Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Bullet choice for testing a rifles capabilities

Let's try this a different way.

Assume that you have a rifle that you don't have any idea whether it will shoot accurately, or consistently (could be any rifle you've never worked with in theory), but it has been bedded, crown trued, and generally examined

What brand/type of bullet would you lay your sheckles down on?

"What brand/type of bullet would you lay your sheckles down on?"

Sierra.
Paul B.

Hornady SP and Nosler BT.If it doesn't shoot one of these,it probably won't shoot others too well either.

Sierra BTHP or Nosler BT

I'd be looking at the stock,it's bedding,trigger,base(s),rings,crown,trigger,fastener torque values,brass,primers,powders,dies and their set up...all before boolits.

Just for giggles, let's assume that has all been checked.

Now the original question...

Sierra Pro Hunter. If it doesn't shoot them, somethings wrong with the rifle.

SPH's? Nawww.

AMAX?

Would depend upon chambering,twist and COAL latitude.

But..."yes".

Scenars, all things beinbg equal

WildifagunwontshootaproperlyloadedscenaritjustwontshootAlaska ��2002-2011

Dummy,please cite your .257" Scenar "findings". Wow!

Beat me to it.

Assuming that it's been given a clean bill of health and that it's intented use is a hunting rifle, shot by average Joe, at reasonable distances ...

I'd ask for recommendations for a proven accurate hunting load (powder, bullet, primer, brass) and not just the bullet with the greatest accuracy potential. There's no need to develop a target load if the ultimate goal is to hunt with it.

First, try what you've previously shot to see if there's been an improvement after having it worked on. This will tell you more than just starting from scratch. You didn't mention if it was factory ammo or handloads. Since the rifle is questionable, factory ammo should tell you if it has potential or if it's a turd and with a minimum of effort and expense.

Doesn't matter if it doesn't shoot the bullets for the game you planned on using it for in the first place. Try what you WANT to use first. If that doesn't work, buy the least expensive bullets you know will do the job at hand and see how they shoot. IF that fails...try something else

Nosler BT's.
I wont use them for big game but when I'm in doubt about a rifle, I'll try some BT's as the last resort.

Hands down, Sierra Match Kings. Would not hunt with them. I use Hornady Inter Locks for hunting.

Good advice. I'm going to add one more thing though. Call it a slightly different approach.

I would be inclined to try a different bullet weight before selecting a different brand after a couple of tries.

Sound good?

AMX or MK.

Had a very well known smith tell me once that some bores don't like hard or thick jacket bullets, but do quite well with thin jacket pills.

Cast