Reloading Milestone: 1/2 MOA load.

[Kent Goldings]

For about six months now, I've been loading cartridges for my Savage Axis 2 XP 223. For each iteration, I load 45 rounds and shoot 15 3 round strings. I measure each group and compute an overall average. From that I score each load with an average MOA score. I have been pleased to get score that were sub 1 MOA and even 3/4 MOA. But, I've been chasing the illusive 1/2 MOA.

Recently, I acquired some of this Norma TAC FMJ ammo. I was impressed how well a factory load shot in the rifle. I decided to harvest the brass and reload to my own specifications.

I'm currently loading Sierra 60 gr. Varminter HP with 26 gr. Hodgdon H4895.

Today, at the range, I was getting what seemed like good results. After returning home, I ran the numbers and discovered a sub 1/2 average MOA.

I've included the numbers here. I have included every shot, the good, the bad, the ugly.

 

[dsdmmat]

Nice shooting, unfortunately you have contracted the sickness and now you are a carrier. It is called the one hole bug, you never really get over it either. Constantly chasing smaller and smaller group sizes until you spend your life savings and your sanity. Welcome to the club, BTW you can find others with this sickness at the range on weekends, holidays, sometimes even after work just before it gets dark and form a support group.

 

[Kent Goldings]

I'm a terminal case.

BTW, I've been ignoring advice and using a pocket reamer to removing the primer crimp. But, I finally broke down and got a pocket swager. It is a huge improvement.

 

[dsdmmat]

You really need to branch up to 5 shot strings it will prove how good your rifle really is. Then for grins shoot a 10 round string every now and then.

 

[Kent Goldings]

P

You really need to branch up to 5 shot strings it will prove how good your rifle really is. Then for grins shoot a 10 round string every now and then.

People tell me this. I don't want to debate the issue here. But, I think the way we measure group size is fundamentally flawed. I have nothing to base this feeling on other than a familiarity with probability theory.

I'll sometimes shoot longer strings with my 22 for a hoot. But, it is important to me to see where every shot lands. I find that I start stacking impacts if I shoot longer strings.

But, Since I'm not looking at single groups, I can still get a useful measure.

 

[71velle]

I have a similar rifle Savage VT 11 in 223. I have been loading 68 grain hpbt with varget powder with pretty good results so far. I am about to start playing with seating depth, Its been fun. What part of the state are you In?

 

[Kent Goldings]

I have a similar rifle Savage VT 11 in 223. I have been loading 68 grain hpbt with varget powder with pretty good results so far. I am about to start playing with seating depth, Its been fun. What part of the state are you In?

Ulster County.

Here's a photo of the Savage. Things are always better with photos.

 

[squib]

Very nice. Was is the load finding a sweet spot or maybe the shooter?

 

[Kent Goldings]

Very nice. Was is the load finding a sweet spot or maybe the shooter?

I take credit for nothing.

 

[squib]

I take credit for nothing.

String and vice?

 

[71velle]

Ulster County.

Here's a photo of the Savage. Things are always better with photos.

Bummer I was hoping you were closer and we could shoot together. I like the stock!!

 

[Kent Goldings]

String and vice?

Actually, I use a Caldwell lead sled solo. So, it's all down to the breathing and trigger pull. Between the rest and the thumb hole stock, recoil is not a problem. The 100 yard indoor range at Davis removes any wind issues.

 

[Eddie Gunks]

Ulster County.

Nice. I am in tillson. We have a 425 yard range in saigerties if you wanna go sometime.

 

[Kent Goldings]

Nice. I am in tillson. We have a 425 yard range in saigerties if you wanna go sometime.

That is a tempting offer. I live in Lloyd. Davis in Goshen is 45 minutes, Saugerties is only 30.

 

[Eddie Gunks]

Marbletown is close. Far better outside IMO.

 

[Kent Goldings]

I've been thinking about finding a local club. I want to apply for a pistol permit, but I don't know any local people well enough get a reference.

I've lived in Ulster County for nearly 14 years, but I work in the city. I'm apparently antisocial.

 

[MikeGrad]

What range in saugerties is 425? I would make that trip from white plains.

Kent, I had the same issue. Worked in the city and don't know any locals. But i used references from the city, Long Island, and Pensacola Florida and still got my license.

 

[Acer-m14]

WTH thats a thumb hole AW rifle here in NY hehehehe ... nice shooting ..

Ive been looking at some boyd stocks for my 270 savage bolt axis , I'm using IMR4350 Sierra gamekings 130gr ..

my other savage .223 is old .. model 11 .. Stevens trigger blc2 55gr fmj hornady ..

100 yrds ...



butt stock full of bondo and forearm full of lead shot epoxyied in .. thing is a heavy tank

 

[Kent Goldings]

Yep, thumbhole on a bolt gun, totally evil.

 

[JamieZ]

Yep, thumbhole on a bolt gun, totally evil.

Your stock, which looks like a pepper Boyds thumbhole is very, very perty. I have a nutmeg version on my 17HMR but think I'm going to have to glass bed it. Accuracy changed when I installed it.

As far as accuracy with your rifle, what twist is the barrel? I'm gonna guess around 8 being that you are having good luck with the 60gr.

I have an 8 twist 223 and got the best accuracy from 60gr Vmax on top of varget but for some stupid reason I loaded up a shit ton of 55gr Hornady SP,,,,probably because they were cheap. Loaded up a 1000 rnds and have an extra 1000 rnd box of bullets that I'm probably going to sell. Don't get pinpoint accuracy with these

Of course now I have a 204 too...Which is seriously accurate with 32gr Hornady manufactured vmax. Now I'm trying to reload for it and picked a 32gr bullet with a boat tail,,,loading on top of imr 8208

 

[Kent Goldings]

The twist is 1:9. The accuracy drops off Greater that 65. But anything between 40-60 gr. seems okay.

 

[JamieZ]

Well your rifle should shoot the 55's good too. If for whatever reason you want some bulk ammo,,,just ask. Hornady 55gr SP flat base. 1000 bullets for 75 bucks including shipping. Think I paid 89 bucks plus shipping.

Hornady Bullets 22 Cal (224 Diameter) 55 Grain Spire Point Cannelure

Cant remember if mine have the cannelure,,,I'll know later tonight when I get home

 

[71velle]

The twist is 1:9. The accuracy drops off Greater that 65. But anything between 40-60 gr. seems okay.

Im doing OK with 68 grain bullets in my 1:9 twist, Im new to the bench rifle shooting and reloading. Yet to play with seating depth and my technique is not perfect.

 

[Kent Goldings]

Im doing OK with 68 grain bullets in my 1:9 twist, Im new to the bench rifle shooting and reloading. Yet to play with seating depth and my technique is not perfect.

Those Hornady HPBTs didn't group so well in my rifle.