Next step help

[sedancowboy]

No I always do powder testing first just as you did. But with the target you shared I would pick the 83.3 and do a seating depth test. I might fine tune both later If the seating depth test did not improve the load or I might move on. I am just saying don't micro manage a case that large. Your gun shows a lot of promise because it is consistent. I think you are going to be pleasantly surprised at the results of a seating depth test..

 

[ShtrRdy]

Yeah I adjusted the scope because I was concerned when I shot the lower targets I wasn't going to be on the paper I know that's not a good idea should have just set up more paper. What am I looking for with the point of impact on those two? Just the fact that they are similar?

Yes, it shows some consistancy in a possible load.

I don't think it's necessary to be measuring velocity when doing an Optimal Charge Weight sort of test but it can add some confirmation to what you're seeing.

 

[spladi]

Hey guys I'm pretty new to reloading and am trying to work up a load for my new 30 nosler. I loaded up 5 different charges with retumbo and a 210 berger vld and a cci 250. I shot today and got decent results but I don't really know where to go next? When do I start playing with seating depth? Changing primers? When should I be satisfied with my results? I'll post my target up so you can see and hopefully some of you guys can give me some pointers as to where to go next. I feel like this gun should shoot really well if I do my part it's a defiance action 26" proof ag composite stock built by a very good smith. So just looking for some advice and guidance as to where I should go next in my reloading process to be as efficient as possible.
Thanks in advance.View attachment 384235

You are at a compressed load situation at 82.3 but just slightly. I would not add any powder now but work with seating depths and FGMMM primers if you have any.

 

[Tree Farmer]

I do things backward. I start a seating depth test with a mid range load. This has shown me a definite preference for jump with that particular bullet. Then I move up in increments (.5 grain in your case). My thinking is the change in group size with the change in powder charge is more meaningful when you start closer to the rifle's preferred jump.

 

[swampbug]

IMHO, I would use the 82.3 and try adjusting your seating depth. Since you are using VLD's, start at
.005 off, then just touching, then .005 jam. Check for increasing pressure signs at each depth. Hopefully the touch or jam will tighten the group up.
If you get a tighter group, I would stick at the 82.3. I find lower loads/nodes are better to stick with than higher loads when starting out. Get your seating depth dialed in to verify pressure and group, get 50 more rounds down the tube for the barrel to settle down, and check your velocity to see if you have a consistent load.

 

[fnlights]

I agree that you should test a few more powder charges and look to see where your vertical point of impacts level off. If you have not done so already, I recommend watching @FURMAN's video on performing an OCW test (https://www.longrangeonly.com/forum...-weight-ocw-load-work-up-by-ryan-furman.8183/). He is an expert with the 30 Nosler, so he would be a good one to reach out to.

 

[JD250]

We'll shoot since I've already loaded these I'm going to have to shoot them because I have no way to pull them but would it be beneficial to change seating depth on them even though they are different charge weights? Or is it better to change seating depth with one single charge?

 

[fnlights]

We'll shoot since I've already loaded these I'm going to have to shoot them because I have no way to pull them but would it be beneficial to change seating depth on them even though they are different charge weights? Or is it better to change seating depth with one single charge?

Definitely perform seating depth at one single charge. If you change more than one factor then you will not know what caused the change.

 

[ShtrRdy]

We'll shoot since I've already loaded these I'm going to have to shoot them because I have no way to pull them but would it be beneficial to change seating depth on them even though they are different charge weights? Or is it better to change seating depth with one single charge?

Do one change at a time. Go ahead and carefully shoot those.

Then we'll pick a charge weight to do seating depth testing.

 

[JD250]

Do one change at a time. Go ahead and carefully shoot those.

Then we'll pick a charge weight to do seating depth testing.

Ok I just got back from shooting and I kept track of each shot and numbered them on the target below. It shows real promise in the higher charges I think but I get one flier which could be me or??

 

[JD250]

I should add I shoot a three shot group in about 3-4 minutes then waif 15 minutes before shooting the next group… is that long enough or should I be completely letting the rifle cool down between groups?

 

[spladi]

Ok I just got back from shooting and I kept track of each shot and numbered them on the target below. It shows real promise in the higher charges I think but I get one flier which could be me or??View attachment 384426

 

[spladi]

I have seen this many times and lately switched powders to faster to get rid of it.

 

[birddog 68]

Since you are using VLD's, start at
.005 off, then just touching, then .005 jam. Check for increasing pressure signs at each depth. Hopefully the touch or jam will tighten the group up.

I wouldn't recommend this for a new reloader and he didn't state if this is a hunting rifle. If it's a hunting rifle I prefer to start .015 off as Berger recommends for hunting rifles. Start at .015 and move back in .025 increments as sedancowboy recommends. Berger has recommendations about seating on the website.
The 83.3 load looks consistent and I would work with seating from there. Just my .02 worth of free advice.