Reloading for Accuracy

[@edwardabrams4972]

Been hunting collecting and reloaded for a short 60+ years and I haven’t even begun to learn all there is to know about reloading! Having owned hundreds of rifles and shooting thousands of rounds and I still learn something new everyday!

[@jackdundon2261]

About the year 2000 I wasa kid of 21.... I bought a Seiko TRG m995 and 30-378 weatherby mag. The gun and one of those world-class plus tasco scopes was a thousand bucks with one box of ammo out the door. I spend another 300 bucks that day and bought a rock crusher reloading kit. I've been reloaded ever since and the more I reload the more I learn and the more I realize I don't know.

[@briankelly2886]

Randy is a wealth of information. When he speaks, I listen!

[@Dungareeman]

Thanks for dispelling this wisdom onto us. This is the best use of this platform. I love to soak up the information that the previous generations can hand down to us. Please continue, and like what was previously asked, put together a book of this knowledge and get it out to everyone who wants to know. Thanks.

[@AlanThomas-hp3fn]

Bought my brother a chronograph. My shaky handed brother inlaw was enjoying shooting his pistol through it. He shot it into.

[@leveractiongypsy1848]

Always great info thanks Randy. I know alot of people dont really read books anymore but I think if you were to put together an advanced procedure 'how-to' reloading manual (no reload data) it would probably do great. I think alot of people are looking for advanced rifle reloading from an experienced reloader with decades of experience as opposed to the same old reprinted data in all the standard manuals out there

[@davekurz6036]

Experience is the REAL TEACHER!!

[@leveractiongypsy1848]

@@davekurz6036 Of course - but when it comes to dealing with gunpowder - which a lack of experience could easily lead to damaged guns, lost body parts or even loss of life - I'd rather not learn the hard way and have someone who ALREADY has experience offer their insights and precautions for me to learn from

[@nigelleef3159]

​@@leveractiongypsy1848o9

[@Dungareeman]

I second this request.

[@DaleDean1611]

Thank Y’all Mr&Mrs. Selby!

[@DaleFeitshans]

Thank you again for the information that you offer You have helped me a lot THANK YOU!

[@stephenhair5501]

Sharing your knowledge is so appreciated. Thank you Randy. You are a treasure. God Bless you and your family!!

[@browndogstt8546]

Thanks Randy. I appreciate you posting these videos. I hope this information is available for generations to come.

[@davidsalsedo]

Randy, Thank you for your review of precision reloading. I have found you advice extremely helpful in working up my loads with measurements that are repeatable as well as results. Thank you for your contribution to our wonderful sport. God bless you and your family.

[@randlerichardson5826]

Thank you sir I’ve not been watching videos much lately this cancer deal has got me so tired. I go in the morning to Nashville to see the oncologist I’ve had surgery to remove the cancer the surgeon said she got it out but we’ll see. I see tomorrow if i need to have chemo or radiation treatments. Be safe sir and GOD BLESS you and your family Amen 🙏. Aim small miss small.

[@LegacyOutdoors88]

Great stuff Mr. Randy. I’ve been precision handloading for about 25 years and this is exactly how I do it for my hunting rifles. I found out long ago that my 6.5x55 and 30-06 were both anemic in the books and found better accuracy once I loaded to full potential.

[@randlerichardson5826]

Hey Randy sir. It’s been years since I’ve bought a factory round. I’ve got 30+ years in reloading and still learn new stuff.

[@kesleycottrell1416]

OMG reloading for accuracy will drive a person crazy. Been there and still doing it. It's amazing how a 1/4 grain up or down makes a world of difference. Different powders, primers, and bullets to try. It's definitely an experience.

[@jasonshults368]

It really doesn't. Ammo straightness or lack thereof is the main factor that causes groups to change. Learning how to load straight ammo is what matters.

[@tracynorman3563]

I call it a recipe always star at max

[@borisperez3129]

Mrs & Mr Selby merit our liking and sharing this knowledge. It is appreciated. Plz Mrs Selby more of feeding the birds coming up this winter 🥶, plz

[@dansaver8247]

Good comments and suggestions. Thank you.

[@ronaldroehrick4872]

Randy your knowledge is pure gold and thank you so much for sharing.

[@jonmorgan1987]

Uncle Randy ROCKS!!

[@rolandtaken7328]

Thanks again for a very informative video! Your always very helpful. I've been reloading for 40 yrs and still learning 😂

[@scrounger69]

Thank you! You are an Asset to this world.

