Shot my first ones.

[ApacheHunter]

Well, I broke in my rifle firing some Remington Core Lokts with a cleaning between each shell totalling 20 shots.

I let it cool and then fired my first 5 shot group of reloads.

In my Rem 700 chambered in .280 Rem I had Nosler brass, Winchester Large rifle primers, 50.5 gr of IMR 4350, and 140 grain accubond seated .018 off the lands (so I thought).

At 100 meters, it came out to .945" group with a flyer and .610" group without the one flyer. No signs of pressure and not much perceived recoil. I got back and was looking at all the data and realized that I had my original OAL using a Nosler Partition bullet. I got to thinking and decided to check my OAL with an Accubond bullet and found out after doing some math that I actually had my Accubonds seated .085 off the lands which is a lot I figure.

I'm going to try the load again but back off my bullet depth so my bullet is .020 off the lands and try it again.

I guess overall it wasn't a bad group considering I was using a sandbag and a 10-15 mph full value wind.

Anyways, I just thought I let you all know how my first five went and I definately learned something there.

[Dan Morris]

Dang good, I'd be satisfied with that group from a hunting rife any day!
Dan

[Rocky Raab]

I wouldn't change a thing, either. But at least if the 0.20" setting opens things up, you do know where to go back to!

BTW, good groups like that are half load and half shooter. Congrats!

[ApacheHunter]

Thanks.

I keep a "reloading sheet" for every load or groups that are loaded and "dope" on every group that is fired. That way I can figure out what is causing groups to tighten up or open up. I'll let you all know what I find out next time out.