- Joined
- Oct 27, 2022
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- 30
- Reaction score
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Long one, sorry guys.
I finally have my old .50 Optima ready to shoot (just in time for deer season to end) but find myself in analysis paralysis with starting load developments and the depths it could go.
I had planned to shoot BH209 and had found two bottles this summer that I put back but with the raising cost and availability I’m second guessing that idea and have started looking at T7 both loose and pellets. On the pellets I like that I can get 30/50/60gr varieties and build loads from 80gr-120gr at 10gr increments. After load development, I probably won’t be a high volume shooter so the BH209 wouldn’t bankrupt me. I need to get on of @ronlaughlin breechplugs if I use the BH209.
On bullets I had some Powerbelts, TC Shockwaves, and a bunch of maxi-balls I had found on clearance years ago. Reading less than stellar reviews of both Powerbelts and Shockwaves I bought some .430 240gr XTPs and some 240gr Scorpion PT Gold.
What I was planning was to get a good zero probably using a Maxi-ball, since I have the most, and 100gr of powder. From there I was going to try 3 shot groups with loads of 80-120grs in 10gr increments to find the most accurate combo.
I will be deer hunting with 150-200 yards being the longest with most under 100 yards. Will only be hunting in OK for now so no bullet restrictions.
Where I am needing help is if this is a valid plan and what am I missing?
Should I add T7 in or just focus on BH209? Mess with the pellets for ease or stick with loose powder even though I’m leaning towards basic 10gr load increments? I have Federal 209A primers.
Any other bullets I should try? I see good things on Barnes, Fury, and Thor bullets. I can see a never ending quest for perfections trying even bullet design and every grain. I’d prefer to focus on a couple proven performers and see if I can get a good acceptable group instead of trying every option to get the absolute smallest group. If I can’t get a good group with the first round of bullets I’d try a new batch of bullets.
Is everyone working at 50 or 100 yards for development?
I’m sure I’m missing something but this is long enough for now
I finally have my old .50 Optima ready to shoot (just in time for deer season to end) but find myself in analysis paralysis with starting load developments and the depths it could go.
I had planned to shoot BH209 and had found two bottles this summer that I put back but with the raising cost and availability I’m second guessing that idea and have started looking at T7 both loose and pellets. On the pellets I like that I can get 30/50/60gr varieties and build loads from 80gr-120gr at 10gr increments. After load development, I probably won’t be a high volume shooter so the BH209 wouldn’t bankrupt me. I need to get on of @ronlaughlin breechplugs if I use the BH209.
On bullets I had some Powerbelts, TC Shockwaves, and a bunch of maxi-balls I had found on clearance years ago. Reading less than stellar reviews of both Powerbelts and Shockwaves I bought some .430 240gr XTPs and some 240gr Scorpion PT Gold.
What I was planning was to get a good zero probably using a Maxi-ball, since I have the most, and 100gr of powder. From there I was going to try 3 shot groups with loads of 80-120grs in 10gr increments to find the most accurate combo.
I will be deer hunting with 150-200 yards being the longest with most under 100 yards. Will only be hunting in OK for now so no bullet restrictions.
Where I am needing help is if this is a valid plan and what am I missing?
Should I add T7 in or just focus on BH209? Mess with the pellets for ease or stick with loose powder even though I’m leaning towards basic 10gr load increments? I have Federal 209A primers.
Any other bullets I should try? I see good things on Barnes, Fury, and Thor bullets. I can see a never ending quest for perfections trying even bullet design and every grain. I’d prefer to focus on a couple proven performers and see if I can get a good acceptable group instead of trying every option to get the absolute smallest group. If I can’t get a good group with the first round of bullets I’d try a new batch of bullets.
Is everyone working at 50 or 100 yards for development?
I’m sure I’m missing something but this is long enough for now