Popsbengo

I wouldn't say that velocity variations were irrelevant, that's clearly not the case. To make my point if velocity was ±25% then vertical stringing would be grossly exaggerated and no amount of tuning would mask this. Reading Kolbe's paper carefully, positive compensation (PC) appears to work within a 'bandwidth' of velocity variation. It seems reasonable to say the closer the velocity variation is managed the less positive compensation is required as every round would tend towards vibrating the same and launch angles would be the same - the real benefit is PC can assist in masking small velocity variations inherent in the manufacture of ammunition. Surely the tuning of CF ammo to the rifle is achieving the same PC benefit with the natural barrel harmonics, a tuner could help tweak the grouping when temperature changes or fouling affects MV and therefor muzzle vibration. It does suggest that developing loads for different distances for none barrel tuner rifles would show benefits. My concern is being able to discern what's actually making my grouping variations as so many variables are in play.

will this do ?

I can do that for you, shouldn't take long to do and I have everything required. PM me to discuss further

I'm assuming .308 calibre. If your twist rate is fast enough (1:11 works for me) I'd try 185gr Berger Juggernaut with N150. The excellent BC will help get to 1000yds with decent velocity. I'd avoid going over 44gr N140, a slower powder may work better for your heavier bullets.

Training is one thing, following the training is another. I'm sure they don't teach speeding at driving school 😁 It's a potential minefield for clubs. Unfortunately there are a minority of shooters who will make mistakes through inattention and those that make deliberate and foolish errors of judgement. I have witnessed fingers being blown off (not my club) and I just hope to avoid being next to Mr. Knob-head on the line.

I read "going down to one grain" to mean a resolution of 1gr increments. Maybe the OP could clarify please?

Going back to the OP, if there's a ±1gr variation as suggested on (eg say .308) 44gr that's a big deal: ± 2.3%. 'ds1' suggests ±15fps (again on .308 at say 2800fps) but that is ±0.5% variation. I think it's highly unlikely you can load to ±2.3% and expect to see less than ±0.5% in MV. I suggest either get a good balance-beam scale or a decent lab scale (I spent £150ish on lab scales and get excellent repeatability) and buy some calibration weights (eBay). Set up in a temperature stable environment with no drafts and suppress vibration, I use a marble slab on spikes. You will see good results providing other factors, especially neck tension, are managed well. I get very satisfying results at the range.

I agree however consistent neck tension and ±1/10gr repeatability is even better 😉

agreed, it's not just about accuracy, precise repeatability is most important

Never had any problem with Spud. I've always found Mark to be helpful.

can't see why not, give Mike a call, he's a fine chap

Using an arbour press it's very easy to feel the force required to seat bullets after a little practice, no need for £££££££ equipment in my opinion

unless things have changed very recently, no, it's still a walk to the shed and pull them up

As far as I know from my last visit (12 months ago) the targets are a walk above ground to the target shack and lower them down on frames, there is/was no target retrieval system

Interesting that you ultrasonic as a last step - what do you feel you gain by doing that ?

That's definitely a good call

I use it now and again when I can't get outside. Mike's a great bloke, the facility is fine. He will probably want to watch you set up and get underway which is not unreasonable for a new customer. He usually leaves me to crack on. There's two tunnels side-by-side and it can be very loud so I recommend ear plugs as well as ear protectors. I take my own target faces so I can retrieve them at the end of the session. There's a table to set up on and the firing benches are solid and you can lay prone on the bench if preferred. The targets are CCTV monitored so easy to see fall of shot.

Offas' is still "trading" according to their website but not accepting new members. I do hope that the 'unpleasantness' has been resolved for the member's sake. With regard to running clubs it's very difficult to encourage involvement these days. I feel it's the same for most clubs and societies (accepting golf clubs with all their ballcocks) and I think it's due to social changes where some members see the club just like they see a gym membership or similar; ie a paid for service, rather than as a group of like-minded enthusiasts getting together in mutual support. I'd love to hear from anyone that's cracked the problem! It's usually the same handful of people that go to work parties, volunteer to train others, join the committee etc. We try to be friendly and supportive at our club but, for some clubs 'pressed men' may not be the best persons to carry the organisational responsibilities and general stress/faff that goes with it. Sometimes it's misguided enthusiasm and a failure to take people with you that damages relations, sometimes it's just personality types that are capable organisers but just unpleasant to know. As an ex member of both SPRPC and Offas I'd say I've experienced both!

Hi Leadslinger, welcome aboard

Sorry, I have a sale promised, would have posted but I was distracted by a dire game of football.

I have a brand new old stock Lee 4-hole turret press quick changer. Never been used. NOW SOLD

I would think so. It may be cleaned/polished after drawing and machining taking the surface oxidation off (what gives the coppery colour). I anneal but after one cleaning cycle the brass is uniform yellow again.

Ultimately any wind measurement at the firing line is just that - at the firing line. Certainly wind over the first 1/3rd of the range (at middling ranges) is the biggest influence but judging effects down range without the use of wind flags is next to impossible (especially at Esk. T4 with that bowl shape). I have a Kestrel for basic wind measurements but I've found a bit of experience with wind flags at Bisley to be far superior to just Kestrel at the line.

maybe it's nothing to do with hunting ? They do like to do some serious off-roading so a useful tool to have

Wow, that's very bling ! One watch, Rolex Exp 2, worn every day, nearly 20yrs old now, serviced twice, tough as old boots and accurate.