Load development for new barrel

This will be my first "custom" rifle, so I want to get the most out of it while expending the least components. Tell me what you think of my plan.

First, I'm hoping Alton will b able to give me some advice on overall chamber length. I want to use this information to load 208 A-Max's over Varget with Wolf LR primers. I plan to start at an as-yet-to-be-determined charge weight and go up in .2 grain increments. I will be loading 1 round at each weight and chronographing each. I will be doing this during the break-in procedure. I'm looking for where my maximum load is and hopefully and range of charge weights to work in. I would like to find an accurate load in the 2475-2500 range. I think 2550 is the maximum velocity I would want out of this weight bullet. I also plan to run the same test with 178 Hornady BTHP's, 185 Hybrid Bergers and 200 Hybrid Bergers.

Anyone have any advice for this procedure or anything to simplify this process?

What caliber? Guessing 308 with those weights and speeds?

Ive had good luck with 210SMK in lapua brass Varget and CCI BR primers in my 10 twist 308. But mostly use 178GR pulled SMK. They stay close enough to 1moa out to 800yds. And really cheap to shoot.

I just start a lil low and see what shoots best and then start changing depths.
Gotten lucky a few times with my 300wm and 22-250 the 2nd load i tried shot well enough i didnt worry bout chasing anything better.

JP, your builder will probably be able to get you pretty close, esp if its a caliber/reamer combo he has used in the past. He will also most likely be able to get you spot on with COAL for the desired gr. bullet you will shoot.

on both my 300 win custom and my 25-06ai my smith told me what load combo would be my best and my coal with each bullet type. i loaded down and worked up and in both instances he was correct on my rifles most accurate load.

that saved a lot of trail and error. I have played with seveal other combos but not are as accurate as his recommendation.

This is a good site to use as a guideline for load development procedures. Has some good starting and final loads as well. Good luck!



http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspace.com/#/ocw-load-recipes/4533485759

Thanks for the site! I'll be reading over it when I have more time.

Ten-Foe. You welcome.

http://www.desertsharpshooters.com/manuals/incredload.pdf

Interesting read on this topic.