Savvy Reloading Advice 

I’ve been reloading for 30+ years and I still am learning

If you shot in your videos or showed us you loading, you’d be a hit!

As you say Randy, load development is a process of subtle changes. A different bullet, powder charge, different powder, different primer to get the most accurate load. Great information and another great video and I always enjoy your videos.

I tell people that a rifle is like a guitar it has to be tuned.

It's hard to do load development in today's times with powder and bullets being so hard to find

Always looking forward too see if you two have a new video out. Thank you both for sharing all of your videos with us. Lots of love to both of you & God bless you !!!

These videos are like a great western movie, I can watch them over and over and pick up on things I missed the first time. Thanks again.

Proven scope is a must. Don’t ask me how I know. 😤

I have only been reloading for 10 years. I can honestly say. This is spot on. People's ego gets in the way of true science. Or savvy as one knowledgeable gent should say.

The nut behind the trigger causes most problems with any firearm. I have seen the same thing with handguns. A firearm is not a fashion statement but many people shoot them like they are, and that causes problems.

I gotta watch these at 1.5× so it's at regual speed ...I would usually dismiss these know it all folks but I trust when this guy says he knows he actually does know

I agree wholeheartedly.I enjoy finding the pet loads for different rifles.Ive never had the luck of owning a custom rifle,only factory rifles.Ive always been able to take rifles that shoot factory loads all over the place,and with a little work,find loads that will shoot 1" or less for five shot groups.Many times,I pick the bullet I want,and then find a powder and load that shoots it to the group size that works for me.A perfect example of how things can change though,is I had a great load for a Ruger M77 in 06,using 180gr. Barnes X bullet.I was getting ready for an elk hunt,and thought I had my load,but I had to buy more bullets,and loaded some for the hunt.I took some to the range just to make sure it still shot right.When I shot my group,it shot over 3" for a three shot group.I shit another group,same thing.So I started talking to people I know that really keeps up with things,and come to find out that Barnes had change the ogive on the bullet some,thus causing my rifle to not like them anymore,or at least not with that charge.All of that just to say this,just because your rifle may not like one thing,keep trying and experimenting,you will find combinations that will work.As Randy said here,that is the fun and challenge of reloading.Yiull have great pride in knowing that you took a rifle that is shooting so so groups and turning it into a tack driver.

Hey Brother, you better start saving your primers!! Your the best!!

Even a regular ol rifle has potential, just gotta work at it. Sometimes wanna throw it down the hill, so gotta set aside for a bit then start all over

99.99% of the time, it ain't the wrench, but the nut on the handle.

Well said the same goes for the bullet tips a lot of science goes into the chamber !🤔😏🙄

i have seen many sighting vids, most leave out a final ck with a plum bob .

I’d like to see a video and just hear your opinion on 30-30 Winchester

Most of the people that complain about their rifles are shooting factory loaded rounds and sometimes that just don't work I have a remington 338 rum and it shoots 4 inch groups with factory remington ammo but .5 inch groups with my hand loads

i am 66 yrs old and now when i go on internet to look at used or new guns i have to press a button that i an 18yrs or older. what a stupid world we live in now. your vidio's are excellent info keep them coming

Thank you for this video. I only wish I could have seen you back in the 60's when I started out shooting my Mauser based 244 Remington. Younger shooters here should keep this video and review it many times, whenever they run into load development. Unfortunately, after being disappointed with many load combinations, I sold that rifle. Another of my regrets. Thanks again!

Growing up with absolutely no standards in accuracy because we were not allowed to hunt deer with rifles in my state, I was never interested in this type of accuracy. I never knew what the term actually meant. I am absolutely pleased to get around 1 to 1.5 inch groups out of any factory rifle I have now and compared to 6" groups at 100 yds with rifled slugs from a smooth bore we are miles ahead of where we were when I was younger. Your talking about striving for less than .5 inches. Amazing and thank you for your knowledge. I switched to a muzzleloader for all seasons when inlines became popular in the 90s looking for those one hole groups, and never looked back until they made straight wall cartridges legal. Now I shoot a 45/70 guide gun with 300 gr jhp handloads. I have some 405 gr hard cast but they tear up a lot of meat. The 300 gr behind the shoulder is perfect and kills like lightning and group about 1.5" at 100 yds. Which is about what I would get from my inline with 250 gr. sabots and 90 he of pyrodex.

