Help determining shot value of a new to me gun with Factory loads and five handloads.
The gun is a Savage Axis 223 bolt with a 3x9 scope, ammunition is American Eagle 55gr Factory and then I have 5 handloads made with Hornady 55gr SP over Ramshot Tac powder from 21.7 to 22.9gr in 0.3 gr. increments.
Fist off I am not a rifle shooter, this is my first center fire rifle though I have shot 22 rimfire. By no means do I consider myself a rifle shooter.
Today I was finally able to shoot this and was seated at a bench and was using front and rear bags. Targets were set to 50 yards. The factory loads were shot in 3 round groups to try and establish a baseline. 5 Groups ranged from .427" to 1.215", three were in the 1" range and two were under 1" with the second group being the tightest of the lot and the last group the largest.
I then started shooting the reload from lightest to heaviest in six shot groups. In order the sizes measured .912", 1.165", .695", .738" and 2.22" with one dropped shot. I am guessing that the third load is the one I should start with?
The gun is a Savage Axis 223 bolt with a 3x9 scope, ammunition is American Eagle 55gr Factory and then I have 5 handloads made with Hornady 55gr SP over Ramshot Tac powder from 21.7 to 22.9gr in 0.3 gr. increments.
Fist off I am not a rifle shooter, this is my first center fire rifle though I have shot 22 rimfire. By no means do I consider myself a rifle shooter.
Today I was finally able to shoot this and was seated at a bench and was using front and rear bags. Targets were set to 50 yards. The factory loads were shot in 3 round groups to try and establish a baseline. 5 Groups ranged from .427" to 1.215", three were in the 1" range and two were under 1" with the second group being the tightest of the lot and the last group the largest.
I then started shooting the reload from lightest to heaviest in six shot groups. In order the sizes measured .912", 1.165", .695", .738" and 2.22" with one dropped shot. I am guessing that the third load is the one I should start with?