question on how to find the right load

[Cal Sibley]

Hello scooterman,

Experience is probably the best teacher here. As far as powders go they pretty much fall into groups. The smaller calibers usually perform best with powders like IMR & H4198, VihtaVouri 130, 133,
Varget, Rel-7 and several others. What bullets will shoot best is related to your rifling twist. For example if you have a .22-250 with a 1 in 14" twist, 55gr. bullets and lighter will usually perform best. Experience will teach you this, and it doesn't have to be painful. I use Sierra and Nosler reloading manuals because they list accuracy loads for each bullet they make, and they aren't too far off from being the best. Once you arrive at a fairly accurate load it's up to you to fine tune it with slight variations in powder dosage and bullet seating depth. This of course is in addition to finding the powder and bullets your rifle prefers. Seating depth is a different ball game altogether. Many bullets like being seated into the lands while others prefer a jump. Only experimenting can tell you this. Each rifle is an entity unto itself, and often quite contrary at that. Proper bench techniques can also play a part in how well you shoot, right down to how you hold the rifle and how you breathe. I've been reloading for over 30 years and wouldn't dare to say I know it all or even most of it. But, it's enjoyable to the max. Have fun and best wishes.

Cal - Montreal