OK, I'll provide more detail on what I use during my load testing sessions.
I always use the same arrangement for load testing to eliminate as many variables as possible.
All my powder - bullet testing is at 100 yards so I can compare results between loads and between rifles.
Or range max distance is 100 yards so I have to travel to another range if I want to shoot longer distances.
Altitude at our range is about 250 ft. above sea level.
My 12 LRP has a pretty tight chamber so the jump is between 15 and 20 thousandths even with the O.A.L.s listed here.
At the O.A.L. listed, the TMKs have a lot of bullet point in the rifling but the ogive is not touching it. I just don't want the pressure spike.
I shoot off a very stable bench using a Sinclair Gen 3 F-Class bipod with a Protektor rear bag.
I find that set up is incredibly stable and I have no problem with getting consistent set up.
A number of people at our range have adopted my configuration after being impressed by it when I let them try it.
I have taken great pains over the last few years to work on eliminating 'shooter and reloader' induced variations.
I still get an occasional 'whoops' when I let my concentration lapse or I don't correctly complete my set up routine, but the instances of the flyers or drops that I was causing have really become pretty rare.
I scan my targets and I measure all my groups using the On-Target software application.
I have shot over 44,000 rounds with a number of rifles in the last 8+ years so my data base is enormous.
The 12 LRP is about 2 years old and I have recorded just over 3,900 rounds down the barrel.
Actually, I am surprised that the 6.5mm has stood up to that much use since I had heard that that caliber was a barrel burner. You couldn't prove it by me. It is still shooting as good as it did when I first got it.
The 12 LRP has a 8-32x56mm NightForce Benchrest scope with an N2-DD target reticle mounted on Burris Signature Zee high rings to allow the large front optic will clear the bull barrel.
I use the 32X setting when load testing so I can focus on an aim point that is less than 1/10 of an inch at 100 yards.
I generally shoot in the early morning before the wind comes up. I find the large front optic is especially helpful during early winter mornings.
I am a great believer in 'aim small, hit small' and try to be sure that I have eliminated a much sighting variation as possible so I can compare load results and choose the best performing bullets.
I shoot at 1-inch dark blue diamonds with a yellow center on a 2x2 inch vertical and horizontal reticle so I can be sure I am not canting the rifle.
I print the targets are printed on a white background and have chosen the layout after years of shooting so I can easily locate every round fired.
I set my scope so the POI is inside the diamond so the aim point is not compromised.
With the 12 LRP I am not happy unless I can keep all rounds in a 20-round group inside of 0.7 inches.
I hope that satisfies your inquiring mind.
I like the opportunity to compare notes and get ideas that might help improve our shooting.
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