Hello sir I pray you and your wife are having a blessed night Amen 🙏

The jerk behind the trigger. thats me lol

Randy ,how would you style or build a rifle for Jungle Hunting for a PAC officer today ( problem animal control) , one who also has maneating Leopard and Tiger on his list of animals to encounter with as part of his work schedule?

Watching your video's has helped me out a GREAT DEAL. I just been reloading 3 yrs. and I'm 72.

Hello mr gunsmith, what do you think of Eric Cortina’s videos on Load development. Would be very interested in your thoughts. Eric Cortina is an F Class shooter for the USA.

Guns are like people know 2 are alike but some do have a lot of the same characteristics and until you get to know them you are not going to know what they like and dislike!

I Built a custom rifle for myself put my optic on it shot factory loads. Shot 0.37moa at 100yds sold the rifle to a kid he went out bought an optic he put it on and was shooting what ever bullet he could by at the time. he couldn't hit the broad side of the barn. he was bad mouthing the rifle to everyone he could. So I sent him a message that i would buy the rifle back from him and pay him for every dime he spent while trying to sight in the rifle and he can go buy an airsoft gun because he has no business shooting a real gun

How will reloader 19 work on Remington 700 2506

When I start working up a load I start with the charge wight and increase it until I get good velocity and see low SD numbers. Then I work with the seating depth to tighten up the group. We all know that every cartridge is different and certain powders are suitable for each. As a general rule I look for a powder that yeilds a full case b4 it causes over pressure charges. I have nowhere the experience of most but I do understand I will never know everything and will continue to learn until I'm in the ground

I pray your wife is doing great sir Amen 🙏

Mr. Gunsmith, any chance you would do a video on your current reloading setup and process? While there’s several good reloading channels on RU-vid, You have a great understanding of reloading and the way you are able to cut through the crap, would be a great addition to the knowledge of others! Thanks

I developed a load for my Browning A-bolt 25-06, using 4831 powder and Barnes TSX 100gr bullets. I used 4 different loading references, 3 of the 4 listed 54gr as the max charge, except my Nosler#3, which said 56 was max. I loaded up 20 rounds from 52gr to 55.8gr, shot them over a chronometer, found 2 powder nodes, selected 55.2gr as the charge. Then I played with bullet seating depths until I got to a 4 shot group at .78 inches. I shot 40 rounds to find a load, maybe I didn't do it perfectly or maybe I went about it differently than some would have done it, but it sure is satisfying when you see your changes make the groups tighter.

To summarize this video: the key to handloading accuracy is....CHAMBER THROUGH THE HEADSTOCK.

Another great video I just want to thank you for this video

Always appreciate you and your experience :)

About 6 when I got a bb gun. Before that a Shanghi , rubber bands and a forked branch. Learn how to shoot accurately and trajectory. Small stones as ammo. Amazing what you learn when young which carries through adulthood. My Father must of heard my sister giving me sh t and as he came around the corner I release a small stone at my sisters ass as she tried to escape through a window with the Shanghi. He took my Shanghi and that was all. My aim was good. Lol. In my 70's now.

I reloaded my first cartridges 41 years ago.

Very well said you only get out of it what you put in it love your videos

Awesome advice I've had a "bad" name brand scope that had me chasing my tail that gave me second thoughts on my loads and rifle.

For goodness sake! Ya know...the groups from my bow at 40 yards are about 4". That's roughly a 10" group at 100 yards. How accurate of a weapon do we need? The accuracy of the weapon plays a very minor role in whether we kill game or not. Personally, if my 7mm Rem Mag will shoot 1" groups at 100 yards, I'm happy. That's 4" groups at 400 yards....2" either side of the bullseye. If you can't kill an elk with that, then it's the shooter...NOT THE RIFLE. The weapon won't compensate for lack of skill of the hunter. LEARN HOW TO HUNT PEOPLE! I've taken whitetails and elk at less than 10 yards with bows and rifles.

Lots of information as usual Randy. I'm sure we've all started out with patterns liking to a shotgun instead of groups like a rifle, Lord knows I sure have.

