Precision Rifle Load Development/ Part IV: Initial Load Testing & Evaluation 

I cannot get enough out of these videos. I watch them over and over. By far, Sam, your videos, instruction, explanation and delivery is unparalleled I am grateful I found you on RU-vid. Respectfully

You're the MAN! Thank you for ALL this great information. My father was an avid reloader from the 70-90s. Several years ago I really wanted to learn how to reload for accuracy. Unfortunately he died in 2020. I have all his old reloading equipment and have been stumbling my way into it. Your videos are a tremendous help. Thank you.

I have applied your load development techniques with flawless results, I’m about 300 loaded cartridges in on 3 different calibers. I appreciate the knowledge that has saved me a lot of expenses from these videos. Outstanding job Thanks

Glad to know that I'm not the only one that knows the potential of a 260!

I've just been sucked into the precision vortex too. You just confirmed some things for me. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge!

Its all too easy to get really far down the rabbit hole (measuring charges to 0.02gr, neck trimming etc), it's always a good to see great results without too much OCD to ground me again. Great videos as usual.

Sam - I’ve been following you for quite some time, I want to say thanks for providing a knowledgeable resource for novice and professional shooters alike. Myself, utilizing some of your methods and like-equipment, has really helped with tightening up my groups with ALL calibers. Continue the great work and happy shooting! -Darin

Just started to reload. These videos have given me the confidence to take the next step. Thank you.! Well done!

It's so nice to watch and listen to a man who fully understands what he's talking about. Thanks for these videos.. I've subbed and thumbed up now. ..

Panhandle Precision, I started Hand Loading June, 1967 for the fun, accuracy and cost. I've always used the Rock Chuck and the accompanying accessories from RCBS. Just my preference as that's always worked for me and my intended use. I am happy with accuracy first and foremost for Hunting and target. I THOUGHT I was a precise loader but not after watching you...WHAOH, I can now see there have been a few changes and upgrades to Reloading that I had NO CLUE about. I've got some catching up to do now...YEEHAA, I'm getting excited but a little ahead of myself. For ME, it has always been about knowing I can ACCURATELY and Humanly take a Game Animal for any given distance out to 500 yards, beyond that I just admire the animal and hunt another day. I know my limits and don't start just slinging rounds off hoping to land one...not cool or tolerated if anyone hunts with me. I don't claim to have your experience and applaud the painstaking attention to detail for your RELOADING. THE most controlled process I LOVE this series. I know that's a strong word for anything other than a living being but I have to say it for several reasons. 1) You obviously care to ONLY show good content. 2) You talk as if we are ALL friends and not just ANOTHER egotistical Bast - - -. I can't trust anyone with an attitude when they teach...just don't. 3) Coming back and adding information how you do is actually just prefect so please don't change...You have a system YOU use and describe it YOUR WAY. This tells me you are focused ON YOUR SYSTEM and is ACTUALLY great for all of us out here. That speaks volumes in that you aren't just babbling to make a video for EGO sake. Don't change that aspect as it just shows how REAL you are and are trying to teach good information to all of us layman out here. Where I grew up Ranching in NW. Montana we had a saying, "GOOD-ON-YA" if someone did good job at anything. "GOOD-ON-YA" Chad and thank you for great information. Not everyone will share these days so that is rare. 4) Your data and what and how you measure is awesome and the WHY it is important SO people should REALLY take-heed and not take shortcuts that could get them in trouble in a BAD WAY. 5) I like your approach to building the best load for EACH Rifle....I've found that Even the same Model, CALIBER Rifle from the same manufacturer can be slightly different and need that tiny touch to get them to shoot equal. Even .2 grains difference can make that round sing again in a different Rifle. I'm retired now and WILL get Reloading and Shooting seriously again after the shoulder heals from Right Shoulder Rotator Cuff Surgeries....3 total. Last 2 were to FIX the first surgeons fouled feeble attempt. It's been 3 months since that last repair so I need to give it another 6 or 8 months before I can resume some high power calibers (270WSM & 30-06) safely again. The 270WSM is right at Max recommended and kicks like a Mule while my 30-06 is just over Max and it kicks like a Sherman Tank. Both are about 1/2" to 3/4"ish MOA respectively with my favorite powder; IMR 4350 & CCI 250, Winchester Brass...not the best but consistent and COST EFFECTIVE for my use. Neither have shown any signs of over pressure or any other indication they're too far over in any respect...just a "Trickler Turn" higher than the recommended for the 30-06 in the Hornady Manual. Like YOU, I find an adequate and readily available supply of my components and find 'THAT LOAD" and stick with it. MAN, It REALLY is nice to find someone like you here. You're not just easy to understand and watch but more important give great and safe information. Sorry I got so long winded here but I like and better yet, enjoyed this series and wanted to thank you with sufficiency and explain my experience and how I appreciate what you're doing here. "GOOD-ON-YA" I look forward to watching more but in the mean time keep making them...THANKS.

