bullet weights

[Tom Erickson]

I'm new to reloading started around March. Last weekend was the first time I was able to shoot out to 400 yards . My powder scale is +/- .1 the bullets I'm shooting are 150 barns ttsx . The bullets weigh from 49.9 to 50 . 9 majority are in the 50.5 ,50.6 my question is should I be weighing my bullets never have before. But I noticed at 400 yards I could use some improvements . Was shooting abought 3.5 groups . For hunting do you weigh you bullets if so what Tolerance do you hold . I did order a new scale that is +/- .04 are there other things I should be looking at
Thank you
Tom Erickson

 

[Bravo 4]

I'm gonna say no to bullet weighing, especially if you are shooting under 1 moa at 400. Are your groups stringing horizontally, vertically, little of both? Was there any wind? What rifle are you using? What kind of position and support...lots of questions and potential ways to improve. But if you are using a factory rifle and some un-tweeked loads then I'd say you're doing pretty good for your first time at that range.

 

[sierracharlie338]

As stated above 3.5 @ 400 isn't bad for some random loads. I never weigh bullets for hunting loads or ever honestly. Do some reading on ladder tests (figuring out a charge weight) or other types such as the Satterlee method. Sounds like you are doing good but the more know know will only make it that much better.......and drive you that much more crazy. Welcome to reloading hahahahaha

 

[Tom Erickson]

I'm gonna say no to bullet weighing, especially if you are shooting under 1 moa at 400. Are your groups stringing horizontally, vertically, little of both? Was there any wind? What rifle are you using? What kind of position and support...lots of questions and potential ways to improve. But if you are using a factory rifle and some un-tweeked loads then I'd say you're doing pretty good for your first time at that range.

There kind of spread around
I'm shooting a Cooper rifle with a proof research barrel 28 nosler 1in8 twist

 

[Bravo 4]

How's it do at closer ranges? Got any pictures of the groups? How were you shooting and whatcha using for rests?
There are a lot of questions I could ask.

 

[lancetkenyon]

There kind of spread around
I'm shooting a Cooper rifle with a proof research barrel 28 nosler 1in8 twist

There is no way you are shooting a 28 Nosler with 50gr bullets....(I think you forgot the "1")

 

[Bravo 4]

My take was this: He mentioned 150, then I think left off the "1" to just show variance.

 

[Tom Erickson]

How's it do at closer ranges? Got any pictures of the groups? How were you shooting and whatcha using for rests?
There are a lot of questions I could ask.

I was using my bipod attached to the rifle. 100 yeards nice groups . Started shooting at a place closer to home that has a 4" gong was hitting it every time at 200 yards. The place i was last weekend opened up for sight in days for none members and can shoot out to 400 yards.
Just got done weighing out 4 boxes of bullets the majority was 150.4 to 150.6 I'm going to load up another 50 rounds for this weekend. Just getting excited heading to North Dakota for mule deer in November its only a doe tag but its my first chance to use my new gun.

 

[Tom Erickson]

There is no way you are shooting a 28 Nosler with 50gr bullets....

Sorry 150

 

[lancetkenyon]

I was thinking.....5500fps? Shouldn't have to worry about drops at 400...

 

[bdyal1972]

Personally

I weigh bullets, brass AND powder to .1 grain

I make groups of the tightest bullets and brass in 1 pile

Everything else another pile

First pile is long range and hunting

Second pile is plinking

Full size full length resizing until i know the rifle and load works, verify nech length and diameter ARE PERFECT AFTER RESIZING AND AFTER LOADING ON EVERY ROUND, MAKE SURE NECKS ARE PERFECT AND TRIM AND TURN AS NECESSARY,, make positive OAL is correct and within .001, make sure each round chambers, verify CONCENTRICITY with each round

I am anal about bullet jump to .0001"

I AM ALSO ANAL ABOUT A PERECT MUZZLE AND 2 IF NOT 3 DIFFERENT HARD GLASS BEDDED RECOIL LIGS AND 1/16TH INCH CLEARANCE AROUND THE BARREL FULL LENGTH MINIMUM

I also locktight EVERY bolt,screw, nut....

I am an oddball I know.

But it works for me....

Just like painting....

Its all in the prep.

 

[30BR]

3.5" at 400?
If you feel the need, just weigh them all and then just break them down into 2 groups; lighter and heavier. 50/50. Don't out trick yourself. You're doing fine. Spend the extra time behind the trigger reading wind.

 

[vancewalker007]

I'm new to reloading started around March. Last weekend was the first time I was able to shoot out to 400 yards . My powder scale is +/- .1 the bullets I'm shooting are 150 barns ttsx . The bullets weigh from 49.9 to 50 . 9 majority are in the 50.5 ,50.6 my question is should I be weighing my bullets never have before. But I noticed at 400 yards I could use some improvements . Was shooting abought 3.5 groups . For hunting do you weigh you bullets if so what Tolerance do you hold . I did order a new scale that is +/- .04 are there other things I should be looking at
Thank you
Tom Erickson

You're sub MOA with a mono bullet that wasn't built to be a long range bullet anyway, and you are well under 1 minute of deer at 400 yards. If you are looking to operate in the 500-1000 yard area you'll be better served with a more ballistically capable bullet. If 99% of your shots on game are less than 500 yards I'd just keep loading like you are and keep practicing.

 

[Doublezranch]

Just getting excited heading to North Dakota for mule deer in November

Trust me when I say this....you will have absolutely no trouble finding a mule deer doe in ND this year. There's a bumper crop.