I just started to reload read ever thing I could before I started. I am just reloading for a 25-06 tc encore with a 26" barrel 1 in 10 twist. So far I have 5 difernt loads made up 5 rounds each with 110 grain accubonds used imr 4350 and starting at 46 grn and worked up to 50 grain All have a OAL of 3.170. Is this the normal process to find a good load for a rifle or am I just taking the long way to do this. If anyone has any tips for future load work up please let me know. Thanks

I think most usually suggest .3 grain increments but I usually go .7 steps then find the best one and work around it. This does not always work for me. I just left the range unhappy with every load I took with me.

The main thing is of course safety. Start on the low side and work your way up inspecting each case after firing for signs of pressure.

Let me know how the IMR 4350 works for you. I may be giving some (alot) away and going back to the R19 if I can not find a load I like next time out.

Good Luck

Cannonball -
I am doing something similar with my 7mm-08, working up loads. Below is the link to the thread, I hope it may be helpful. The .3 grain increment rule is truly tedious but considering the work I did to find an appropriate seating depth (reducing seating depth in .01 increments) the process makes sense. Additionally, looking back, I thought I was reasonably educated / experienced in reloading. Going through this process greatly increased my understanding and I feel as though went from novice to at least journeyman in skill.


http://www.texashuntingforum.com/forum/u...oup#Post2753205

1 grain increments is too big of a jump. You could pass some sweet spots between there, but you might get lucky and find one. I go in .3 grain increments, and sometimes .4, if it's a large case size. .3 grains for a 25-06 is about right. .3 grain incremnts is not that tedious if you know where to start. Take the 25-06 with this 110 grain bullet. Max charge will be around 52, maybe 53 grains of IMR 4350. So, work backwards from max, and start at the low charge. I would start something like this: 50.2, 50.5, 50.8, 51.1, 51.4, 51.7, 52.0. Maybe even go up to 53.0 grains, and watch for pressure. Take 4 rounds of each group at first to the range and shoot them for accuracy. 50 grains is right in the middle of the min and max, so chances are it will be a safe load with common components. Watch for sticky bolt lift and shiney spots on the case head for pressure signs. I don't watch the primer, unless it's piercing or excessively flat. Seat the bullet out further than book specs, and this will help reduce pressure, but don't seat to or jam it into the lands.

Thanks for the help guys I'm headed to the range now. I'm just gonna shoot a 3 bullet group of each and hope I get lucky and find a good load. I'm sure ill have a thousand more questions when I get back

Well, how did it go?

it tuned out ok i found 1 group i think i can work with that went under a inch still needs some tuning thanks for the help guys. chad was right 1 grain steps are to big lesson learned.

I generally start with one grain steps. 40gr, 41, 42 and so on.

Once I find the one that works the best say 41 grns and I am still not satisfied I will work in half grain steps say 40.5, 41, 41.5. If I am still not happy, I will start working on the C.O.A.L. using the powder charge that worked the best.

If I am not happy with none of it, I will change powders and start all over.

I shoot 3 shot groups, then clean the barrel, I run a wet patch down the barrel, followed by a couple of dry patches.

The idea is to have the barrel in the same shape everytime you fire a test round. It will also give the barrel time to cool down.

It doesn't matter to me if it takes along time, it is something I enjoy doing.