Thread: .243 load development part deux

Originally Posted by Zedrex

I get where you're coming from but tbf I think you're getting a bit carried away, I can hit a 6" gong close to centre all day long with this rifle and one shot kills on deer out to 300m so I don't think the scopes an issue nor is hunting accuracy BUT the limited data I have so far has raised questions, which I hope to answer by going through the process. Boretech noted, I'll grab some and give it a go.
I've got my preferred projectile so UNTIL it's proven bad there's no reason to go off on a tangent with different projectiles is there, tbh it feels like you're throwing "possible solutions at "possible issue's" on what we all agree isn't a big enough sample size but all will become clear tomorrow, weather permitting

This thread has certainly been a journey, it’s been over 10 years since I have been more confident in my own loads than factory, but I still learned a lot reading through all of this.

Regarding what is quoted above, I agree, I think the best most productive thing you can do is shoot a bit more and get some more data.
But in agreeance with MD, I would suggest if you can’t establish a reasonable benchmark with factory, you should check your setup and technique.
If your rifle/operator is grouping wide, then trying to QC loads with it, is like trying to measure mm with a ruler that only goes as low as cm. At a cost of ~$15 per measurement.

At the very least it would be prudent to give the barrel a good clean with solvent. Remove the bipod from the equation as it is a variable, and get yourself in a position where you can remain in a consistent position behind the rifle.

If you cant personally get a satisfactory five shot group with the factory, have a friend try it. If they also cannot do it, then you are probably better to call it a day on the range and look at the rifle more closely.

The other option, and I suspect it may be your preffered option would be to shoot ten with the 42gr load. If it’s decent, adjust zero according to POI, and shoot another three-five to confirm.
Just be ready to call it a day early, in the event that the previous success is not repeatable.