For me it was part of my enjoyment in handloading was the search of the right combination for the particular rifle. With my loss of vision I have quit loading due to fear of making mistakes. I do have a question. What's your opinion on Vhit vouri powder line? I was experimenting with N540 with good luck in the old 30-06 in P17 Remington factory action I had built. I just found out my buddy I use to build, load,shoot, and hunt with out of kemmer passed away.

Guns are like people they like what they like. Patience and persistence is the key to accuracy.

While I'm 2 yrs older, you are a great inspiration to me, especially when probably working on my "LAST" rifle! (Yes, sayin' that fur years!)

Randy, I've been a toolmaker/machinist for over 20 years and have some good mics. What kinds of changes are you looking for when measuring the head of the brass? .0001 - .0005? .001 - 2? And what do I do with this measurement? Is it just an objective way to measure when you're approaching or over pressure?

Dang, this makes me want to get back into reloading. Can't wait till components are available again.

I've only ever gotten lucky once when hand loading. First 5 were loaded up some .308 with federal brass, cci 250 magnum primers, 46 grains of H380, and Hornady 168 grain match bullets

I have been debating getting into handloading because I have a 90's era browning a-bolt 7mm rem mag that averages 1.5-2.0 inch groups with factory ammo. I was considering selling the rifle thinking it was a problem with the rifle. This gives me hope that with the proper loads I might be able to get it to consistently shoot MOA or better.

Rifles are funny sometimes, Its really an art to get one to shoot good. I had a , I think it was a savage svsd in 308 , it only liked 110, and 168s, no matter what I did, it would not shoot 150s , nothing but 168s and 110 bullets, took me more than a year but , I got it running like a sewing machine. Great videos, thanks for sharing your knowledge. Hope y'all doing good!!!

Great advice. Be careful and methodical. Use high quality tools. Keep good records. Have fun.

Randy i picked up a 270 win. I look to use a solid copper alloy like Hornady or federal. Do the copper fly different?

You didn't say it, but with your approach to building a load, it follows a principle that I always state when others ask for suggestions - "don't be afraid to try something different and shoot your gun more." It surprises me how many handloaders expect to find that accuracy result and down deep it pains them if they have to shoot they gun more than a minimum number of times. I generally approach handloading as a great opportunity to shoot more - GOOD!. I don't follow your approach in detail, but the general approach of try this, change one item, when you start to see results you like - start zeroing in on that recipe. I also appreciate your approach of measuring the cartridge base expansion as another method to identify pressure signs. Not many people do that. It's a simple step, that requires very basic tools to measure for consideration. If you could touch on a subject in a future video - what are your thoughts on the recently introduced Savage straight pull? I'm giving it serious consideration, for one reason because I am a left handed shooter. It may allow me to purchase a gun that does not depreciate in value so much because there are no right handed shooters that are interested in my left hand bolt actions. The ambidextrous nature of the gun may serve my needs well, and retain value as it's still a right handed gun for anyone that may want it to be right handed. But I would like to hear your thoughts on the integrity and strength of the action?

was able to get .750 group w/ 180 gr sst in 300 win ADL factory, load matters. that same rifle years latter was rebarreled, receiver was out of square, rust under left side of lug and barrel .

If you have single digit SD's and poor groups, that's a seating depth issue.

Took me over 50 rounds to finally figure out an acceptable load for my latest rifle. Part of that was a broken scope ring in the middle of it but the main thing that tightened my groups was trying different primers as Randy recommends.

+ Question ~ in the situation with belted cartridges, is the belt dual functioning? Meaning, as I understand it, it can be for headspacing but was the original intent to strengthen the case head as well? Keep up the excellent content 👍🏻🙏🏻✝️

I have a .340 Weatherby that I couldn't get to shoot that great. Finally, after years of shooting factory ammo and even handloads, I found the rifles favorite loads. 185 grain Barnes TTSX bullets. Going around 3100 fps. 1 inch groups or less is now the norm. I'm still experimenting!

With low consistent SD's and repeated group size of the same measurements you may want to adjust distance from the lands. Start on the lands and work back. I'm sure you are aware of this, not sure why it wasn't mentioned.

