This procedure assumes an APPROPRIATE powder! Safe shooting requires some research into a beginning load, available from many reloading manuals. Be sure to write down as much information as possible. The time of day, wind conditions, full sun, cloudy, etc. Write down each group, the results and any impressions you have such as shooter error on a shot.

The first round will be a fouler. Take your time and try for the smallest possible group with the following 5 rounds. While the barrel cools, load 5 more rounds increasing the powder .2 to .3 grain. You will then shoot 5 rounds at the 2nd bull. Increase gradually (backing down one or two tenths is okay too)until the group becones a small clover leaf or round group. Always be aware of signs of pressure such as tight bolt opening or loose flattened primers. When you have the small, round group you then adjust seating depth. It is important you only change ONE variable at a time!

Try moving the seating depth to the jam depth and start with 5 more rounds. While the barrel cools, decrease the seating depth by -.003 and repeat. Most rifles shoot well between +.0010 and -.0020 from the jam. Pick the best looking group and increase by .001 or decrease by .001 at a time. At some point you will achieve 5 rounds into a very small hole. Record the chronograph setting along with powder, and seating info. WRITE DOWN THE LOAD DATA! As the barrel wears and you adjust the seating depth keep a record of dates and changes! It is important to keep the seating depth the same relative to the jam changes!

The most accurate load won't always be the hottest load. Allow the rifle to cool between groups to maintain consistency. When reusing fired brass, be sure to clean as you normally would, polish necks with steel wool, clean primer pockets, brush necks, etc. Cleaning the rifle after every 10 shots or whatever you do in normal shooting is recommended. Write down what you do each cycle, the settings and the accuracy and the chronograph results. When you have the best load, use your micrometer/stoney point to measure the rounds for your record keeping and to reset your dies as needed.

Keep your book as a reference and update when you make changes. As the lans wear you will need to decrease the seating depth periodically. As your accuracy drops, determine the new jam length and retry the best jam minus setting or simply add .001 at a time from your old setting until you get back in the zone. The chronograph readings will tell you the velocity for the corresponding accuracy/powder/primer. Be sure to note the lot# of the powder also. There can be a big difference between lot #s. Each shooter is responsible for determining the safe limit of his loads! You might want to pack a lunch as this procedure can take some time. Good shooting, Mike!

Here is a sample of the result of the process of load tuning. The target was shot at 100 yards at approximately noon on a clear crisp day. The target shows the process works but sure not on the first combination. This was approximately the 14th combination of powder/seating depth. The group measures .324 outside edge to outside edge, fired with a 30 caliber bullet. The cartridge is a 30BR and contained 31.8 grains of IMR 4198. DO NOT TRY THIS LOAD WITHOUT WORKING UP IN YOUR OWN RIFLE! The process started at 28 grains and the seating depth was jam + .010. The final result was accomplished with the bullet seated approximately .001 off the lans. As you can see, patience pays off. In addition, this is a Shilen Barrel(best quality), custom chambered for a tight fit, BIB 118 grain 10 ogive bullets, moly coated, Federal 205M primers.