Thread: Trying something, Eric Cortina method of load development

Originally Posted by dannyb

You raise a valid point, I should be very clear I am no Olympic marksman this is true, but I can shoot and at 100 yards I'm confident in knowing if I have pulled a shot or not.
Your also correct 3 round groups mean zip in bench rest, however I don't shoot F class or PRS or any of that, I am just using Cortina's methods to develop a load for my hunting rifle.
If my hunting rifle shoots consistent speed and tight 3 shot groups that's plenty good enough for me.
I'm sharing my experience because the way it is explained just makes sense to me and if I can use some of his methods for developing my hunting loads and his explanations help me understand whats going on and what relationship the changes I make are showing in my groups then surely this is a good thing.

Your also right there is nothing wrong with a sammi spec load that shoots well in your rifle and if you have that great
I load all my own ammo so this opens up opportunities to improve or gain better accuracy so why not have a crack at it.
Plus I enjoy the challenge, I'm not out to prove anything or make massive claims, all my loads thus far for my rifles are sub moa some considerably even with 5 shot groups but you know what ? The deer don't seem to care much if I hit them an inch high or low or whatever so whilst this might seem a little OCD it's really just me playing and having a bit of fun so I won't loose too much sleep over it all.
Hopefully I'm learning too

You have a good perspective on this Danny, really good to see.

I hear far too many people saying 'close enough' or 'it's minute of deer' which is piss poor when you're taking an animals life.

I think the most important thing you are doing is minimising one variable that you have a high level of control over. Goodness knows in a hunting situation there are so many things to get sorted to get an animal on the ground with minimal suffering. Spending time getting to know your rifle well and having confidence that you can put the right bullet in the right spot is commendable.