Working up an accurate load.

S

Smokey 92

New member
Have a CVA Kodiak, and have not yet achieved acceptable (to me) accuracy.
Not sure at what point I try different powder/substitutes or bullett weights/brand. What is the logical order? Do I start @ 80 grs. of powder, work up to 100grs., then change bullets or try a different powder?
 
Start at 75 grains, and, in 5-grain increments, work up to 100 grains.
You don't need to go past 100 grains, and your accuracy would probably suffer.

If you aren't happy at that point, then try a different bullet.
 
Thanks Simon.
I also assume I should shoot 3 shot groups before moving up?
This CVA is proving to be an expensive endeavor, compared to my TC. It was dead on @ 100 yrds with 3 shots and first powder and sabot choice.
 
Have used 2 pellets of 777, 2 pellets of 777 magnum, along with 777 primers and 250gr Hornady sabots. Also tried above powder and 270gr Powerbelts. Swabbed between shots. 3 shot groups @ 10".
Same Hornady sabots with Blackhorn 209@ 100, 105, 110 grs., and Federal 209A primers, 3 shot groups about 8". Scope mounts tight. This is a great forum and have been helped alot so far. Appreciate advice from you all.

Note: not new to shooting. Also reloading for centerfire rifles and handguns for many years.
 
Folks,

I don't shoot long arms. I don't hunt.

But is it possible Smokey is starting from the wrong angle?

It is the bullet that does the work. (Isn't it?)

My thought would be to choose the bullet first for the job you want it to do. Then mess with the powder.

I emphasize I am not a long arm shooter and may be way off here.
 
Have never seen 270gr. Powerbelts.

My brother shoots a CVA, 295gr. aerotip Powerbelt, 75grns. 777 and usually CCI primers. Averages about 2" groups at 100yds.

I shoot same boolit, same primers and get same consistant 1 1/2" grouping with 95grns. American Pioneer out of Rem. 700 m/l.

One thing we both found out when shooting Powerbelts. Our groups shrank/more consistant when after shooting,swabbing, our last patch was veeery lightly Wonder Lubed.

As you know the sabot`s like things dry.

My advise would mirror simonkenton`s. Start out with a smaller volume of loose powder and work up.
 
Try this...

To me, the sabots are MORE important to accuracy than the bullet.

If you haven't tried them yet, check for the Harvester "Crushed Rib" Sabots (from their website or Cabela's). They solved the problem I was having with a T/C Omega -- no bullets or other sabots would group at 50 yards (with peep sight).

The CR Sabots delivered 3-shots in 1" @50 using several different 0.451" bullets. You can get the crushed ribs in various sizes, based on what bullet you want to shoot.

Old No7
 
Oldno7, thanks for the reply. In looking at the sabots on the Hornady, they look very similar to the crushed rib, although I'm looking at a computer image of that and have the Hornady in hand.
Have also read about Dead Center bullets/sabots. Any good?
 
You really should read all of the user reviews raving about them on the Cabela's website. Remember that these folks are paying to use them and not being paid to give their opinion. It would seem that with the right powder load that they have the potential to really deliver the goods:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...de=IK&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601233

There were also a few favorable comments about them in out archives located by doing a search for "dead center". Look for the posts with the words in red:

Post #10:

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=224962&highlight=dead+center

Post #5:

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=232831&highlight=dead+center

And one more:

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=337151&highlight=dead+center
 
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