I had a great range trip yesterday with some test loads. Now I have some projects to work on. I took my 30-06, 8x57, 6.5-284, 45-70 (bolt action Lee Enfield), 308 (AR10), and 223 ( Rem 700 1-12” twist).

30-06: was testing seating depths with Sierra 180gr pro hunters and RL22. Ive got it shooting sub MOA now.

8x57: this rifle has always liked heavier bullets better, but I was testing 150gr Hornady spire points and IMR4064. Best group was 1.2”, so I’m going to work on it a little more.

6.5-284: I haven’t messed with this rifle in years. I’m trying to breathe new life into it with 140gr Speer Gold Dots. I haven’t had much luck we these bullets in this rifle, but have successfully found a good starting point with either RL19 or RL22.

45-70 SMLE: best group out of this rifle with the 300gr Nosler ballistic tips has been 2.5” with IMR3031. The same held true yesterday. I’m going to start messing with seating depths and see if that helps any.

308 (AR10): I’ve got a good load with 165gr SST’s and RL15, but now am trying to work up a load with 168gr Speer Gold Dots and TAC powder. This was the second time out with this combination and still no progress. I’m going to try no crimp and different seating depths next time.

223: 55gr Speer Gold Dots and RL12. Last time out I had some good 3 shot groups, so I took the best 3 and loaded up 5 of each. Best group was .7”, I’m happy with that. Not as accurate as my bulk 55gr Hornady BTSP load with AA2200, but plenty accurate enough for killing critters.

That was my exciting range trip, now I need to get back to the bench. My reloading time is dwindling away with the kids back in school and football season in full swing, but I’ll make it happen.


JTD