Olon
Member
Well, I've been reloading rifle for about a month now, and just started for my .270. Many of you have helped me with powder selection for that load and for that I thank you.
As I've used up all my .224 slugs, I decided to use up the rest of my Varget (which I have decided I don't like for .223) on .270 reloads.
I'm working through one variable at a time. On this day I was testing bullet seating depth. Earlier this week I loaded 2 cartridges in regular increments from suggested COAL for my 130 gr. Hornady SPs all the way up to 0.090" into the rifling (measured with chambering a soot covered bullet). I fired shortest to longest, monitoring pressure signs on the brass. I shot from 100 yards, but I found that with my 9 power scope I could not see the bull on the SR-1 targets so this was just a general thing.
I decided yesterday to test the seemingly most promising lengths, loading 3 at 3.230 (.015 into the rifling) and 4 at 3.215 (I made 4 because I wanted 1 to fire first to be sure it would actually hit the target from where I was shooting, and it was the last of the Varget I had). I shot prone using a bag as a rest from 35 yards, and I'm pretty happy with the results. On the 3.215 length I put 2 in the same hole and they are generally grouped better.
Now I'm going to feel around a bit for a new length after I get some powder (I'm still torn between RL16 and H4350 but I'm leaning toward the Hodgdon). Can't wait to pit the 3.215" against other lengths to figure out which is best for my model 70. Once I get that hashed out I'm going to mess around with the crimp, then the powder, and lastly the case length. Then I can try to figure out other variables to manipulate.
I'm just hoping all these variables are all relatively independent but to really know I'll have to shoot more (pity me
). I can see how this is fun for you guys, it really brings a new element of fun to my shooting.
Just thought I'd share this ole boy's newfound appreciation for reloading. Happy shooting and reloading to everyone!
Here's some pictures of the targets I used.
As I've used up all my .224 slugs, I decided to use up the rest of my Varget (which I have decided I don't like for .223) on .270 reloads.
I'm working through one variable at a time. On this day I was testing bullet seating depth. Earlier this week I loaded 2 cartridges in regular increments from suggested COAL for my 130 gr. Hornady SPs all the way up to 0.090" into the rifling (measured with chambering a soot covered bullet). I fired shortest to longest, monitoring pressure signs on the brass. I shot from 100 yards, but I found that with my 9 power scope I could not see the bull on the SR-1 targets so this was just a general thing.
I decided yesterday to test the seemingly most promising lengths, loading 3 at 3.230 (.015 into the rifling) and 4 at 3.215 (I made 4 because I wanted 1 to fire first to be sure it would actually hit the target from where I was shooting, and it was the last of the Varget I had). I shot prone using a bag as a rest from 35 yards, and I'm pretty happy with the results. On the 3.215 length I put 2 in the same hole and they are generally grouped better.
Now I'm going to feel around a bit for a new length after I get some powder (I'm still torn between RL16 and H4350 but I'm leaning toward the Hodgdon). Can't wait to pit the 3.215" against other lengths to figure out which is best for my model 70. Once I get that hashed out I'm going to mess around with the crimp, then the powder, and lastly the case length. Then I can try to figure out other variables to manipulate.
I'm just hoping all these variables are all relatively independent but to really know I'll have to shoot more (pity me
). I can see how this is fun for you guys, it really brings a new element of fun to my shooting.Just thought I'd share this ole boy's newfound appreciation for reloading. Happy shooting and reloading to everyone!
Here's some pictures of the targets I used.
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