With all due respect you have to many options In todays day and age the development with one or two chosen componets for each variable the singularity of components is the reality of load dev Not everybody has got your component variety The magic is load dev for what you have or can obtain on a regular moment...

with your vast experience what powder do you recommend for the .270 shooting 150gr bullets?

seeing the way you remember how you shot those groups without marking them made me consider what you say even more. respect.

Quickload is fun. It's either that or buy a manual from every bullet company and every powder company.

Very helpful. Thank you.

As a newer reloader this helps me for sure.thank you for your time and thanks for all your videos hope yall are doing well God bless

Bibs and a red and black Buffalo plaid shirt is so dang good looking. Better than a tuxedo.

Finally someone that reloads and when starting off gets bad groups like I do. He's using a great rifle and his reloading experience and not getting much better than I do at first. How refreshing! Of course once I find a load that shoots under an inch I'm satisfied for the type of hunting I do here on the east coast. Last fall when starting off with a new bullet, my first charge shot close to half an inch! I didn't know what to do next! Still haven't decided. I have to tell you that this is the best group I've ever shot with this rifle. The velocity is a little low and I bought the bullet to try and extend my maximum range on moose but the low velocity isn't helping much. I'll keep trying other charges because I know the rifle likes the bullet. Wish me luck.

I had a similar result with my 7mm mag. It will shoot only one bullet well.

Excellent information, I want to load 260 Remington for deer hunting with 125gr Nosler Partitions, what powder would you think would get me the best accuracy around 28-2900 fps.

Totally agree with you, one thing we must take inconsideration, We live in different times every one wants an instant gratification & want it now it’s the new norm. Thank you for informative upload Ahmad

love the wild turkey feather hanging on the mantle(:

I am trying to resist asking how much the rifles cost.......

Don’t you love it when a new reloader tells you they want to use one powder for all there rifles ……….

Ok im waiting for my Nosler reloading book. i am shooting stock rem 700 bdl - in 30-06. Will be using Nosler partition 150 for deer and 180 grains for hogs with Nosler brass only. Any ideas for primer and powders. My goal is as accurate as possible to 400 yards. Thanks for any input.

Always enjoy your advice sir. Do you have a recommendation on powder for a 257 WBY MAG shooting some of the heavier bullets 110s or so? I have never loaded for a WBY cartridge so I'm looking forward to a new cartridge to tinker with.

As we have talked in an email. I have a savage 110 in the 270 caliber. I shoot a factory load remington 140 grain. My rifle don't like hot loads. My 270 is a beautiful shooting rifle. I want to learn how to reload. But I need to load some under an experienced loaders watchful eye. I do like the savage rifles. Just don't like the axis version.

What do you think about using these 2nd’s bullet’s they sale . Are they just plinking bullet’s and are they waste of money and time. Thanks for sharing your videos and information

Busllshit

Shame manufacturers don't elongate their magazines to accommodate hand loads. Frustrating.

I have a question sir? Can i reload steal ball bearings the say weight 1 oz in my 12 gauge smooth bore and do i need to add buffer with it.. Thank you

What’s your opinion on annealing the brass in between shots ? Love your videos

Hello Real Gunsmith, I have questions about reloading sir, and would like to ask your professional advice. I’m brand new to re-loading and I understand some loads shoot more accurate at a specific bullet jump into the barrel. I have heard many choose .020 off the lands as a good starting point for hand-loads. My question would be, when a person is reloading a lighter grain bullet in a specific caliber “in my case .243 Win”, when should one decide that there isn’t enough bullet seating depth in the neck? Is there a minimum amount that one would want their bullet seated in the case neck for proper retention? In my case with a Hornady V-Max 87 grain and a choice of .020” off the lands the projectile appears it will be seated less than .243” depth in the case neck. How much less than projectile dia is acceptable for bullet seating depth using my Redding standard FL resizing die that uses the standard resizing method for case neck? The current 87 grain .243” V-Max projectiles I will be reloading don’t have a cannelure groove, so I assume they are not designed for a crimp to be used. Your thoughts on bullet seating depth for proper bullet retention vs desire for a certain off lands distance for accuracy?

Hahaha. How not to develop loads.

