Aim small-miss small

[Eric Johanen]

For High power with the M1A I started with the 168 Sierra HPBT Match and IMR4895. Switched to AA2520 and it remains my load of choice still. Also 1/2 MOA out of my bolt guns. When I transitioned to the AR 15 I started with the 69 Sierra HPBT Match and W748. As my skill improved I went to Varget, later using the Sierra 77 HPBT Match. Now I use the 77 Sierra with IMR8208. As my skill improved it required better ammunition. I am finding the same pattern with the black powder cartridge rifles. What worked well several years ago is not good enough today. Improved skill level needs better ammunition. Last season I really worked with them and have developed some pretty good loads for different uses. One really interesting thing I've noticed is that with optimal loads the cold bore shot is in the group or very close. This may not be true for all rifles but with mine it is proving true. Elevations are repeatable and for the first one downrange I just have to dope the windage and things work pretty well. My 50-90 is still a work in progress....1 good greaser and 1 good paper patch load that are very close to the same point of impact. I will be using these loads until I can out shoot them and a need arises for even better quality ammunition. The confident feeling when you send that first one off is what it is all about. These rifles and loads shoot very well but the shooter still needs to improve reading range conditions to get the hits or the scores up. It is a never ending process but loads of fun!