if I am shooting groups in or around 2" or better offhand at 25yds then the loads are usually good.
I do however have a couple of rifles that in over the course of a year(s) I have fiddled with this, that, and the other powder, bullets, and primers. Still haven't nailed them down. So it depends. I have my "shooters" which are my usual go to rifles and handguns, then I have the "projects" which I am still searching for just the right load with.
If I am loading for a rifle which will be used more in open areas allowing shots out to 2-300yds I want my accuracy to be the driving factor, and I let the velocity fall where it may within the listed loading data. If I am loading for a rifle or handgun that is to be used for ranges of up to 100yds I still want the best accuracy, but I will settle on a bit bigger group than with the above mentioned rifles, but the velocity is usually in the range that simply will provide enough to readily expand the bullets and can easily be starting loads.
When I was only loading jacketed bullets in my handguns I usually went for the best velocity I could get with acceptable accuracy out to the max intended range I would be shooting. Plenty of loads shoot well at 25 but start to wander out at 50 or 75. I shoot enough from a rest with all of my handguns to know quickly if the load is going to work out. Once I see a potential load is good I go to shooting offhand.The handguns are all more accurate than I am and if I am shooting groups in or around 2" or better offhand at 25yds then the loads are usually good.
I do however have a couple of rifles that in over the course of a year(s) I have fiddled with this, that, and the other powder, bullets, and primers. Still haven't nailed them down. So it depends. I have my "shooters" which are my usual go to rifles and handguns, then I have the "projects" which I am still searching for just the right load with.
