Precision by Design: Developing Handloaded Ammunition and Accuracy Testing at the Rifle Range

In the world of precision shooting, there’s a point where factory ammunition no longer satisfies the demands of discerning marksmen. Whether you’re a competitive shooter, a long-range hunter, or a rifle enthusiast chasing the tightest possible groups, handloading also known as reloading offers the path to peak rifle performance. It’s a blend of science and craftsmanship, where the smallest variables can make significant differences. This article explores the process of developing various handloads and how accuracy is tested and fine-tuned at the rifle range.

You can check our my last two articles that I wrote about getting set up to begin reloading:

Building My First Reloading Bench with RCBS: Getting Organized and Educated

Taking My First Steps into Hand-Loading: My RCBS Starter Kit

If you’d like to get started on your hand loading journey, head to www.RCBS.com to explore the set up I used and all of the other great products they have to offer.

The Purpose of Handloading

Handloading is more than just making your own ammunition it’s about tailoring cartridges to your specific rifle, barrel, and shooting application. Factory ammunition is manufactured to a “one-size-fits-all” standard, built for safety and function in any firearm chambered for the caliber. Handloading, on the other hand, allows the shooter to control every component of the cartridge: the bullet, case, powder, primer, and even the seating depth. This customization offers benefits such as:

• Improved accuracy
• Consistent velocities
• Better terminal performance
• Cost savings (over time)
• The ability to load hard-to-find or obsolete cartridges

Components That Influence Performance

When developing handloads, each component of the cartridge plays a role in determining performance:

1. Bullet Type and Weight: The choice of bullet affects ballistic coefficient, stability, and terminal performance. Match-grade bullets are popular for accuracy, while soft points or ballistic tips are preferred for hunting.
2. Powder Type and Charge Weight: Different powders burn at different rates. Choosing the right powder and precisely measuring the charge weight is essential. Too much or too little powder can drastically alter pressure and performance.
3. Case Preparation: Uniform brass cases are foundational. Shooters often trim cases to consistent length, clean primer pockets, and even uniform flash holes.
4. Primers: Often overlooked, the primer type can impact ignition consistency and ultimately accuracy. Some reloaders test multiple primer brands to find the most consistent ignition.
5. Cartridge Overall Length (COL): Seating the bullet to a precise depth relative to the rifling in the barrel often referred to as “jump to lands” can have a measurable effect on group sizes.

The Load Development Process

Developing a handload is systematic. It starts with research reviewing published load data from reputable sources like the Hornady Handbook, Sierra Reloading Manual, or Hodgdon’s website. From there, the process typically involves:

1. Starting Low and Working Up: Begin with the minimum recommended charge and incrementally increase powder in small steps (commonly 0.2 to 0.5 grains per step). Watch for pressure signs such as flattened primers or sticky bolt lift.
2. Document Everything: A reloading log is essential. Record all variables: bullet, powder, charge weight, COL, brass type, primer brand, ambient temperature, and more.
3. Load Test Rounds in Batches: Once a powder range is selected, load 3-5 rounds for each charge weight. These groups are fired under controlled conditions at the range.

Accuracy Testing at the Range

Once the test loads are prepared, it’s time to evaluate them on the firing line. Accuracy testing is typically conducted at 100 yards, though some shooters test at longer distances depending on their application.

Range Setup:

• Use a stable shooting bench or prone position.
• Employ a quality rifle rest or sandbags to minimize shooter-induced error.
• Use a chronograph to record muzzle velocities for each shot.

Shooting Process:

1. Warm the Barrel Properly: Some shooters fire fouling shots to settle the barrel before serious testing begins.
2. Allow for Barrel Cooling: Especially with precision rifles, heat affects barrel harmonics and can skew results. Let the barrel cool between groups.
3. Target Group Sizes: Each load’s accuracy is judged by the size of the group it produces, typically measured center-to-center in inches or MOA (minute of angle). Tight, consistent groups indicate a potentially viable load.
4. Track Velocity and SD/ES: Chronograph data is key. Standard deviation (SD) and extreme spread (ES) numbers help evaluate consistency. Low SD (e.g., under 10 fps) is often an indicator of a highly consistent load.
5. Note Environmental Conditions: Wind, temperature, and humidity can affect bullet flight. Good record-keeping helps interpret group performance accurately.

Interpreting the Results

Once groups are measured and data is reviewed, you’ll often see a trend a specific charge weight might show the tightest grouping or the lowest velocity spread. The best-performing loads are then retested, possibly with minor tweaks (like adjusting seating depth or switching primers) to refine performance further.

Some shooters go deeper into ladder testing or OCW (Optimal Charge Weight) methods, where a more analytical approach is taken to find “nodes” points where small charge changes result in minimal point-of-impact shift, indicating a stable, forgiving load.

Common Challenges and Solutions

• Inconsistent Groups: Could result from inconsistent powder charges, case prep, or barrel fouling.
• High Pressure Signs: Always back off if you notice flattened primers or ejector marks.
• Vertical Stringing: May indicate inconsistent velocities or barrel heating.
• Wide Horizontal Spread: Often caused by wind drift or shooter input.

Fine-Tuning and Finalizing a Load

Once a promising load is identified, a larger batch can be loaded and tested over multiple sessions. It’s wise to test under varying conditions to confirm performance consistency. Many handloaders shoot 20–50 rounds of their final candidate to confirm repeatable accuracy before committing it as their “go-to” load.

Some reloaders even take this a step further by neck-turning brass, weight sorting bullets, or using custom dies to reduce runout and improve concentricity.

Safety and Responsibility

Handloading demands attention to detail and a commitment to safety. Always adhere to published data and never exceed maximum loads. Each firearm is different what is safe in one rifle might not be in another. Invest in reliable reloading equipment and inspect every round carefully.

Conclusion

The journey of developing handloaded ammunition is both rewarding and educational. It deepens a shooter’s understanding of ballistics, rifle mechanics, and precision shooting. There’s a special satisfaction that comes from seeing a five-shot group touch holes on paper and knowing it was the result of your own meticulous loading process. Whether chasing bug hole groups or building confidence in the field, handloading is where performance is truly born.

Check out the RCBS website to get started!

Andy Husek

Andy has been a lifelong Outdoorsman and has hunted and fished all over the world but his home state of Michigan is near and dear to his heart. He grew up fishing the Great Lakes and mostly hunted waterfowl and small game until his teenage years when he quickly became an avid big game hunter. He has hunted North America from the northernmost parts of Alaska to the southernmost parts of Florida and everywhere in between. When he is not hunting or fishing he is coaching travel softball and watching his two daughters play the sports they love.