There has to be a reason why your loads were not up to scratch mate, and you can bet it will be only one little thing.

Sit down and go through the entire process (without actually loading anything) and check to see if you are not doing something or not doing something quite right. Write down your process from go to whoa.

Once you have done that, load one round carefully, paying particular attention to each step. Sizing, priming etc. When you measure your powder load, confirm the charge from your data, then carefully weigh the charge on your scales to check the weight to ensure it is spot on. Ensure your scales are correctly balanced and set before using them. Check the weight of your bullet...check the seating depth (I initially seat the bullet to the factory OAL specs, then in later loadings may play with the seating depth to fine tune the load). I like to crimp my loads...not necessary in every case, but I prefer to do it for uniformity.

Once you have loaded that first round mark it with a Sharpie marker as #1...then load another 5 or 10 the same way. I would then take these rounds to the range and fire a couple of groups with them...a 3 round group at 50 yds, then another at 100 yds. Allow your barrel to cool down significantly between shots. This will ensure that you are firing each shot from a cool barrel each time.

I would keep say 3 rounds for the end and you could approach another shooter (that is a reasonably good shot) and ask if they could fire a 3 round group from your rifle with your loads. Explain this is to eliminate the TLO factor from the equation. This will ensure that the most important nut o the rifle isn't loose...the nut behind the butt.

If your shots are still all over the place, then its time to look at other factors. Have your rifle checked by a gunsmith for any problems that might cause inconsistency etc.

Apart from that mate, the only other thing I could suggest is to try some factory loads. It might also be worthwhile to get someone you know to be an experienced hand loader to watch over your shoulder as you load a few rounds. If you are doing something wrong, then he should be able to pick it up and correct it for you.

Let us know how it goes mate.

Cheers, Vince

Thanks vince, I have loaded up some rounds for my 30-30 using a different recipe and bullet and they turned out good but I just don't understand why I didn't get some uniform shots out of these loads. I will give it a try with what you suggested but I am not sure what the issue is. I also shot some factory loads through the gun a while before running my loads through it and they patterned well and acuratly. I think there is something wrong with my recipe wether it be something I did or I just don't have the right combination. I hope I can figure it out soon.

I know this sounds silly...but make sure you are using the right powder as well mate...wouldn't be the first time the wrong powder has been used.

Cheers, Vince

Vince has pretty well got it covered. is there a big difference in bullet weight/shape between the factory loads and your reloads???
if not I would suggest you use the factory round to get a seating depth starting point, its what Ive always done and works for me.

I am seating the bullets according to SAAMI specs. This is longer then what the factory ammo appears to be in OAL. I am not sure if what I was shooting. As for factory ammo was 150gr or 170gr. I usually shoot 170's. What I had loaded was 170 gr Speer FN and I was using IMR3031, at least that is what my notes show and what I am pretty sure I used. I suppose its possible I messed up somewhere along the process and used the wrong powder. I might seat the bullets to the depth that the factory ammo is and see if that helps though. Thanks for the info.

After driving 1520 miles last Trursday and Friday I,m ready to do some fishing and pig shooting in the central part of Georgia . I may stay with my son for a week or two befor heading back tword Wyoming. The farmer is having us use shotguns on the pig shoots, so I got my 3 1/2 in 12 gun and some 00 buck ammo. The farmer wonts us to shoot untill our guns are empty so the plugs are out. Its all night shooting with spot lights. Never did any night shooting before so I got a bit to learn.

Spot lighting isn't difficult mate...I do a bit of it out here in Australia. You will often find that an animal will stop when hit with the light, so the shots aren't difficult...but be quick, some of them don't stop for more than a couple of seconds. Once they are out of the light beam they are pretty much gone unless your light handler has his act together. Also, be careful of where you stand in relation to the light. Nothing worse than the light hitting your scope from behind...it will blind you.

You will find spot lighting a lot of fun and it adds a whole new dimension to hunting.

Cheers, Vince