[@neillmurchison5329]

Thank you sir.

[@CplSkiUSMC]

Once a good powder/bullet combination is found, I then look at seating depth. I'm not in favor of engaging the rifling, but I find that a short jump of usually .005" to .010" works well. Even this is not a hard and fast rule as I have a Steyr that likes a .020" jump and nothing closer. I think Randy said several times that each rifle is different and that is as true as it gets. Even two identical rifles will have differences in what they like... the headspace might be a little different, or there's a slight deviation in some part of the barrel be it from machining or even the metallurgy itself. The action, the bedding, and the stock itself all influence the harmonics of the rifle and therefor the load that works best. The many slight variations from rifle to rifle make them as individual as finger prints. That's why precision hand loading ammo specifically for your specific rifle is far superior to factory ammunition.

[@variableknife4702]

I have to agree on 2 points - loading long and H1000 / 7828. I have had outstanding success with both powders in 7mm Rem Mag with the 190gr Hornady A-Tips. For me, H1000's load moves along a bit quicker. 7828 might be a tiny bit more accurate. That's probably more to do with the individual day, situation and rifle than other factors. Loading long - I run a 'bore rider' chamber, and obviously the 190 is very long for .284. I'm still off the lands at my CoL which is substantially over 3.29 inches. You must make this determination yourself. If you don't know how, don't load or don't exceed published information. I am using every last bit of an AICS (not CIP) magazine - if you know you know. For the record I am not exceeding max powder charges and see .3" groups consistently. I am also NOT the shooter RGS here is. In the right hands I would fully expect .1 inch. SO - in conclusion - I am not over charged. I am using a relatively mundane LRM primer. I am using an aluminum single-stage press to re-size and LE Wilson chamber seating. I don't load into the lands. I trim brass with about $15 worth of equipment. If the two factors mentioned aren't key I'm not sure what is. Obviously follow safety rules of reloading or just don't do it.

[@timothycoupe2738]

Well that was fascinating, it's a pleasure as always to have you share your knowledge, keep up the good work, regards.

[@randlerichardson5826]

That’s my next purchase a good chronograph. I’ve got 300 Winchester magnum. I tell people a rifle is like a guitar it has to be tuned to shoot now.

[@stefanschug5490]

Great video Randy! We seem to have the same reloading habits and check for the same things. By stepping back the bullet seating depth in 3 thousands one eventually finds a good harmonic balance. My only addition to your video is loading the right powder for the existing barrel length. The powder used should burn close to 100% within the given barrel length. I had friends reloading the 300 WM for their short Stutzen rifles (20 inch barrel) with IMR 7828, resulting in a huge muzzle blast. For these Stutzen, IMR 3031, Reloader 15 or Varget were the powders to use. By the way Quick Load is my go to tool. It is excellent, showing a very close simulation of the internal ballistic and once you enter Chrony data, Quick Target is almost dead on.

[@jaybailleaux630]

I find the 300 Win mag one of the most accurate cartridge in the world but hate because of recoil. I will stick with the 270s 7mm Mag and 30-06. I seat primers by cheap Lee hand priming tool so I can fill the primer hit bottom of primer pocket like i was taught when I was doing bench rest competition. It is amazing how accrate simple hunting bullets can be, especially Sierra and Nosler bullets.

[@AdamMoore-zw4du]

I like your wisdom I have guided hunters off and on for big game northwest Colorado-for 25 years my hobby is reloading I grew up shooting guns and hunting I started shooting when I was 7 and started hunting at 9 your advice is on target great advice people need to listen to you using micrometer to measure case heads defiantly works for pressure measurement great advice

[@snoopklogg]

I use one shot brass for my super accurate loads. I find new brass way undersized for my chambers. Winchester, hornady, and remington. Will try norma soon.

[@randlerichardson5826]

I would absolutely come and set and listen to you talk sir.

[@elkhuntr2816]

I have a 90's era browning a-bolt stainless stalker in 7mm rem mag that averages between 1.5" and 2.0" at 100 yards with factory ammo. This means occasionally, it shoots .5"-.75", then the next group might be 1.5" or 2.0". I have tried many different factory ammo options. I am trying to decide whether to just sell the rifle or get into reloading. I would be happy with 1 MOA as I want to extend my hunting ranges on mule deer, bear and elk to 500-600 yards. My accuracy is probably fine for elk at that range, but not deer. In your experience, do you think it is likely that I could get that rifle to shoot 1 MOA with the right hand loads? These days it seems like you can even a reasonable priced factory rifle that will shoot MOA with factory ammo out of the box (not 7 mag, but 6.5 PRC or 7 PRC). For the price of reloading, I could probably get a new rifle.

