Long Range Shooting Secrets Powder Tips

The main difference between rifle powders is shape and chemistry. The shapes of the powder granules make some powder drop better from a powder measure. Chemistry affects the burn rate and is dependent on case dimensions, bore size, and bullet weight. ost powders are designed for a specific range of loads, howe!er some powders are !ery !ersatile like " R #$%&. "t can be used in e!erything from a ''( Rem to a #&$ )in ag. *sing a powder engineered for your cartridge will result in better accuracy and safer loads. +ll powder charges listed in a reloading manual for your cartridge and bullet weight ha!e been tested and do not generate e,cessi!e chamber pressures. Primers: +ny primer will ignite the powder but some powders need a hotter or longer burn to start the powder burning at the proper rate. -,ample. )in /#$ powder re0uires a agnum primer for proper ignition. + Standard primer will still make a bang but the results will be inconsistent. Consult your reloading manual for recommended Standard or agnum primers for the selected powder. +mmunition manufacturers do a lot of research before they sell a specified cartridge. They find the best !elocity, bullet weight, primer and powder that will result in safe, accurate loads. Reloading can refine this process and make your rifle shoot better groups. "t also adds the !ersatility of using bullets that may not be a!ailable in factory loads. Always try to replicate factory load velocities for the desired bullet weights. 1ot loads seldom impro!e accuracy and accelerate barrel wear. Slower !elocities may not spin the bullet fast enough to stabilize it. Tuning a load: + chronograph is re0uired. 2uy a bo, of factory ammunition in the desired bullet weight. Chronograph 34 rounds, waiting at least & minutes between shots. 5ocument the results6 compute the a!erage !elocity and !ariations. Shoot '7 & shot groups at 344 yards or more 8also & minutes between shots9. 5ocument the group sizes or sa!e the targets. This will be the base line for your reloads. :ind a load in the reloading manual that replicates the a!erage factory !elocity 8same weight bullet9. Load 34 cartridges, two each in 37grain increments starting at ' grains below and going to ' grains abo!e listed powder charge. *se a Bullet Depth Gauge to measure for proper seating depth. ark these loads and chronograph them starting with the lowest charge 8& min ; shot9. +fter each shot, inspect for flattened primers 8high pressure indication9. 5o not fire hea!ier loads if you see signs of high pressure. Select the powder charge that replicates the a!erage factory !elocity. Load '4 cartridges with the selected charge 8weighing each load9. Chronograph 34 as before and shoot ' <& shot groups as before. Compare factory loads to reloads. Consistent !elocities ha!e a better potential for accuracy. "f the reload !elocities aren=t more consistent, then you need to try a different powder. "f !elocities are more consistent but group size is larger with reloads, then you ha!e a bullet seating depth or case length problem. >nce you see an impro!ement o!er factory loads, you can refine by ad?usting the powder charge in ';347 grain increments.

+ll powders de!elop higher pressures and !elocities when cartridges are placed in a hot chamber. ost guns are more accurate after firing a few rounds to foul the barrel. @-A-R mi, different powders. @-A-R use pistol primers in rifle cases. +nneal the brass case from shoulder to mouth. This softens the brass and allows the bullet to mo!e forward before the pressure builds up resulting in less bullet ?ump shock, better pressure seal, and better accuracy. *se a Case Nec !ength Gauge to measure the chamber for optimum case length. )eigh and trickle up all rifle powder loads. Store powder in a cool dry place. Light, heat and plastic containers not made for powder storage 8milk ?ugs, Tupperware, etc9 will accelerate ageing. +fter a reloading session, return powder to the proper container. Case Nec !ength Gauges and Bullet Depth Gauges are now a!ailable from Cactus Tactical in all cartridges with .''#, /mm, and .(4$ diameter bullets. These tools are !ery easy to use and come with simple instructions. *nfortunately, they are only a!ailable for guns with direct in7line chamber access such as a bolt action, single shot, +R73&, etc. Ne"t in #eries: !ong $ange #hooting #ecrets: #cope Tips