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Tada.. finaly, I rolled in the following
30-06, 168gr Sierra Match King HPBT over 56gr of Ralliant R17 powder.

I loaded 50 rds.
10 each of 54gr, 54.5gr, 55gr, 55.5gr, and 56gr (max load at 2850 fps)

The question:
At the range to find the best load for my rifle, I plan to shoot 5-rds groups at 100 yrd starting from 54gr to 56gr. Clean the barrel with a bore snake after I complete each group. Also, I will use 5 targets.

Is this a good plan?

Good for you for getting started!

A couple of thoughts. First, I am really leery of digital scales because they are well known for a drifting zero. As you continue in this endeavor, I'd encourage a good old fashioned balance beam scale.

I use 5-shot groups to test group sizes as well.

There are targets you can purchase that have 5 different bullseyes on one target

Here I was testing groups with one of my .45's.


I also like this target:

5 shot sub MOA group
After zeroing 5 rd in the same hole, dead center at 100 yards.
Rifle: Beretta Tikka T3 Stainless Steel light barrel, 30-06.
Optics: Bushnell Elite 6500 6.5-30x50 DOA 600 reticle..

55 gr of RL17 propelling Sierra KingMatch 168gr HPBT.

AndyC wrote:Finally - someone new to reloading who did it RIGHT!

Great job, dude

Thanks, now I need to get my attention to some 5.56, I need to get a bi-pod first to that SIG M400. What is best to consider?

I have a bipod that connects to small rail attached to my Tikka T3 sling swivel. I ordered this little bayonet-lug small rail so I can use it on the M400.



http://www.amazon.com/ProMag-AR-15-Bayo ... roduct_top" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

AndyC wrote:Finally - someone new to reloading who did it RIGHT!

Great job, dude

Yeah, I agree. The cost of my time was sizable. Reloading 50 rds took like 5hrs. The most time consuming step was dispensing using a trickle and a scoop those 55 grs of RL17 powder. Also, I do not skip steps, even each completed rd was checked for overall cartridge length.

Shooting those 20 rds took also at least 1.5 hrs to get all it done correctly. After 10 rds, all following shots were lending in the same point. It was not challenging anymore. So, I switched to 5.56 and results were very disappointing.

AndyC wrote:

Beiruty wrote:The cost of my time was sizable. Reloading 50 rds took like 5hrs. The most time consuming step was dispensing using a trickle and a scoop those 55 grs of RL17 powder.

I remember my dad and I doing that as well when I was a kid; we were SO nervous.

Get yourself a powder-measure - it'll go a lot faster

What do you recommed. a powder throw ( mechanical) or those fancy digital dispenser that costs around $350 or so? o

There is a deal on a Hornady Auto Charge dispenser at Cabela's for $175 and I have a $30 off $200. So, if I grab some 3 boxes of PMC X-tac 5.56, I will even get a better deal. It is worth to give it a try.

I use the Hornady Auto Charge dispenser on my larger rifle loads. I like knowing that each round was measured exactly.

It measures a charge, and I can dump it in the case and seat the projectile by the time it measures the next one.

I works very well for this application.

I still use my manual powder drop for pistol loading.

I just came back from Cabela's with Hornady Autocharge priced at $175 (regular price $230) added 60rds of Federal XM193 cost total is $200.50. I used $30 off $200 coupon and I paid $186.xx. While checking out, I was handed another $25 of $100 coupon for my next purchase. Who should not love Cabelas?!!

Beiruty,

I have been thinking about one of those automated powder dispensers but just can't bring myself to spend that much money on one of those. I have a set of the Lee scoops that I bought in 1975 and I use those. I have found one for my 6.5 Creedmoor load that is just under the charge I use and I bring it up to weight with the tickler very quickly. I have not timed it but it does not take me long to charge 50 cases with that method. I had thought about using my mechanical powder throw but that has been inconsistent in weight with Reloader 17 (or any stick powder, even the small grains of Varget that I tried for heavy 223 bullets). For a lot of shooting, the mechanical throw may be good enough but I am shooting out to 1000 yards with the Creedmoor so I want the best ammo I can make.

I never thought about trying Reloader 17 for my 30-06 (which I have not shot in a couple of decades). It is a great powder for the 6.5 with 140 grain bullets.

Beiruty wrote:I just came back from Cabela's with Hornady Autocharge priced at $175 (regular price $230) added 60rds of Federal XM193 cost total is $200.50. I used $30 off $200 coupon and I paid $186.xx. While checking out, I was handed another $25 of $100 coupon for my next purchase. Who should not love Cabelas?!!

Awesome deal. Congrats.