[@wickedtrutharms57]

Thanks for the information

[@jamesjams5085]

Haha! My WimMag Loves 79 1/2 grains of Hodgdon H-1000! Thanks for the great show Randy!

[@Jack-ur5or]

The Man speaks the truth, listen up, there are things to be learned here!

[@michaelkilpatrick3141]

Hey Mr Selby, I have a question concerning the new PRC’s cartridges. I am starting to reload the 6.5 PRC with the 150 Accubond’s for hunting simply because they are asking astronomical prices for these rounds and I was wondering that if these are precision cartridges do I still need to set my dies up the way you said to or per instructions of the dies? I agree and understand what you are saying. Basically are the PRC’s chambers made to higher tolerances and this method would not be needed or chamber’s are going vary regardless to special tooling tolerances? Thanks I’m advance. God bless ! Love the videos. I learned something today. P.s I have done full lengthen size them incorrectly per what you described one time. Will it be ok to reload them again and if so should I reset dies to load them correctly if needed! Sorry if question is confusing!

[@TTT-du6oj]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge Randy

[@codyway7424]

Something to be aware of with the belted magnums in particular. In a recent batch of 7mm Rem Mag Norma brass, I was getting 0.018 - 0.021" length expansion at the shoulder after firing. So, I fireformed the brass using the false shoulder method, and then headspace on the shoulder going forward. This is something pretty important to watch for in a belted case.

[@luvtahandload7692]

That's because the factories know the belt is there to save their bacon so they don't care where the shoulder ends up. In a belted round, I always start with brand new brass that hasn't been Bubba'd yet. I neck it up one or two cals until it won't chamber, then FL size it down slowly until the bolt closes with resistance.

[@codyway7424]

@@luvtahandload7692 I also fireform with a false shoulder. My point is, if you don't take some measure to get your initial stretch in the shoulder, followed by shoulder bump die setting, bad things can happen. He should have covered that in the video, imho.

[@tobinlakeguideservices]

More great information from a master of the trade.

[@trappervirginia1368]

Nice hat I have same one

[@karts-fish-Rc]

Thanks Mr Selby just the information I was looking for

[@alananderson2961]

Amazing video. I really watch and listen to you.

[@12gauge1oz]

Very interesting. Thank you.

[@travissmith-wz5nc]

Nosler lead free, barnes hornady cx hammer exc what you think about the lead free accuracy

[@randlerichardson5826]

I use the Federal 215 primers.

[@markmcg777]

Another great video. Thank you

[@308guy8]

Thank you. I really appreciate the information

[@johndiblasi4803]

Spot on as usual 👍🏼

[@sautoter411]

Great video randy !!!!

[@Pew_pewchronicles]

So when the president of Hodgdon powder company sits down with Ron Spomer for an interview and makes the statement that shortcut and regular size stick powders are the same he’s wrong, right😂

[@jasonshults368]

They are the same. One has shorter grains, and thus is capable of higher load density. The variation between standard cut and short cut is the same as variation between lots of the same powder.

[@lmbear]

Number 1. You don't need a chronograph to work up an "accurate" load. Learn how to shoot, work up your load, and let the rifle tell you what it likes. However, A chronograph can't be replaced, as it is there to tell you what velocity the load produces. Number 2, load straight ammo. You need to be sure you are setting up your reloading dies, so it produces minimal run out. The only way you will know how straight your ammo is, is you need to have a concentricity gauge. Brass prep and consistency is also key to producing good accurate ammo. This all goes without saying your rifle needs to be very mechanically sound. Meaning it needs to be properly glass bedded, and you are using a solid "proven" rifle scope. Also, always know where your lands are with every bullet you intend to load. That is your starting point for OAL. If you don't know where your lands are, you are going into this blind.

