There’s one thing deeply satisfying about taking the precision of handloading and bringing it full circle from cautious bench work from home to a clear, moral harvest within the subject. As a comparatively new reloader, I not too long ago determined to work up a customized searching load for my .308 Winchester rifle utilizing RCBS reloading gear, Nosler brass, Nosler 180-grain AccuBond bullets, and Varget powder, with the objective of searching Axis deer in Texas. Right here’s a take a look at my journey from load improvement and testing, to hitting the sphere with whole confidence in my gear and ammunition.
Take a look at the primary 3 articles on this collection for those who haven’t already!
Why Reload for Searching?
Manufacturing unit ammunition has served me effectively prior to now, however I needed to get probably the most out of my rifle by tailoring hundreds particularly for long-range accuracy and terminal efficiency. Axis deer are identified for being robust and sometimes current photographs at various distances within the brush or from a blind. I wanted a spherical that was correct out to 200–300 yards, dependable below various climate situations, and had glorious weight retention and growth.
The Nosler 180gr AccuBond stood out as the proper searching bullet: heavy sufficient for deep penetration, bonded for managed growth, and extremely correct. Mixed with Varget a powder identified for its consistency in .308 Win and Nosler brass, I had the inspiration for a wonderful searching spherical. And to make sure consistency at each stage, I used solely RCBS reloading gear.
Reloading Setup with RCBS
Being new to reloading, I needed gear I may depend on. RCBS got here extremely really useful for its high quality and precision. My setup included:
I additionally used a sturdy RCBS reloading bench tray and loading block to maintain every part clear and arranged.
Brass Prep and Load Planning
I began with new Nosler .308 Winchester brass. Although it was new, I ran each bit by the full-length sizing die to make sure constant neck pressure and uniform dimensions. After that, I:
- Trimmed every case to 2.005″ utilizing the RCBS Trim Professional (https://www.rcbs.com/case-prep/trimmers/trim-pro-2-manual-case-trimmer/16-90370.html)
- Deburred and chamfered case mouths
- Cleaned and uniformed primer pockets
- Weighed circumstances to verify for consistency (they had been impressively uniform)
For primers, I used Winchester Massive Rifle, seated by really feel with the RCBS priming software.
Working Up Masses: Varget and 180gr AccuBond
Utilizing information from Nosler’s load handbook and Hodgdon’s web site, I deliberate a conservative strain ladder to determine probably the most correct cost for my rifle. I selected to check Varget powder in 0.5-grain increments from 41.0 grains as much as 44.0 grains.
Every check load consisted of 5 rounds. I saved total size (COL) at 2.800 inches, which labored effectively in my rifle’s journal and stayed inside printed seating depth tips.
I labeled every field of check rounds rigorously and logged all the information in my reloading pocket book:
- Powder cost
- Case lot
- Primer sort
- Bullet seating depth
- Ambient temperature
Accuracy Testing on the Vary
With my hundreds prepared, I headed out to my native 100-yard rifle vary early within the morning to keep away from wind and warmth mirage. My setup included:
- A sturdy capturing bench
- Rear squeeze bag and bipod
- Goal board with labeled grids for every load
- Chronograph to measure velocity and consistency
Testing course of:
- I began with fouling photographs to season the barrel.
- Shot five-round teams for every load, letting the barrel cool between teams.
- Recorded group dimension and velocity.
- Regarded for strain indicators and recorded notes for each load.
Outcomes:
- The decrease expenses (41.0–42.0 grains) had been clear however grouped round 1.25 inches.
- The 43.0-grain load confirmed promise with a 0.8-inch group and really constant velocity (~2,540 fps, SD below 12).
- At 43 grains, the magic occurred: my group measured 0.56 inches, with a velocity of two,600 fps and a normal deviation of simply 8 fps. Primers seemed excellent, and bolt raise was easy.
This load clearly stood out as probably the most correct and constant in my rifle. With that mixture of efficiency and stability, I had discovered my searching load.
Remaining Testing and Discipline Prep
To substantiate the 43-grain load’s reliability, I loaded up 20 extra rounds and examined them once more per week later below totally different climate situations (hotter, with a slight crosswind). The group sizes stayed tight effectively below 1 MOA and velocities remained secure.
At that time, I cleaned my rifle, loaded a recent batch of 20 searching rounds, and saved them in a weatherproof ammo case. I additionally did some sensible subject capturing inclined and off capturing sticks to simulate potential searching situations. The bullet’s level of impression remained constant, even in less-than-ideal capturing positions.
Axis Hunt in Texas: Placing the Load to the Take a look at
With my gear packed, I headed right down to the Texas Hill Nation for an Axis deer hunt I’d been trying ahead to for months. Axis deer are sharp-eyed and quick. You don’t at all times get a second likelihood, so I needed to be fully assured in my rifle and ammo.
On the second morning of the hunt, after a protracted, quiet wait in a floor blind, I noticed a mature Axis buck stepping out from cowl at 175 yards. I steadied my rifle, confirmed my dope, and took a deep breath. The 180gr AccuBond hit proper behind the shoulder simply as I’d practiced and the buck dropped inside 40 yards.
Clear, moral, and proper the place I aimed. That was the total circle second I’d hoped for.
Remaining Ideas
Handloading with RCBS gear, Nosler parts, and Varget powder gave me extra than simply higher efficiency it gave me the arrogance to make a decisive, humane shot when it counted most. The method of working up hundreds, testing them rigorously, and refining for accuracy taught me a ton about each my rifle and me as a shooter.
In the event you’re contemplating handloading your individual searching ammunition, my recommendation is easy: take your time, spend money on high quality gear like RCBS, and doc every part. When that excellent load lastly comes collectively and proves itself within the subject, you’ll comprehend it was value each minute on the bench.
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