Timeless Knowledge presented in simple follow details and advice. Thank you for sharing your time to help us become safe reloaders.

This series has been awesome so far. Right now I'm learning to reload for an M1A but my bolt gun will be done sometime around the summer. I like that it is detailed without getting too complicated.

Thanks Sam for the education. Just getting into precision rifle competition and reloading and your videos have saved me a ton of time and money.

Hi Sam, In this video you mentioned several times that you look for "signs of pressure". Now, that's something very valuable that you can show / explain in a future video. What are those signs of pressure? Difficulty in working the bolt? Protruding / flat or mushrooming primers? When should one stop? All your videos are amazing! You really have the unique talent of explaining things in a way that they are easily understood and at the same time a pleasure to watch. Thank you for your time and efforts in putting these vids together. They are much appreciated!

Your presentations are well organized, smooth and easy to understand.I really enjoy them and have learned much about precision reloading the 6.5 Creedmoor.

Sam: You touched on the topic of subsequent videos - Pressure signs. I'm sure I'm not the only one looking forward to more on this. Associated with pressure, when are you deciding on tossing out used brass, and your typical amount of firings, etc. (Lapua brass) Thank you, again, for passing on some of your wisdom.

I just ordered some Redding Comp Dies and shell holders for my T-7, I was inspired by watching your setup! Only hope I can get close to your accuracy!

Sam... I found your channel a few days ago. I have seen this current series and I must say it is one of the best I have seen to date. Your methodical reloading techniques remind me much of my OCD reloading techniques. Fantastic tutorials, keep up the great work. Shoot lots and stay safe.

Credit where it's due Sam. I'm rewatching this series for the third time to take in more of the detail. Your content is excellent and your lecture technique is even better.

Another great show !

Really enjoying this series! Thanks!

Always something to learn from your videos. I had an outstanding load worked up for a rifle of mine and recently tested it with 1x fired brass and the group opened up. I realized it was the difference between the new brass and the stretched, 1x brass. Time to bump back a few VLDs.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experiences!

Awesome videos Great shooting & My hat's off to you I learn lots by just watching your videos.. Thank you

Love your videos and the knowledge you pass on, this is relevant to all handloading, thank you, so much common sense in your methods, finding out if you actually have a good barrel is a great place to start!

thanks. love the good info you provide.

Great video, thanks for sharing what you have learned over the years,

Another great educational video. Thanks again I love my 260 also, looking forward to more videos

Hell yeah, good content! Keep making videos brother.

Hi Sam, I'm brand new to the reloading scene, so these videos are much appreciated. Really liking your range set up too.

Thanks for sharing your videos have helped my out a ton.

Nice video, really like the down to earth, no BS approach. On the subject of reloading for group size or reloading for minimum ES. I’ve found that within reason, group size is important for short to medium ranges, but ES can have a bigger effect on group sizes at the limit of the ammo’s range (i.e. when getting nearer to the transonic distances). So to me the holy grail of reloading is to find that load that shoots both good groups and has low ES.

Hi Sam, another great video looking forward to the rest of the series of the load development ,always interested in good load development videos cheers Gianni.👍

killer vids! i'm learning alot! thansk for making this series!

