Reloads vs. Factory Ammo - Follow Up?

Question

OK - First I want to say I appreciate all the feedback I've received on this question. Second, I want to apologize to anyone I've offended with what I had to say. I didn't have enough space to write everything I wanted, including knowing about barrel harmonics, differences in velocity, bullet weights and designs, etc. I've studied all this for years, trying to be the mad scientist making the perfect load, screaming with joy when I find it. Then I get an answer like the one I reacted to, and it just set me off, like he looked it up on Wikipedia or read it on the back of an Airsoft Box. So, I'm sorry....
Now, I'm still confused. I've floated my barrel. I've always accepted that different ammo reacts differently. Cheek-weld is the same. Squeezing the trigger the same. Breathing out half-way and fire. Etc. I guess I have to accept that I don't like that ammo and need to get reloading today so I won't encounter that again.

Answer 1

It could be worse Brian. You could be trying to make a Ruger M-77 MkII All-Weather Stainless shoot good groups.

I had one in .300 WinMag that would make a preacher cuss. I tried every bullet weight from 100 grains to 220 grains, and about 8 different powders. I never was able to get that rifle to put two bullets near each other. First shot from a cold barrel was OK, but there was no telling where the next shot would go, anywhere form half an inch away to 3" or 4", and it could move anywhere laterally or vertically.

It is not someone else's headache. I should have saved that Leupold scope though.

Doc

Answer 2

My sympathies are with you. If you have the same familiarity with Murphy's Law that I do (and I've occasionally thought of changing my name to Murphy) you'll go back to your pet load and it'll spread a four-inch group. Or they'll discontinue the bullet you've been using. We've all been there.
I have a 7 Mauser that got 5/8" groups from 175 Parititions and H450, and 7/8" groups 2" higher at 100 with Hornady 139's and 4064, so naturally Hodgdon discontinued the 450.
That left-right shift is a puzzler, though, and I've often wondered if it wouldn't be better to have the action blueprinted.

Answer 3

Some rifles just do not shoot some ammo well.

That ammo may work great in another rifle of the exact same brand and barrel.

You need to zero your scope whenever you change distance or ammo.

Good luck and don't get frustrated, this is not an exact science.

Answer 4

Sorry if my answer upset you. I'm just as confused about the phenomena as you are. I have a friend that claims those off center changes are the result of differences in recoil--but I'm not sure I buy it. I just keep plugging along using loads that work and being frustrated by the ones that don't work like they should. Good luck in your quest for that perfect load.

Answer 5

There is NO need to apologise..Your reaction was reasonable under the circumstances..There are far too many people here on Answers that pray to the Wikipedia "God", but you must realize they do this because they lack any personal hands on experience or knowledge with the question subject matter. This isn't your fault.Period

You are wise to accept your circumstances with your ammunition problem, but that is hardly justification for giving up completely. Accept the challenge and defeat it! You are capable, if you give yourself the time and patience to keep trying......Geezzz I'm sounding like a Cheerleader here, but I am serious.Good Luck!

Answer 6

I no that different rounds will shoot different with each gun. reloads can be better but most factor rounds will do the job. i dont no what kind of group your shooting but if you fire to many rounds close togather your barrel will heat up changeing how it shoots try letting your barrel cool a few min between rounds an you will see a differents in the shooting. target shooters let there barrels cool down between shots. an thats not from no book its from real life shooting.

Answer 7

once you 0 a rifle, you adjust the standards of interest to get the middle of the gang to compare your aiming factor. The ammo continues to be a variable. adjustments in top, recommend alterations in muzzle velocity. Use the ammo that usually provides the smallest communities. confirm to word the wind course. The excessive and suitable or low and left version would properly be led to via canting the rifle. this is, tilting it somewhat. this may be customary for a suitable-exceeded shooter. additionally, confirm the barrel is wisely bedded. greater muzzle velocities and alterations in powder burn costs can impression the barrel's reaction.

Answer 8

I have the same sort of problem with a SMLE i have reloads vs factory the factory load shoot about 9" left and about 12" high of where my reloads shoot
it is kinda like "how many licks does it take to get to the center of tootsie roll tootsie pop? The world may never know"