Been loading since the 70's and I learned something new last week.
Over the past 50 years I only have been shooting on 100 yd ranges. Didn't need any further shot than that for hunting, and if I did well you got the old standard hold over marks on the reticle.
I started long range shooting this year and my first time at a 200 yd range was very frustrating. My groups at 100 would be exceptable but 200 yds all over the paper. Both my .223 and 308 AR platforms were not making the grade.
After trying several powders, bullet weights to get my groups tight they still were inconstant.
After scratching my head and blaming it on me I tried 1 more thing. I started weighing the empty cases. My 308 cases could range from 160 gr to over 190 grs and the .223 cases 110 grs to 80 grs.
My conclusion was lighter case more volume inside, heaver the case less volume inside.
I weight all my 308 and found a good selection of 181 and 182 grs so I selected the 181 gr cases and carefully loaded them with Hornady A-Max 168 bullets.
I selected 96 grs for my .223 loads and reloaded some with Horhady 55 gr, FMJBT and H4895
Went to the 200 yds range and my .223 shot groups that I dreamed about at 100 yds also the velocity was getting more constant than before.
My 308 loads well, not as good as my .223 but the velocity was getting more constant than before. I'm on my 4th powder selection, so far H4895, 2000-MR, H335 and now I'm going to try Varget.
I didn't realize ho much difference in the brass would make.
Maybe it could help someone else out there.
First picture is my .223, 200 yd shot. Second is my 308 at 200 yds.
Over the past 50 years I only have been shooting on 100 yd ranges. Didn't need any further shot than that for hunting, and if I did well you got the old standard hold over marks on the reticle.
I started long range shooting this year and my first time at a 200 yd range was very frustrating. My groups at 100 would be exceptable but 200 yds all over the paper. Both my .223 and 308 AR platforms were not making the grade.
After trying several powders, bullet weights to get my groups tight they still were inconstant.
After scratching my head and blaming it on me I tried 1 more thing. I started weighing the empty cases. My 308 cases could range from 160 gr to over 190 grs and the .223 cases 110 grs to 80 grs.
My conclusion was lighter case more volume inside, heaver the case less volume inside.
I weight all my 308 and found a good selection of 181 and 182 grs so I selected the 181 gr cases and carefully loaded them with Hornady A-Max 168 bullets.
I selected 96 grs for my .223 loads and reloaded some with Horhady 55 gr, FMJBT and H4895
Went to the 200 yds range and my .223 shot groups that I dreamed about at 100 yds also the velocity was getting more constant than before.
My 308 loads well, not as good as my .223 but the velocity was getting more constant than before. I'm on my 4th powder selection, so far H4895, 2000-MR, H335 and now I'm going to try Varget.
I didn't realize ho much difference in the brass would make.
Maybe it could help someone else out there.
First picture is my .223, 200 yd shot. Second is my 308 at 200 yds.