I have shot some of my reloads...... How do I know the variance is not me?

[Hunter333]

I have reloaded a ton of shells and shot them through my Marlin 30-06. I am dialed in to within an inch with varous grain weights. They all seem to shoot the same. As a newbie, what am I looking for with different loads and how do I know that the difference is not me? Thanks for your help!

[Cobra]

Test them at a longer range. You would be suprised how some of the loads will be acting another 50 or 100 yards down range, sometimes better but more often worse. I've also found that temperature can really have an affect on a load, what is a good load at 80*F can sometimes be worthless at 30*F. Loading is a lot of trial and error under all types of weather conditions and the keeping of good documentation so you know where you have been.

[This message has been edited by Cobra (edited 08-27-2000).]

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Hunter,
The only sure way to remove the "human error' is to put the gun in a vise and shoot it! You say you are within an inch of each other, even with the various loads....How much variation between charges do you have? You may find no variation between a grain, a grain and a half, or a half grain, esp at close range. Also, are you shooting at the same target with the different ammo? I would suggest (if you aren't already), that you get some targets that have the five sighting groups on them (one in the center, and then one near each corner), and then label your reloads #1, #2 ect and label the targets #1, #2, ect and shoot each target with the corresponding load, from a rest. Then measure your groups (dont worry if they aren't hitting the target exactly were you are sighting--that is why scopes have adjustment screws on them; for sighting in later). After you shoot your groups, measure them--pick the two holes that are farthest apart, and measure the distance. Anything in the inch to inch and a half is outastanding (at a hundred yards)! Before you give up, try some factory ammo and see how that groups--if it groups badly and your reloads group badly, you can sum it up usually to another cause, i.e. your scope screws are loose, you need more practice with breathing & trigger control, ect. Good luck!

[Hunter333]

I am laoding my shells with between 55 and 59 grains. I have been shooting for the practice and have not been noting different loads and results, etc. STUPID! Ah well, those 2 shots that I hit on the X at 125 yards and the bottom of the bowling pin laying with the small end toward me at 300 yards sure felt great!! Time to keep better track. I think that the scope and gun are pretty close, now it is up to me. Thanks for the suggestions, I will do that this weekend.

[Benchshooter]

Hunter333,
Wow you did pretty good got you some loads.. Most of all just take your time. Some guns shoot good hot and some good cold.. this makes it hard..to let the barrel to cool..
But sounds like you are having fun trying..I would like to see how it hits at the 150 yrds and the 200 yrds. This will help you.. :)

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Benchman