Thanks for the advise. I’m not a reloaded but it’s absolutely fascinating. I bought a $370 30-06 savage axis with scope. Due to limited availability of ammo I purchased 150gr bullets which garnered a 2.4” shot group. The next box was 168gr SGK 1.1” shot group Then 180gr Cor-Lol .9” shot group and then I finally found 178gr ELD-X .6” shot groups. I wonder if bullet weight is relative to barrel twist and length. Gotta make sure all the screws are torqued properly. I found that out the hard way.

Accuracy is addicting like a drug & I’m an addict. I have been reloading for 42 years. I have encountered very few guns I couldn’t get to shoot. There are so many options, you just have to keep trying. But also know when it’s time to give up & go visit the gunsmith.

Thanks again for the knowledge and yeah some times you have to keep trying right ,,,don't laugh to laud men but I have a Mossberg Patriot 308 she is a shooter lol,,thanks to Randy .I love to shot and reload jam about 60 now never to proud to listen .see you on the next one

I had my own mystery been shooting 600 and 1000 yards with my m1 and m1a loading was easy 42 gr with a 168 serial the rifles shoot 1/2 moa so bought a marlin in 45/70 for fun and hunting big game reloading I tried all kinds of powders and 4 makes of bullets I finally found a powder that would shoot 1 in groups H 4198 and it would shoot all 4 bullets but it loved barns 250 gr and rem 300 gr

The winds always blowing in west Texas too . Almost every day when the gunrange just opens. It is a rare opportunity to shoot in ideal conditions out here. I have a logbook that has the pet load for my beloved hunting rigs just like he's doing. He's telling it like it is, and that's why I reload myself, extreme accuracy at a fraction of the cost, and you know exactly what it is.

Having the very problem you are talking about with a 270 win. rem. 700bdl. Been using imr 4064 for years out of this 22" bbl. Thanks for the ideas . gonna look it over once more. Seems like the older i get, the less i know. From Idaho

Good video. I have been reloading for close to 50 years. All true what you said. I have a 270 that would not group and would kick straight back with a terrible wollap, finally checked the bedding and made it free floated then added a heavier butt to force the center of mass back slightly. Worked up a group with 4350 imr and a 140gr boat tail. Shot groups under 1inch and soft recoil. Learned the lesson to feel how the recoil along with barrel vibration. Tune the load to the barrel.

Thanks for the information sir

What do you think about this cartridge 6.8 western you think it’s better then the 270 win

My gunsmith who shoots competition he is older so only shoots at 100 yrds but 5 round groups almost always go in the same hole a little egging but not much. He told me years ago he had a lot of people that wanted him to watch them at the range to see if he could pick up what they were doing wrong most times he told them that they are doing everything right at the range as far as shooting mechanics but where they are loosing their accuracy is on the bench. He would bring them to his shop at no cost and work up a load, show his in and outs of reloading and improve their game he built guns for people in all of the United States except Hawaii. He had vary high skills in gunsmithing maybe not Randy's skills but the best in our area he did most services dirt cheap and would give free info out to competition he was a class act I miss him very much he died last February. That being said he was training his son in law in the business which has worked out well he is good but not as cheap as the old man

Good day sir in my country the closest you can get to a rifle is a high power. 177 air rifle but many rifle aspects are related so many valuable information and knowledge are gained from watching your videos, with all respect I would like to ask if a rifling with smooth edges on land and grooves (better way to describe is curved or u shaped) can be as effective as the classic land and grooves that are square? Thnks in advance

randy rebarreled my 300 win mag with a trued up remington action and a brux barrel and he knows what the hell hes doing. it punches hornady match bullet through the same hole at 3150 fps it is accurate . i can hit pie plates at thousand yards almost every time

Randy, are run of the mill rifles like Remington 700 OR Winchester 70 post 64 accurate, 1 MOA?

i grew up shooting .243 and reloading for it. my dad had worked up a load that would shoot inch or less groups in all 4 of our .243 rifles. 30 years later I decided to start reloading, and spent all summer working up a load for my .270 and went thru exact experience just described. I was amazed at the difficulty in coming up with a load. I finally got it, after much head shaking and some profanity...lol

I love to set down and do the same thing with my black powder rifles I can change power , patch, or ball weight and get a 50 cal too 1" at 100 yards just keep working till you get it how u want it

Don't you agree, each type of bullet may require a different charge of the same powder? Closer to the middle charges usually run more accurate?