[@justinwilson8417]

Great video! I wish I could hit the like button twice. I'm working up a load for my buddies 300 win mag Tika T3. Unfortunately, the rifle is box fed and i can only load for the max magazine length so i cant get any closer to the rifling (theres a HUGE jump). However, his rifle seems to like the 180gr Nosler E-tips using IMR 4350. Just gotta tinker with the powder charge and primers now. Keep sending us knowledge!!! We appreciate the insight

[@johnnash5118]

I hunt Oregon Roosevelts with hand-loaded 7mm SAUM @175 gn. Nosler Partitions, and Blacktails with hand-loaded 260 Rem AI @143 gn. Hornady ELD-Xs. I know Mr. Selby detests cup ‘n core, but his perspective is nearly always from his magnum playbook. My 260AI with a MV @2,900 fps has a mild enough terminal velocity that it doesn’t separate, thus offering enough expansion throughout the penetration.

[@loganhefner906]

Most of the hunting he refers to however is elk sized game. I personally asked him about those types of bullets on whitetail and he said to fire away.

[@whaaatno7439]

Wish I could find 7 saum brass…then I would own a rifle

[@johnnash5118]

@@loganhefner906 That’s cool, just what I wanted to hear, his elk context does make a difference rather than every size of game. Thanx!

[@plm3006]

Very interesting, thanks for the content. More specifically, the part when you talk about measuring case head expansion. Your example is with a belted case. Where do you measure a case without a belt for example the 30-06 case? As you mentioned in other videos the magnum cases can withstand expansion up to 1/2 a thousand. How much expansion can a non belted case withstand? Thank you very much for any input on my questions. Regards, Paul

[@TheRealGunsmith]

Both measured on the same place for .0005 expansion. Thanks for watching.

[@randlerichardson5826]

The thing that makes me sick is someone that’s just started loading thinks they know it all. I just walk away. That’s right on the primers sir.

[@russty3159]

I got the same hat and I live up in Canada... Love it and your video's

[@michaelgodeaux1647]

Great video.

[@randlerichardson5826]

I shoot Nosler 150gr Accubonds in my 300. If i can hold my 300 still and on target it puts a Accubonds cloverleaf them. I’m not near as steady as I used to be. I’m dealing with cancer now.

[@Accuracy1st]

Just bought a new Tikka 300WM and have a lot of Norma 180 BONDstrike ammo on hand. Any experience with that bullet?

[@ggcutter4098]

In my 300 Weatherby 83 grs of IMR 7828 with 180 grain noslers and triple shock bullets i can get 3 shot groups at 100 yds that your thumb will cover, thanks Randy

[@eliremy6273]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge Randy! I am new to reloading and was curious if the method for measuring the case head expansion as a pressure indication using a 1/10,000 micrometer is the same for NON belted magnums? Are you looking for the same 1/2 thousand expansion as you would be for a magnum and where do you take the measurement from? Thanks again for all the information you share.

[@TheRealGunsmith]

Yes, it is. Keep learning and good shooting. Thanks for watching.

[@davidblanchard5252]

The science of custom loading, have several artistic measurements. One without the other, your accuracy you will not achieve. Hope you put out more sessions on different calibers such as 7MM Mag. Thank you !

[@Paladin1873]

To use Randy's terms, I am a very infrequent hand loader and a frequent reloader. Most of the latter is for pistol shooting under 50 yards (more often 7 - 15 yds). If nothing else, it gives me an alibi for poor group size. 🙂

[@VanLifeOffGrid]

Howdy sir. I like your videos. I been reloading about 3 years. Could you tell me what the best single powder is for 5.56 and 308. If you had to choose just one. Thanks! I usually stick with Hogden and sometimes accurate powder.

[@jasonshults368]

Varget.

[@tlloyd9325]

What is so much fun and you LEARN your rifle’s potential. Randy have you found that the ball powders like W760 works well in 308 based cartridges? I always run a magnum primer when loading ball powders.

[@TheRealGunsmith]

A mag primer is not necessary in a .308. W748 is the best powder. Thanks for watching.

[@waknstakoutdoors899]

Randy when working up a load how often are you cleaning the rifle?

[@TheRealGunsmith]

Every 3 shots for 21 shots, then every 15 rounds.

[@wvlongshooter3912]

7828 and 7828sc are the same chemically but the difference you get in speed is from the case fills that are different when using the two.

[@briansmith2616]

IMR 7828SSC is the only version available anyway, regular IMR 7828 isn't on the Hodgdon currently. I assume it's discontinued.

[@randlerichardson5826]

Randy sir you have forgotten more than I will ever know.

[@stevenrocco4120]

Randy what are your thoughts on a large chamber that is .0025 bigger than maximum

[@jasonshults368]

Longer? It will cause cases to stretch a little bit. Shouldn't be an issue.

