Just wanted to take a minute and vent about my frustrations! Since I have gotten into reloading (about 2 1/2 years ago) I have had ups and downs. Several guns I reload for I have found that "sweet" load within 2-3 visits to the range. My 300 Rum was a one trip wonder (thanks Bigcountry) and my father's .270 was a 2 tripper. But then there is my 25-06 Ruger M77 24" barrel, Timney trigger. This was actually the first gun I ever reloaded for, I have since found and locked down loads for 9 other guns, but this one is killing me. I have tried 4 types of bullets, 5 powders, and a variety of seating depths to no avail. The frustrating thing isI can go buy a box of Win Ballistic Silvertips and the thing shoots 1-1.25" all day long! I was sitting at my bench tonite and almost histerically laughing at the pile oftwice fired testing brass I have accumulated throughout this process. So I thought Id post a picture and show some of the beginners that reloading can be a great experience, but it can also make you want to pull your hair out. I think my next thing Im gonna try is switching primers, I was currently using Win Lg rifle primers, but may switch to the Federal 210's. Oh well, just had to share some of my misery.
*these two pictures are 120 empty nickel casings....so do the math 120x2= alot of 3 shot groups that didnt work.
Don't get frustrated anymore. I didn't have the problems you have had, but I have known a difference in different maufacturers. I personally stick with Federal primers, and either Hornandy bullets or Nosler bullets. Never had a problem with any thing those companies have put out. Powder, on the other hand. Different story. I only went through 2 powder changes in my rifle reloads, but I did my homework and math. Just have fun when you reload......good luck
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mossy, I had the same trouble with my Browning Micro Hunter 7-08 about a year ago. I tried and tried - changing powders, charges, bullets, primers. I got one load that was mediocure at best, about 2" I always used CCI primers and still do for most of my reloading but for this bullet/powder combo I switched to Rem 9 1/2 magnum primers and cut about 1/2" off my group size. Now I was down to about 1 1/2". Still not satisfied I took the little Browning to my gunsmith and had him rebed the action (This was a new rifle). He had my rifle for about a month and charged me $25. It was the best money I ever spent. It will consistantly keep 5 rounds at 1" or less if I do my part and is a joy to carry all day long.
It can be frustrating at times but that's the fun of it. Trying to find that magical recipe.
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I think I would start looking at issues with the rifle itself. Sometimes a finicky rifle has bedding issues or maybe the forend tip needs to be bedded or freefloated. Do you measure case and bullet runout after your reload. I found a bad set of dies was causing me trouble with a particular rifle. I make sure my ammo is straight and my rifle tuned before I start switching components.
Location: A flat lander lost in the mountains of Northern,AZ
Posts: 3,171
RE: The frustrations of reloading
Ruger???...... Dang ol' rugers...... even though I live 2 seconds from the Arizona ruger plant I just cant push myself to buy a ruger bolt action. You know alot of there guns mostly the revolvers and some rimfire rifles are pretty darn decent but i guess putting junk barrels on their bolt guns just aint cutting it. Mossy you ever think about getting the head space checked, a buddy of mine who is a gun smith has a ruger m77 in .243 at his shop that needs to be re adjusted for headspace its brand new the gun has had maybe a box through it. the folks at the factory didnt adjust the barrel right to give correct headspacing.
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My guess is that the rifle has more to do with it than anything. I've owned a couple of Rugers and they were bothno better thanaverage in terms of accuracy.
Location: S.W. Pa.-- Heart in North Central Pa. mountains-
Posts: 2,508
RE: The frustrations of reloading
Yup---Been there, done that---Still own a .220 Swift that did exactly what you said your 25-06 is doing. Just darn near drove me crazy. Would shoot a particular combination excellent one time, and throw it out to 2" the next time. Shot that ol' Norma factory stuff real well EVERYTIME.Bedded the action and barrel. No difference. Bullets---powders---primers---seating depths---nada. The gun from H**L. Still own it. Would hate to trade it and let it ruin someone else's demeanor,but that's what I may do. I feel for ya------
The frustrations of reloading