Love these videos Sir. Can't wait to see the next one on pressure signs. I have a 300 RUM that shoots great but I think it has more in it. Keep it up.

So well explained. Ive learned a lot from you. Thank you very much.

Thank you sir for the great video. Very comprehensive data .

Log book layout and data entry... EXCELLENT series, thank you.

Another great video! Thanks!

Great video, can't wait to see your video on pressure signs.

Your videos are awesome!

That was some fine shooting there sir keep up the great shooting

Miss your vids man..4th time through this one!!

This load dev video is well done. Thanks. I run a development very similar and with the same care and inspections. I too shoot for raw accuracy consistently. One thing that I watch for is the run-out of the case neck. Using a Sinclair Concentricity Guage I keep the neck and bullet running as straight as possible down the longitudinal line. Neck tension and keeping the bullet straight are my two main concerns. H4350 is also one of Hodgdon's extreme powders that is a definite plus. I'll also debur the flash hole inside the case just to make sure there's no restriction. I did a lot of primer testing last year. No two primer manufactures are the same. CCI is a fine primer. If it shoots well don't change the primer, lol. Great video with good technique.

That’s such an interesting series, thanks :)

Looking forward to see your next video..

Nice rifle, great content!

Love the videos keep it up!

"You can't hand load your way out of a bad barrel." He knows what he's talking about.

Great video as always Sam, really nice rifle as well.. Hope you have success at the comps....

Thanks again, great info.

Great series!! I would like to see a video on long range ladder testing and maybe distance group testing different primers. I would also like to see how you calibrate your scope tracking at distance to your loads.

What a great channel

Thanks a ton for the great Load Development education. I am new to reloading and I'm trying to develop a good load for my rifle for hunting. I am finding your methods and information to be extremely valuable. Its hard to make heads or tails of some of my data.

thanks so much!!! Great info... You Rock It !!!!

Nice job, Sam, thanks sir.

A video on case pressure signs would be helpfull to me. I am new to reloading for a precision rifle.Great channel and videos!

I know this is an older video...but on the topic of prescription safety glasses.. you should be able to get your optometrist to make you a set of shooting glasses. What I mean by that is they can change the focal point on the lense if need be....I never could shoot with prescription lenses until then

Hey there, new to the channel and love it :) I've been reloading for years, mostly for hunting purposes, but always like to see how other guys do things... I'd love to see a video/ series on load development based on ONE bullet, and maybe 2-3 powders.. using various charges and seating depths (I usually just go to max length that'll still run thru magazine) to obtain the best accuracy.. and end up with 20 rounds left (starting with 100 bullets/ prepped cases) to go hunting with :)

thank you for this series.. trying to understand the steps to precision load development. this and the real gunsmith has a video explaining as you shoot groups what the changes in the groups mean really helps me in understanding whats going on. thank you for your help. God Bless

Hello If you could show a logbook from a to z. Nice series, thank you for sharing.

I'd like to see some images of your log books to know the layout

Thanks!!!!

That was excellent. I'm just now becoming interested in reloading. I'd like to achieve those 1/4"-1/2" groups.

Yes, old school. Good groups then chronograph.

Great info - 1st time reloader

What I would like to see more guys on RU-vid talk about is how jump affects velocity. Guys usually only talk about how jump affects accuracy at close range without considering the sweet spot between jump and most consistent velocity. There is a spot where both accuracy and ES tend to converge. Too much or too little jump can significantly affect velocity spreads. Problem is that we need a chronograph that is accurate enough to see the difference.

Couple of questions from a newer reloader: Do you ever chronograph your loads to see what velocity you are getting? How much have you seen climate affect performance when looking at your notes later? Love the videos....they keep me hooked on my work trips and always result in homework for when I back to OK.

I always learn something whenever you have a review or video. I would like to see a video on barrel break in. I'm getting a new barrel next week for a 22-250 and would like to know what your method is, and also what your cleaning strategy is. Thanks you do a great job.

