Reloading - Bullet Weights

golfnolsen · #1 09-09-2016, 10:44 AM

To all the experienced reloaders out there I'm in need of your wisdom.
I measured up my Barnes 180 TSX last night and I grouped their weights so that I could eliminate big variances in my reloads. The question is... Will there be a noticeable difference in point of impact if the weights vary 0.1 grains up or down. (I wouldn't think so, but I had to ask).

I did notice I had some come in at 179.3 up to 180.4. So I ask the same question again... At 1.1 grain difference would that also cause a problem.

(The gun is a SAKO A7 300 WSM. Legend HD 4.5-14x42 scope. PWR Rings. Winchester Nickel Brass. Fed215 Primers. 65.5 Grains of RL-17. Chrony test shows 3150 FPS average. I shoot off a lead sled and try to remember good technique. I understand that the gun will be more accurate than my ability, but the goal is to be as accurate as I can at least once or twice for load development and sighting in my scope. Also I understand in almost all hunting situations it won't matter what I did on paper.)

Thanks in advance for the help. I just want to ease my paranoia.

Pathfinder76 · #2 09-09-2016, 11:32 AM

That weight variance is the least of your worries.

Ebrand · #3 09-09-2016, 11:50 AM

Load them up and shoot them.

Figure out percentage of the variable of 1.1 grains in the bullet. It is less than 1%. Add in the accuracy variable in your scale.

I cannot control. 1 percent variable in temperature/altitude/wind direction/wind speed/figuring exact distance to target/the way I look through a scope. And about 7 other variables with any shot.

These things make the less than 1 percent variation in weight negligible.

For a hunting rifle in outdoor conditions shooting more (practice for you) is way more valuable in improving the quality of one shot than dealing with one percent variation in bullet weight.

I am an Accubond fan. Never got that much difference from Nosler bullets. Never used Barnes so I don't know if that is the norm or if you got a poor batch. Email Barnes. See what they have to say.

Ebrand · #4 09-09-2016, 11:52 AM

Load them up and shoot them.

Figure out percentage of the variable of 1.1 grains in the bullet. It is less than 1%. Add in the accuracy variable in your scale.

I cannot control. 1 percent variable in temperature/altitude/wind direction/wind speed/figuring exact distance to target/the way I look through a scope. And about 7 other variables with any shot.

These things make the less than 1 percent variation in weight negligible.

For a hunting rifle in outdoor conditions shooting more (practice for you) is way more valuable in improving the quality of one shot than dealing with one percent variation in bullet weight.

I am an Accubond fan. Never got that much difference from Nosler bullets. Never used Barnes so I don't know if that is the norm or if you got a poor batch. Email Barnes. See what they have to say.

My Sako rifles shoot way better than I do. Get out and shoot.

golfnolsen · #5 09-09-2016, 01:05 PM

Thanks for the insight. The 1% thing makes a lot of sense. I plan to shoot all of them anyway. There are a few trophy rocks out there that need to be shot at. This just eases my paranoia. I won't worry about it anymore.
Shoot straight people and have a great season. Now to tip over a few for 2016.

densa44 · #6 09-09-2016, 02:27 PM

I don't know if this will help or not. Chuck has it right. This is the least of your worries.

To get better accuracy, what I find helps the most is, not waving the barrel around.

tikka250 · #7 09-09-2016, 03:44 PM

If you want better groups getting rid of the lead sled and shooting off a proper rest/bag will do way more than that tiny variance in bullet weight.

gitrdun · #8 09-09-2016, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tikka250

If you want better groups getting rid of the lead sled and shooting off a proper rest/bag will do way more than that tiny variance in bullet weight.

Absolutely correct. Led sleds are the cause of many cracked stocks behind the recoil lug or/and at the rear action screw.

elkhunter11 · #9 09-09-2016, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gitrdun

Absolutely correct. Led sleds are the cause of many cracked stocks behind the recoil lug or/and at the rear action screw.

Not to mention that they can effect by point of impact, so you need to verify the final sight in with out a leads sled.

gitrdun · #10 09-09-2016, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

Not to mention that they can effect by point of impact, so you need to verify the final sight in with out a leads sled.

I actually have one that I build several years ago. It's pretty heavy on it's own, like 30 lbs. I'd gladly give it away to some guy who wants one.

sns2 · #11 09-09-2016, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by densa44

I don't know if this will help or not. Chuck has it right. This is the least of your worries.

To get better accuracy, what I find helps the most is, not waving the barrel around.

ROFL. Good one

golfnolsen · #12 09-10-2016, 05:50 PM

This might not bet good enough for some, but it's good enough for me. Next weekend opener is coming fast. 4, 1" groups from a cold barrel. Maybe in the future I'll fine tune the powder and seating depth, but not enough time to keep tinkering.

4 times in a row My first 2 shots were almost touching and on dead center. As this is my hunting rifle... If I get to a third shot on an animal I will have more issues than pulling it a bit at 100 yards.

Thanks for the advice fellas.