I been trying loads for my new Browning ABolt 30-06 to get ready for hunting season. Today I shot 168grains Barnes Triple Shock loaded with IMR 4831 @ 58 grains for 5 shots and 59grains for 3 shots. The first 4 shots hit in a cluster on target at about 7 oclock and I moved scope. Next shot hit red bullseye. That was the 5 shells loaded at 58 grains. I shot the last 3 shots that was same loading except loaded at 59 grains. First shot hit in the cluster at 7 oclock and the next two at 59 grains hit the bullseye cutting holes with the last 58 grain bullseye shot. Now, stupid as may sound, which should I load for this guns best load? 58grains or 59grains. Is it possible that one grain will not make a difference in this load? Here is a pic of target for you to see. Either way, I have definately found the combination I need.
I'm just a beginner, but have read a lot, and would be happy with either one... if you reload enough then you get about 2 more loaded round with the 58g load. If it was me I'd load up with 58.5gr and allow for small variations in temp... seems like both are pretty much to the same POI, so that is what some people would call the Optimal Charge Weight for your bullet combination.
If it were me, I'd probably go with the 59 gr. load BUT!!! I wanna know that these groups are repeatable. You say you pretty well found your powder since you got 2 good groups with a 1 gr. difference in charge. How do you KNOW it's the most accurate? The loading should be repeatable before it's decided on. I'd try duplicating both loads at least 1 more time for each before I settled on a powder charge but that's me. I'm a stickler for repeatability coupled with accuracy. For example, the Kimber Montana I had gave me fits with consistancy. One time, I shot a 5 shot group where I got 1 ragged hole. I had all of the load data including length to the ogive. That rifle would NEVER, EVER come close to repeating that group a second time. I finally sent it down the road and have since replaced it with a rifle that seems to be made the way it should be - consistant accuracy. Just points to ponder. Bear in Fairbanks
Last edited by Bear_in_Fairbanks; 11/12/10.
"Unless you're the lead dog, the scenery never changes." Amazingly, I've lived long enough to see a President who is worse than Carter. And finally, Gun control means using two hands.
I'm with Bear, you got a little more work to do... I never settle on a load unless it proves itself several times and always work around the best to see if I can get better... If you can find a .3 to .5 grain spread where the accuracy is almost the same you've found the magic that's hard to beat..
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