Quick Answer
Premium factory ammo often offers consistent performance, but may be less accurate and more expensive than well-constructed handloads. Handloads allow for precise control over powder and bullet selection, potentially resulting in improved accuracy. However, they require more time and knowledge to produce.
Choosing the Right Components
When it comes to handloading, selecting the right components is crucial for achieving optimal performance. For rifle cartridges, a well-designed bullet with a suitable weight and profile is essential. For example, a 150-grain 6.5 Creedmoor bullet with a .264-inch diameter and a 0.5-inch long ogive can provide excellent accuracy at long ranges. The choice of powder, however, can make a significant difference in terms of velocity and pressure. A high-quality powder with a suitable burn rate, such as Hodgdon H4350 or IMR 4350, is necessary for achieving optimal performance. A general rule of thumb is to start with a maximum load and then reduce the charge by 5-10% to achieve a safe and reliable load.
Load Development and Testing
Load development and testing are essential steps in creating a reliable and accurate handload. This process involves loading a series of cartridges with incremental changes in powder charge and then firing them to determine the optimal load. A chronograph can be used to measure the velocity of each load, while a target can be used to assess accuracy. A good starting point is to load cartridges with 5-10% increments of powder, then reduce the charge by 5-10% to achieve a safe and reliable load. For example, if the optimal load for a 6.5 Creedmoor is 45 grains of powder, the next test load would be 40.5 grains, and so on. This process can be repeated several times until the optimal load is achieved.
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