Loading for accuracy
Printed From: The BaitShop
Category: FireArms, et cetera
Forum Name: Metallic Cartridge Handloading and Bullet Casting
Forum Description: Discuss reloading, bullet casting etc. here. We take no responsibility for the safety or validity of the loads mentioned in this forum. Start low and work up to what is safe in YOUR firearm!
URL: http://www.baitshopboyz.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=28079
Printed Date: 26 March 2026 at 17:51
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.10 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Loading for accuracy
Posted By: Wing master
Subject: Loading for accuracy
Date Posted: 13 November 2024 at 21:17
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Bears comment on another thread got me to thinking. What is the most critical factor when loading for accuracy? Before reading that thread I would have said the powder charge was it but I'm not sure after thinking about it. I don't weigh bullets because when I have they have been very consistant. I haven't noticed much difference in primers. I use CCI and Federal mostly and when primers are hard to get I have switched between the two and they seem about the same. Case capacity seems to make a difference. I have several thousand primed military 6.5X55 cases. The dates on all but 1600 of them are mixed. Anywhere from the mid 1940's to the late 1970's. 1600 of them are the same from 1985. They all shoot pretty good but the matched ones do shoot better. Seating depth also seems to make a difference. Once I find a load I fine tune it with seating depth. What are your thoughts? ------------- I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on. |
Replies:
Posted By: d4570
Date Posted: 14 November 2024 at 08:02
 
------------- Remember: Four boxes keep us free ,the soap box, the ballot box, the jury box, AND the cartridge box |
Posted By: BEAR
Date Posted: 14 November 2024 at 14:12
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Bullet distance to rifling and case density. My most accurate loads are when the case is just about to the base of the bullet. Years ago, when shooting M1 in comp I noticed that others were raising their muzzle skyward and hand thumping the stock. They did this to get the empty space inside the cartridge to the front,., and get more uniform powder burns. just thoughts. ------------- “ The IQ and the life expectancy of the average American recently passed each other in opposite directions.” |
Posted By: Wing master
Date Posted: 15 November 2024 at 16:35
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Good point Bear. It makes sense that a half full case would burn faster since I think it would burn the length of the case down. A full case would burn the diameter of the case to the bullet. I'm probably over thinking it but I always want the best accuracy I can get from all of my rifles. ------------- I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on. |
Posted By: BEAR
Date Posted: 18 November 2024 at 10:07
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Yes, right on. when the case is 3/4 full and the powder is laying horizontal, the primer flash ignites along the top of powder. Fast burn and high pressure for charge. ------------- “ The IQ and the life expectancy of the average American recently passed each other in opposite directions.” |
Posted By: Wing master
Date Posted: 18 November 2024 at 13:06
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What case prep do you think makes the most difference? ------------- I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on. |
Posted By: BEAR
Date Posted: 20 November 2024 at 09:07
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I think case trim OAL, over all length is very necessary. Most cases grow when shot. they lengthen and the necks thicken. this can increase neck tension on the bullet, and can if bad contact the throat of the chamber, again increasing bullet fit. My brain doesn't like shooting guns that can't group 5 into 1 inch at 100 yds. and I really love guns/loads that shoot into .5 inch. I never try to improve anything that cuts .5" that is all I need to be a happy camper. ------------- “ The IQ and the life expectancy of the average American recently passed each other in opposite directions.” |
Posted By: Wing master
Date Posted: 24 November 2024 at 15:17
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I agree with both points. I also think that unless there's a problem with a rifle like the crown is bad or a bad barrel etc. it's possible to get most any gun to shoot within 1" at 100 by working up loads. ------------- I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on. |
Posted By: BEAR
Date Posted: 25 November 2024 at 08:41
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Interesting. I started to shoot centerfire in 1960. Back then few guys had !" rifles. Today, I hink you are correct, most rifles with reloads will do 1". And many factory rifles will do that TODAY with specific factory ammo. WHY is That today??? ------------- “ The IQ and the life expectancy of the average American recently passed each other in opposite directions.” |
Posted By: Wing master
Date Posted: 26 November 2024 at 17:25
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I don't know how the rifling is cut in new rifles but I assume CNC machining is the reason new rifles shoot better than old ones. ------------- I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on. |
Posted By: BEAR
Date Posted: 28 November 2024 at 09:02
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lots of 'button rifles today. and they were around back then, but maybe the buttons have better tolerances?? ------------- “ The IQ and the life expectancy of the average American recently passed each other in opposite directions.” |
Posted By: Wing master
Date Posted: 30 November 2024 at 14:44
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I don't know that much about the process of button rifling but I have read that it does make for a more accurate rifle. ------------- I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on. |