You are a great teacher. So glad I ran into your videos and subbed. Do you have a video on pressure signs? Images would help. Thanks

Hey dude great video and commentary here. Lots to learn from. By the way what primer powder and bullet combo ended up working best in your 7 WSM? I’m just about to start loading for that when I get my barrel ready to go

I figured out what my flyers were.. I fired 2 shot groups with 3 mini between the next 2 rounds for a total of 6 shots. 5 rounds stayed within 1/2 moa at 100 yards and we're all clocked at 2740fps to 2785fps, the flyer was 1 inch away from the group and was clocked at 2830fps. make sure to double check your powder charges for consistent pour weight

I really enjoy your sharing of knowledge ! I for one appreciate all your hard work and efforts. Thank You so very much ! i do have a question however and it is this Are you not trimming your cases that have been once fired and therefore established to your rifles bore dimensions . Then you adjust your bullets jump length to the fire formed brass case. I have always brought my fire formed cases once they get to be over say .012" - .015" over my trim to length back to the recommended trim to case length. Am i doing something incorrectly here?

I have a 260 and a 6.5 Creedmoor. Use H4350 for both. Whenever I go above 42 grains (velocity 2750) on either one the groups start to open up. I think there’s some kind of accuracy node exactly at that velocity point for that size bullet.

Aloha Sam, Thanks for all the great reloading information. I do have one question..Do you fire form brand new rifle case before you start working up loads? Mahalo, Homer

Love the videos so far, I’m wondering how much time I should wait between groups for different loads, I would like to be able to test multiple loads instead of having to make multiple tripes to the range but don’t want to ruin the results with an over heated barrel, any suggestions on the best way to handle that?

I've just started to do my own reload for 9MM. Now I want to move up to my .30 30 Rifle. I have learned a lot form watching your videos but I know I have a long way to go. Any advice will be appreciated. My main concern is head space and not put to much pressure in the chamber. I have reload manuals and want to be safe and load with accuracy for better preformance . Thanks for sharing you knowledge. Hope you have a blessed day.

Great Video series, keep them coming. like to see this right to a shooting match. What distance are your matches shot at? Why bolt gun over a gas gun?

Great video. You have a talent for teaching and speaking and making it understandable. Is there a specific torque that is recommended for the action screws when attaching it to the stock?

Yes I have a some questions. When I started loading for my gun I just found a factory match 168g ammo that shot great in my gun an copied that O.v.length. I loaded a Berger 168g classic hunter with 41.9g varget that shot .5 moa. @ 100 yds., .058 off lands. Wow. With no pressure signs so I stuck with it for 5 years with no issues until I shot a match an found out my rather low m.v. of 2,590 at 75 degrees was not fast enough to hit targets consistently pass 650-700 yards. In sierra book a hot load is 43.5, hornady book it's 44.0, in an older Speer book it's 46.0 Why are these books all different? I did some research an see guys claiming 44g was good so I shot a ladder test from 42.2-43.4 five shots an 43.7- 44.9 5 shots an the 2nd five shot group measured 1.25 inch at 300 yds with still no major signs of pressure with higher m.v. at 2669-2758. Then I found this flat spot so I turned out my die .005 an loaded 5 at 44.2 an shot 4 shots into 1 inch group at 200 yds. Had a flyer that I didn't call which was 2 inches above main group. Weird. I turned out my die .005 an loaded 5 more at 44.0g varget. Was now still .032 off lands. Shot a 1inch group at 100 yds. With e.s. of 39 an s.d. of 15.8. Still unacceptable but m.v. was still 100 fps faster than my original load I stayed with for 5 Years. Now my questions? Would you stay at 44.0g an seat bullets closer to lands an see if this group tightens up to .5 moa? I'm still 32 thousandths from lands according to hornady tool you use in your videos. I measured this chamber with this tool 20 times an come up with different numbers from 2.279- 2.271 which measurement should I use? Also would you clean barrel between testings? I shot 10 shot ladder then cleaned just carbon out. Shot 10 more rounds an cleaned just carbon out again. Before I shoot again. Am I screwing up E.S. by doing this? Last question. It's cold now in Wyoming an these faster m.v.s might not show signs of pressure now but will this load be too hot when it's summer? Stupid question huh?

