I have a brand new T/C Omega X7 with a Leupold 1x4x20 scope. Starting from the begining, how should I properly "work up a load"?Should I laser bore sight then try shooting the standard 100 gr of triple 7 or is there a better way? I havedeer hunting OCD and am trying to get this right!
There are many opinions on some things, I start after bore sighting at 25 yd to be sure it will be on the paper at 50. At 50 once I have a rough sighting in I try several different bullets and powders and sabots to see what the gun likes. I would consider 100gr of 777 to strong for a starting load,I use 90 gr-777,100 gr RS, 90 gr P,100gr APP
and look at the groups together to decide what powder bullet and sabot is likly to give best results. I realize that a lot of people will try short cuts but I believe that to shoot one hole groups if the gun is capable of it[most are] the first thing you have to due is find a combination that will consistantly give decant groups so you can fine down the amount of grs. Lee
Thanks- I guess what I was wondering is: How do I know whether to adjust the scope or the bullet/charge combo?
This is the thing I had to learn and I learned it from cayugad. Don't chase a perceived group with your scope. Once you have your rifle "group" where you want it. Spend 15,20 loads to make sure it a consistant group. Then dial in the scope.
Being a rookie, I can't tell you how many times I adjusted my scope chasing a 3 or 5 shot group. I wish I would have known this 100 loads earlier. Live and learn.
My optima likes 95-100g of 777 2F loose shooting a 300g xtp or shockwave. My max range is limited to 100 yard shot. Good luck and have fun.
Like Oldrookie said, do not chase a group. Once you get aloadthat makes a good group then you can make your scope adjustments and move that group to the aiming point on the target.
Hi, I can tell you how Im going to sight in my inline. Once I decide on a powder, Im committed to it, for a while at least ,witch will be the triple 7 ffg loose.Dont use those pellets, use the the loose and a powder measure.
As far as bullets go Ill maybe takeseveral diffrent kinds and weights to my trip to the range.Here is theones I have in mind.Im going to try Hornaby 250 grn xlt also the Hornaby 300.And some TS Shockwaves I can get these easily and I think they are good bullets.
Then measure out some charges starting at 70 grns up to 100 grns.As far as shooting over a 100 grains of loose triple 7 thats up to you I dont like that big of a wallop.Get a target setup at 50 yrds and when I get good group and a constant group. Then start moving my sights around. I cant use scopes in my state, well maybe the 1x. I dont want one of those.Then after that try the 75 and 100 yrd targets.
Also welcome to this forum,congrads on the new rifle and good luck!!
There are many opinions on some things, I start after bore sighting at 25 yd to be sure it will be on the paper at 50. At 50 once I have a rough sighting in I try several different bullets and powders and sabots to see what the gun likes. I would consider 100gr of 777 to strong for a starting load,I use 90 gr-777,100 gr RS, 90 gr P,100gr APP
and look at the groups together to decide what powder bullet and sabot is likly to give best results. I realize that a lot of people will try short cuts but I believe that to shoot one hole groups if the gun is capable of it[most are] the first thing you have to due is find a combination that will consistantly give decant groups so you can fine down the amount of grs. Lee
Yep, agree with Lee, start at 25 get windage there dead on. Then to 50 get elevation dead on. Then go to 100 and get basic grouping. I have shot about 9 different bullets in my gun, they all hit the target, but some group a bit higher or to the left a tad, when I get ready to hunt I will dial up 3" high at 100 yards and basically your shooting thru a 6" pipe from 0 out to about 150 to 175 yards with most ML bullets, except the high BC bullets like SW or Barnes TMZ in which case your good to 200 yards with a 110g of loose 777. chap
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Chapman Gleason
Purcellville Va
http://www.the-gleasons.com
Start with one powder and one style of bullet. Get your rough zero. Once you have a roughzero, start playing with the load by changing your powder volume. Find which load shoots the best tightest group. Now get your zero over the bull where you want it. If the bullet you chose to start with is your bullet of choice for hunting, you're all set.
IMHO, shooting MOA is great on paper,but in reality, if you shoot 4 inch groups at 100 yds anything under 100 is dead. That is what I call hunting MOA.
But then again if you stop there it would be no fun. So, now you can start all over with a differentbullet.In search of the "Perfect" load.
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Work is the evil one must endure for life's pleasure's.
Start with one powder and one style of bullet. Get your rough zero. Once you have a roughzero, start playing with the load by changing your powder volume. Find which load shoots the best tightest group. Now get your zero over the bull where you want it. If the bullet you chose to start with is your bullet of choice for hunting, you're all set.
IMHO, shooting MOA is great on paper,but in reality, if you shoot 4 inch groups at 100 yds anything under 100 is dead. That is what I call hunting MOA.
But then again if you stop there it would be no fun. So, now you can start all over with a differentbullet.In search of the "Perfect" load.
ah yes....the perfect load. I'll be broke but a smile on my face.
If you are going to shoot loose powder, start with 90 grains of powder 2f and a 250 grain shockwave. Shoot at 13 or 25 yards and shoot for group only. With a 1X scope I would start out at 13 yards. It should stack your shots if that is the right load. Be sure and swab the barrel between shots. If they are not clustered really tight, bump the powder charge to 100 and shoot all over again. You might even need to go to 110 grains. If your shooting pellets, then 100 grains of pellets and shoot for groups. Once you find the tight group at 13 yards. Adjust the scope to the center of that group.
Now back up to 25 yards and shoot. I think you will find it stacks all the hits at the very top of the bulls eye.
At 50 yards the hits should be 1-1/2 to 2 inches high. Remember, you have a disadvantage with a 1X scope so if the group starts to open a little that is all very natural.
At 100 yard the shots should be in or just under the bulls eye. You be the judge of where you want your distance set for the kind of shots you will encounter. Actually where I hunt, 50 yards is a very good distance for my scope to be set at, but I normally set them at 75 yards. There is not that much difference for me at 50 or 100 and I will still put them in the kill zone, no matter the distance or what I am chasing.
Remember, take your time, swab between shots, and never chase a group with the scope until you have a tight group that YOU are pleased with. Even then I normally wait for the second or third range trip and see if the first time out was just a lucky day on the range.
The X7 is a beautiful rifle. I am sure it will be a great shooter. Keep us posted.
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"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, a total wreck, screaming Yahoo, with a big smile on your face."
Working up a charge
In search of the "Perfect" load.