[@Trinitystillmyname]

Great Video! Keep up the good work. I want to talk about hunting rifles vs Benchrest or PRS rifles. One, is not the other. Stop trying to make a rifle something it is not. Both can be accurate. Hunting rifle= comfort/ loads built to ethically take game/ rugged well built. Benchrest= heavy/ loads built very accurate to punch holes in paper/ function over looks.

[@jorgefigueroa7573]

Mr, Randy Selby when you powder measure for weight. What equipment to you like to use, Digital scales or mechanical beam scales?

[@WesleyMcIntire]

I can't speak for the man but, I've personally had 2 digital scales (1expensive and 1 fairly cheap) & had problems with both, so I went back to what always worked, old reliable mechanical scale.

[@jorgefigueroa7573]

@@WesleyMcIntire Is there a mechanical scale you would recommend?

[@TheRealGunsmith]

I've always used mechanical. And as mentioned, there have been reported problems with the digital. Thanks for watching.

[@jorgefigueroa7573]

Thank you.@@TheRealGunsmith

[@Trinitystillmyname]

I think the lessons learned in reloading hunting rounds, can also help further precision reloading in precision shooting sports. Your hunting rounds are not your benchrest rounds. Its a one, or the other kind of deal.

[@jasonshults368]

Two different approaches and two different sets of demands.

[@ffvg9909]

Your the best 🎉

[@robertriley1683]

Hi wanted to ask you about annealing rifle brass. Do you do it or is it another thing to sell expensive annealing machines. Really big fan of your videos. Thank you Robert Riley

[@TheRealGunsmith]

Annealing is done by the factory when the brass is made, so no reason to do it again. No need with modern brass. Thanks for watching.

[@jasonshults368]

Brass work-hardening is a real thing. It is demonstrable and measurable. The best shooters anneal often, as in after every firing. That way the neck tension is the same from one loading to the next. I anneal after about 5 loadings.

[@trapperbobpatriot8288]

Been awhile. Been waiting on a video

[@Accuracy1st]

I couldn't hear what chronograph Mr. Selby uses. Which one?

[@loganhefner906]

Oehler

[@Accuracy1st]

@@loganhefner906 thanks

[@TheRealGunsmith]

Oehler. It is a work horse and customer service, on the rare occasions when I've needed it, has been quick and excellent. Thanks for watching.

[@paulloyko2888]

Why do some rifles throw the first shot way out of the group and others seem to shoot consistant cold or hot......I have seen smaller caliber less than .270 throw the first shot 2 3 inches out of group at 100 yards and yet I have 30s and 338 that are much more cosistant. .....especially with decent weight barrels. ...someone once told me that the larger calibers 30 and above are less sensative. To variables .also I feel that the weigh of the rifle needs to be heavy enough to march the cartridge

[@TheRealGunsmith]

It's not in the caliber, it's in improper bedding. Properly bedded, this isn't an issue. Thanks for watching.

[@briansupermag3918]

You lost me with Winchester or Norma brass. Lol But other stuff is good

[@loganhefner906]

I'd love to be Randy's shadow for a year or 2..

[@randlerichardson5826]

Each round my 300 will stack bullets in a hole i might try my loads in another rifle the same brand it will not shoot the same

[@cherokeesome]

If it was up to this guy, nobody would be able to shoot, reload, build a firearm, or even hunt without his approval. Talk about full of himself!

[@randlerichardson5826]

Randy sir how do you talk to the idiots out there who try to start reloading but will not listen if you talk to them that is????????

[@jackdundon2261]

Anybody wanting to reload avoid Barnes and all costs? I had one of the books a few years ago that had massive amounts of data massively off on the high side. If Danver got me killed I will never shoot barns I recommend nobody ever shoot barns.

[@wadepederson8457]

85% of accuracy is the bullet, and all else fills in after it, case,powder,and primer, and I also use a primer seater I happen to like the RCBS bench top tool,dial up your powder to get sd's low as possible then dial in the c.o.a.l. for your group called harmonics, aim small good hunting GOD bless.

[@albertlemont5471]

I absolutely love norma brass in my 300WM. I am shocked you like winchester brass. I have never had good results with it. H1000 is my go to for almost any magnum i have tried. I am glad my choices have been confirmed.

[@TheRealGunsmith]

I like Norma, Person, Rem and Federal, also. Thanks for watching.