Loading for Long Range Shooting — Why Consistency Is Key
In this video, Bryan Litz of Applied Ballistics explains how to choose a bullet for long-range shooting and explains what you should be looking for when developing a long-range load. Bryan notes that, with a new rifle build, the bullet you select may actually dictate your gun components. When starting from a “clean slate”, once you select a bullet, you will then pick a barrel, twist rate, and cartridge that are appropriate for that bullet. In choosing a long-range projectile, Bryan recommends you choose a high-BC bullet “that is known for precision”. Then you need to find an ultra-consistent, reliable load.
This video is worth watching. Bryan Litz makes some very good points.
Load Development — Why Consistency is Key (and Half-MOA May Be Good Enough)
After choosing a bullet for your long-range project, then you need to develop a load through testing. Bryan explains: “Once you’ve selected a bullet … and you have selected the components around that bullet, the most important thing to remember in hand-loading is consistency. You’re going to do some testing to see what combination of powder charge, powder type, and seating depth give you the best groups and lowest standard deviations in muzzle velocity.”
Bryan says that if you develop a load that can shoot consistent, half-minute groups in all conditions, you should be satisfied. Bryan says that many long-range shooters “spin their wheels” trying to achieve a quarter-MOA load. Often they give up and start all over with a new bullet, new powder, and even a new cartridge type. That wastes time, money, and energy.
Bryan cautions: “My advice for hand-loaders who are long-range shooters, is this: If you can get a load that is reliable and can shoot consistent, half-minute groups with low MV variation and you can shoot that load in any condition and it will work well, then STICK with THAT LOAD. Then focus on practicing, focus on the fundamentals of marksmanship. The consistency you develop over time by using the same ammunition will mean more to your success in long range shooting than refining a half-minute load down to a quarter-minute load.”
Bryan notes that, at very long range, shooting skills and wind-calling abilities count most: “Your ability to hit a 10″ target at 1000 yards doesn’t improve very much if you can make your rifle group a quarter-minute vs. a half a minute. What’s going to determine your hit percentage on a target like that is how well you can calculate an accurate firing solution and center your group on that target. A lot of people would be more effective if they focused on the fire solution and accurately centering the group on the target [rather than attempting to achieve smaller groups through continuous load development].”
Editor’s Note: We agree 100% with the points Bryan makes in this video. However, for certain disciplines, such as 600-yard benchrest, you WILL need a sub-half-MOA rifle to be competitive at major matches. Well-tuned, modern 600-yard benchrest rigs can shoot 1/4-MOA or better at 100 yards. Thankfully, with the powder, bullets, and barrels available now, 1/4-MOA precision (in good, stable conditions) is achievable with a 17-lb benchgun built by a good smith with premium components.
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Tags: Bryan Litz, Bullet Choice, Load Development, Video
I wonder what kind of group were talking about here, 5 shot, 10 shot, 20 shot group?
Guy,
5,10, 15, 20 shots. Whatever you are comfortable with. I use 5 myself in testing but more when I go to confirm the load at longer ranges. Bryan has hit the nail on the head with this Video.The “arrow” is only a small percentage of the equation. The “Indian” is the largest percentage and the hardest to fix! You have to put the rounds in! In all sorts of different conditions.
Just saying a 1/2 minute 5 shot groups and 1/2 minute 10 shot groups is quit a different thing. Nice to known what were talking about when discussing group size. Bryan wrote a great artical, concur completely.
I guess if I was making money off my theories I would suggest the largest factor is the shooter..If I real believed my own BS I would suggest to follow my formula..Just a thought..
.5 MOA, WTF happened to aim small miss small? I guess he suggests tuning to the guns capabilities is a waste of time? Most calibers have proven loads to start tuning on..I would suggest letting the tool do most of the work, work smarter not harder..That is just me
Ray When you have 5 or 10 moa wind call 0.1moa or 0.5 moa group size have very litle to do with your hit probability.
That is reality of long range shooting , short range is a different game
He writes the best info I’ve ever read and I’ve been loading longer than he is old. Thanks for all the work you do for the sport.
“That is reality of long range shooting ”
Ray….tell that to the guy that just shot a 10 shot group under 3″, you always strive to tune your loads to the best group possible.
I bet he can’t reproduce that 3″ group at 1000 yards