Potential of a Load
Sept 5, 2022 8:46:20 GMT -5
Post by ET on Sept 5, 2022 8:46:20 GMT -5
I find it interesting and fun to explore trying a bullet I haven’t really worked with. But one limiting factor for me is bullet weight and level of recoil as this aging body has become more recoil sensitive. If I try to shoot what I call a real thumping load I can feel my body saying “You’re going to pay for that”, chuckle.
Next, I usually look at the BC and run some velocities through a ballistic chart to see what kind of bullet drop to expect. Also, the ballistic chart reveals the ft/lb. energy at different yardages.
The next step is range time to see how that bullet groups. Here I try to shoot at different temps to see how well the load will respond. So, one good outing doesn’t work for me. You may be on the sweet spot at one temp but not another.
The next consideration is bullet response say does it shrapnel or borough through? Here I don’t totally rely on my own limited experience on the hair test. I take into consideration what others share from posting of their field experience. I don’t want to experience any unwanted surprises in the field.
Now if you’re cost conscientious and feel reliable with your shooting abilities a 2-shot group will tell you what you need to know about adjusting your load. But a final 3-shot group will tell the story and sometimes a 4th shot if you feel you mucked-up a shot. Works for me.
This is not set in stone but one perspective of an SML shooter. Now if you’re ready for the field its’ time to make sure knives are sharp, just in case, chuckle.
Next, I usually look at the BC and run some velocities through a ballistic chart to see what kind of bullet drop to expect. Also, the ballistic chart reveals the ft/lb. energy at different yardages.
The next step is range time to see how that bullet groups. Here I try to shoot at different temps to see how well the load will respond. So, one good outing doesn’t work for me. You may be on the sweet spot at one temp but not another.
The next consideration is bullet response say does it shrapnel or borough through? Here I don’t totally rely on my own limited experience on the hair test. I take into consideration what others share from posting of their field experience. I don’t want to experience any unwanted surprises in the field.
Now if you’re cost conscientious and feel reliable with your shooting abilities a 2-shot group will tell you what you need to know about adjusting your load. But a final 3-shot group will tell the story and sometimes a 4th shot if you feel you mucked-up a shot. Works for me.
This is not set in stone but one perspective of an SML shooter. Now if you’re ready for the field its’ time to make sure knives are sharp, just in case, chuckle.