Hey, your videos are beyond helpful for quite some time now..for my 6.5x284..none of the books call for H4895 using a 130 gr nosler RDF..but I loaded a load of 40gr in 2 sets of 5 shots each and I'm shooting 1/2 at 100..since it's not called for should I drop the load or go with the flow? Your the man!

260 really has me enamored for a precision rifle, Trying to look through all your video's have you done a build video on the rifle you are using in this video? You are doing a great job in your explanations very easy to understand and through. Keep going . I am looking at the base savage model 12 lrp in 260, to get my feet wet.

Hi, thanks for your videos, they are very instructive. I have only a question for you... how do you know what bullet weight is better than an other?

Sam, Great series. I'm learning more in the world of reloading. When do you you start being concerned of needing to bump the shoulder? Keep up the great work.

Great video, and good shooting! Do you pay any attention to POI shifts when testing various loads for your nodes?

Hey Sam good video .I have a question so if my max load says 42.7gr in my reloading book and don't see any pressure sign can I keep going up on powder or stop on what book says ?

Sam, great series. I'm just getting into reloading myself and this is a wealth of knowledge. Some of this is a little advanced for me now, but I can't wait to apply it later on. You keep mentioning building up to "pressure". How do you know when you've reached high pressure and when to stop?

Another very informative video, thank you. What make is that barrel?

Awesome....what kind of stock you got there sir?looking forward on the next one

Really enjoying this series and the information you are sharing, thanks. One question: what is 'es'?

Absolutely phenominal series. Even as a seasoned loader it's always awesome to watch others methods and learn. I've been using the 143 ELD-X in my 26" Hart barreled 260 Rem with awesome results. You mentioned hunting with the 130 ELD-M in a previous video, and I have been eyeing those as well. I assume you are going to do a full report with your results, but can you tell me if you were impressed with the terminal performance of the 130 ELD-M? vs 130 AR Hybrid and 143 ELD-X?

Great videos cheers. I was wondering if you have tested new brass and once fired brass for groups and velocity back to back with the same load which you worked up for new brass. Does the velocity or the POI change when moving to once fired brass?

I find your videos fascinating. I'm dependant on this information and how the process works so I can develop my own loads for my own rifles. All for the fun of it. What's your favorite way of measuring OAL to ogive besides using a Hornady OAL gauge?

Out of curiosity, in your video on seatng depth and where to start you mentioned .010 off the lands. All of these were .020off

I've been watching your series and I noticed that sometimes you have horizontal strings and some are vertical. Do you have a video that explains the cause of these two issues and how to fix them. I think you mentioned it on one that was a vertical string and you said something about adjusting the depth of seating the bullet to correct ? Asking for help on those issues .

Hi Sam! First of all, I love your videos and you're doing a great job! Thank you for your effort and patience. I'd like you to elaborate something, which is if your load is shooting well 0.020" off the lands, why would you adjust your seating die if the brass stretches? For example, if you've adjusted your seating die for X distance off the lands and your CBTO is Y. No matter if your brass stretches or shrinks, your seating die will always seat your bullet to the same depth which is X off the lands and your CBTO will still be Y. Am I missing something? And the second question, I'm aware if the brass stretches, the bullet will be seated a bit deeper (if you want to keep X distance off the lands). That makes the case capacity smaller and increases the pressure a bit. Now, which one more affects the precision, change of pressure in the case or distance off the lands? Thanks!

I like to use this method to my old 300 win was just a simple tikka t3 right out of the box shot many many many half inch groups with rl22 and 4831 with about any 180gr bullets I shot threw it. I did like 7828 but the rl22 was the best b far.

I have a question... Why did you do three dry fires initially? Thanks for your SUPERB videos... I just told one of my friends to look at your channel...

Nice info, very well presented, should not we start our first load 10 thou off the lands?

Great info Sam. Did you ever try CCI BR2 primers vs the 250’s? If so, with what results?