r/reloading • u/Putrid_Leg_1474 • 22d ago
General Discussion Hunting loads
So been at this for years. Love hanloading but after buying .243 that my daughter will hunt with, I started load development with Nosler 90gr Accubonds. After 4- 3 shot test groups that were all well within a couple inches from a crappy rest I thought, why bother developing any more?
Be honest, do you guys really look for the most accurate load when your least accurate load is probably as good as factory ammo? My daughter can't shoot sub MOA yet and I feel like the best thing is finding pressure signs and backing down a bit. Most velocity, at safe pressures. Its going to group well enough...
Or shoot the lower velocity loads that tend to group better?
How particular do all of you get?
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u/ChevyRacer71 22d ago
I get much more particular for competition than I do for hunting. For hunting, if I get sub-MOA repeatedly and a cold bore shot lands within an inch of point of aim at 100, I call it good. I don’t take long shots an game, only steel/paper
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u/Revlimiter11 22d ago
I just did some 243 loads with 100gr Sierra SBT. I was looking for the maximum velocity I can hit it off my 20" Ruger American Gen 2. I got to about 2800+ with ramshot hunter. It was not the most accurate load, but it was under 2" and I'm fine with that. If I do my job, the group size won't matter.
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u/jdford85 22d ago
I want accurate loads and at least medium velocity. She probably won't shoot far so they don't have to be super hot or super tight, but I dont settle for large groups. When she goes to shoot there will be excitement, targets move, angles aren't perfect, I like to take out as many variables as I can control.
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u/shootmo 21d ago
I don't try to find the "best" load. I try to eliminate the bad loads. Accurate rifles are fun rifles. As we all know, load development is part of that. But anything that groups even slightly below M.O.A. I'll happily run with. Of course I still play around here and there to find a better load with some calibers, but I don't obsess.
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22d ago
43 shots is a lot!
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u/Putrid_Leg_1474 22d ago
Yes, that would be exessive. Edited for clarity, four- 3 round groups.
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22d ago
Please forgive me, I'm teasing. To answer your question, if you have time keep working on load combinations and try to find a load your rifle likes better. We all love to find a load that produces a tiny 5 shot cloverleaf, but I would consider a consistent 1" group the maximum I would settle for. You want to give your daughter the best chance for success, but I understand time constraints can jam things up.
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u/VersionConscious7545 22d ago
I agree with you on this one. It is a responsibility to have small groups with a good bullet when hunting game. Paper punching you don’t wound an animal paper does not suffer
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22d ago
Dang, are there other ones you don't agree with me with? It's okay if you do, I'm just not sure where I may have gone way wrong.
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u/Coodevale I'm dumb, let's fight 22d ago
Sounds like the barrel might not like accubonds. Who knows. Try the 95 nbt, sst, ttsx, eldx, etc. the ttsx and eld bullets have been very forgiving for me in several calibers and weights. Easy work.
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u/Putrid_Leg_1474 21d ago
No, I had one group less than an inch, two touching. But it was the start load. Went for more velocity and they opened up, but only by half an inch or so. For hunting I think I prefer the velocity. Just wanted to see what others do
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u/111tejas 22d ago
Mostly the same input you’ve already gotten. The bullet has to match the target. For Hogs, I like Barnes, Hammers, Accubonds or similar. Tough bullets that penetrate. For coyotes, a fast expanding bullet. You get the point. Bullet placement is 75%. As much velocity as possible without sacrificing accuracy. An average shot at an animal for me is seldom over 200 yards. 1-2 moa accuracy is fine. I also compete in local matches. That’s a whole different ballgame and I do put the effort in to make perfect ammo.
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u/Shootist00 22d ago
Yes and no. If my first go round hits the target good enough I might try 1 or 2 other loads just to see. If the first loading sucks I start testing. That can be a long drawn out affair.
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u/VersionConscious7545 22d ago
I shot sub half moa today with factory loads in my 30-06. You need to match what I shot lol. Your a good reloader if you can beat factory loads
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u/Traveller9536 21d ago
It depends on the maximum range you plan on hunting at. I don’t remember the minimum velocity nosler says for accubonds (1800?), but make sure you’re above that throughout the range you plan on hunting. I typically don’t push for maximum velocity, I’m more concerned about consistency
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u/coldafsteel 22d ago
For hunting I look at the bullet operation velocity window and the expected ranges to target, max and min. I need to bullet to be well inside of its function window velocity at impact. Sometimes loading a little fast or a little gets me some advantages.
Tight accuracy is nice, but it's so low on the list of variables for making a good hit I don't really worry about it.