D16 Deer Hunting - Lead-free or not?

[xjon]

Wow DeerDon And Xjon good stuff. I was reading the Barnes Data on the 243 TTSX and TSX and the recommended loads , COAL, BC, and Density. How much has your actual vs what Barnes recommends differ. All good stuff and very much appreciated. Now I have to get my beak wet and actually do this. I guess the factory stuff Is loosey goosey.

Loosey goosey is correct for a reason- to fit all rifles chambers. So the standard to figure out factory rounds to use is to buy a few different boxes and see what your rifle likes then buy more of the same lot numbers.

In regards to loading myself I don't go by manufacturers recs in seating. I look at maximum length for my rifle (at lands) and magazine fitment. If it doesn't fit in magazine-no sense in figuring out how it works with long seating (talking hunting here). Then I will load several rounds with different seating depths and see how my rifle likes the jump. Have loads with .002- .040 jump.

BTW this I do after I have chosen powder charge and also looking for pressure signs with changes in seating.

For measurement I use the hornady bullet comparator gauge which measures from ogive vs tip of bullet.

 

[Bowman]

Loosey goosey is correct for a reason- to fit all rifles chambers. So the standard to figure out factory rounds to use is to buy a few different boxes and see what your rifle likes then buy more of the same lot numbers.

In regards to loading myself I don't go by manufacturers recs in seating. I look at maximum length for my rifle (at lands) and magazine fitment. If it doesn't fit in magazine-no sense in figuring out how it works with long seating (talking hunting here). Then I will load several rounds with different seating depths and see how my rifle likes the jump. Have loads with .002- .040 jump.

BTW this I do after I have chosen powder charge and also looking for pressure signs with changes in seating.

For measurement I use the hornady bullet comparator gauge which measures from ogive vs tip of bullet.

Hi Xjon I am carefully reading your tips. And very important lessons learned. And continuous improvement. Pressure changes on the cartridge is a big one.

I am amazed in the fact the factory loads are so loose. I am floored. It makes totally sense why it's not as accurate. I should have been paying attention to this year's ago.

 

[Geofish]

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Reloads up top and factory below.
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Sorry if I sound noobie. I shoot a Winchester Model 70(pre64) 30-06. I was using Core Lokt 180 grain. I went to Wally-World and all they had was Federal Power Shok Copper in 150 grain. Though reluctant to drop down to 150grain, I thought my MV would jump giving me a flatter trajectory.

Now I'm zeroed at 100 yards. That said, what is your take on the Factory Powershok Copper? I see a lot of you guys are Barnes guys. Any thoughts? Recommendations for factory loads?

Also, any idea of my barrel twist? I was wondering if a modern rifle might be more accurate. Not sure if a newer rifle has more barrel twists than 1954?????

 

[Deerdon]

Sorry if I sound noobie. I shoot a Winchester Model 70(pre64) 30-06. I was using Core Lokt 180 grain. I went to Wally-World and all they had was Federal Power Shok Copper in 150 grain. Though reluctant to drop down to 150grain, I thought my MV would jump giving me a flatter trajectory.

Now I'm zeroed at 100 yards. That said, what is your take on the Factory Powershok Copper? I see a lot of you guys are Barnes guys. Any thoughts? Recommendations for factory loads?

Also, any idea of my barrel twist? I was wondering if a modern rifle might be more accurate. Not sure if a newer rifle has more barrel twists than 1954?????

Pretty sure you have a 1:10 twist rate. Going to copper you needed to go down in weight anyways. The 150 grain bullet should perform very well. Federal Copper, Barnes Vortex...both good ammo, and I believe they are both right at 2,900fps. Although pricey, Doubletap ammo is good stuff too. They tend to load their ammo a little hotter (3,077fps) and use Barnes bullets. I wish the manufacturers would sell sample packs (6 shots) of their stuff so you didn't have to purchase a whole box to find out how well it did in your rifle.