There are some nice Shiraz out of Australia. The Sister's Run Epiphany I had a few weeks ago was pretty good.

Might make you forget for the weekend about reloading!

Yes mate, there are some lovely red wines from Australia.

If you want a good Cabernet Sauvignon, or if you are old school like me, a Hermitage or Claret, then wines from the Pokolbin region near Newcastle are the go…all grown in beautiful rich black volcanic soil for full bodied grapes. Another region that has come into its own for good wines these days is Margaret River in Western Australia…some truly excellent wines coming from that area. Then of course there are the original wine producing areas out here…Barossa Valley and Clare Valley, both in South Australia.

But to get back on topic…I’m happy to do reloading…I find it quite relaxing and therapeutic, and in fact, I thinking about doing some reloading today before the weather heats up again in a couple of days. After my last range trip, I want to do some fine tuning of a load I’ve identified for my 308…add a few tenths of a grain to see if it makes a difference, or maybe take a couple of tenths of a grain off. I’ll try both and see what the outcome is on the target. I’m not necessarily looking for “tack driving” accuracy, but I won’t complain if I happen to stumble onto it by accident.

Well, a busy week this week, plus the worry and concerns of the Grandson’s car accident.

I was planning on doing some reloading…massaging a 308 load…to try and tighten up the groups from my last range session. I have pretty much decided to “play” with the 45gr of AR2208 (Varget) to see what the outcome will be. I’m looking at loading 44.7gr, 44.9gr, and 45.3gr to see if the group tightens and at what point. I’ll load up about 10 loads at 45gr to see if I can zero the load first, then try the other loads to check for tighter groups. I don’t know why, but I’m finding that I seem to have a “love affair” with the 2 o’clock area of targets. Most things I shoot seem to end up in this area…perplexing and damn frustrating. Hopefully when I zero the rifle this time, it will be in the correct position.

In love with the 2:00 position? Make sure you aren't "anticipating recoil". Also known as "heeling".

Bushmaster wrote:

In love with the 2:00 position? Make sure you aren't "anticipating recoil". Also known as "heeling".

Interesting thought mate. Recoil has never been an issue with me…unless it was with my shooting buddy’s Single Shot Ruger 45.70 shooting 500gr bullets loaded with about a shovel full of 2400 powder (I was bruised for two weeks after only two shots!).

I’m finding that even with my .22 LR that the group gravitated towards that area. Maybe I’m canting the rifle, not sure, but I’ll be looking at it.

As for recoil…I’ll be fitting a good recoil pad to the Stevens 308 to tame it down a bit. Strange…I used to fire heaps of 7.62 NATO from a FN L1A1 with a metal “recoil pad” on the butt without any problems. I’ve tamed the SMLE #5 down to a reasonable level with a slip on Kick EEZ pad, so I should be able to do the same with the Stevens.

I’ve loaded up some 308 ammo using AR2208 (Varget) based on the results of my last range outing. I’m hoping that I can get to the Range this Friday morning. All things being equal, I have a good chance (more recoil therapy…WOO HOO).

I selected the 45gr load as being the best start point, and I’ve loaded up five rounds each three tenths of a grain of 2208 either side of 45gr (44.7gr, 45gr and 45.3gr), for a total of fifteen rounds to see how they shoot. I’m also bringing the zero into line as well using the 45gr load. It’s costing me a bit of money in components, but I’m hoping that these loads, with the differences I’ve chosen, will give me a more definitive result on a suitable load for the Stevens. I’m not looking for a “tack driver”…just what would be Minute of Critter.

Time to get my bits and bobs together to head out to the range today. I’ll be taking care and being mindful of the “heeling” problem Bushy…oh, and I won’t forget my bolts.

As an aside, I received a PM from our old mate weirsay111, passing on thoughts and prayers for my Grandson…lovely to hear from him. He drops into The Nut occasionally when he has the time, but like many of us, life commitments get in the way.

Recoil therapy in an hour or so…WOO HOO.

Well, I got my 308 properly zeroed and have sorted out a load for 150gr bullets and 160gr bullets. Now to load some up so I’m ready to get out into the scrub.

The 308 is shooting quite well now I’ve bedded the action, but I don’t like the internal magazine, although I don’t think there is anything I can do about it.

The 150gr group was shot at 100m and the 160gr load shot at 50m (straight after zeroing and as an afterthought because I wasn’t happy with the rounds, but they shot well). I think that both loads are more than suitable for hunting, and as I rarely shoot beyond 200m, these loads are more than accurate enough.

Gotta be happy with that

Should be able to hit Larry's rock with that.

The Steven's 200 is just a Savage 110. Your rifle appears center feed as the magazine stayed in the stock when you pulled it apart.

A Savage 110 stock and the Savage detachable bottom metal will convert it to a detachable box magazine.

But that will probably cost close to what you paid for the rifle.