Reloading for an open sight rifle.

[Redneck 7]

Hello everyone, question that I have and can't find anywhere on Google specifically is when you're reloading for an open sight rifle, do you just use a generic load? Fine tune a load to the .5 grain and see how it shoots at 50 yards? Or 75 or 100? Shooter error can be more of the problem farther out since I don't like shooting sleds.

It's just for my deer gun, I only shoot under 100 yards with it anyways, I'm just running out of factory ammo I stocked up on so time to start pressing some. Looking for some opinions, experiences, load data for a Remington 7600 .243 1:9 1/4 twist with a 22" barrel. Thanks in advance.

[catnthehat]

I zero my open sighted cartridge rifles at 200 yards.
However if you only shoot 100 yards and inside, zero it at 100 and practice at 25 ,50, and 100- and 150!
Cat

[Redneck 7]

Originally Posted by catnthehat

I zero my open sighted cartridge rifles at 200 yards.
However if you only shoot 100 yards and inside, zero it at 100 and practice at 25 ,50, and 100- and 150!
Cat

Thanks cat, I knew you'd answer, but just reload typically as if it was for a scoped rifle? Or just do a ladder test to the half grain?

I probably will push it further, 150 will be the target after I reload more.

[catnthehat]

Originally Posted by Redneck 7

Thanks cat, I knew you'd answer, but just reload typically as if it was for a scoped rifle? Or just do a ladder test to the half grain?

I probably will push it further, 150 will be the target after I reload more.

Hand load the same as you would any other rifle, the sighting system is changed, nothing more.
Cat

[Phil]

I want the most accurate ammo I can load using the components I have available and/or wish to use, regardless of the sighting system. Iron sights or scope, it doesn't matter, the more accurate the ammo the better you will shoot it.

Good Luck,
Phil

[260 Rem]

First, the 7600 has decent accuracy potential. For irons, I would zero at the max distance I could trust my optics for a clean sight picture. For load development, I would consider mounting a scope and benching the rifle.

[brendan's dad]

It brings up a good discussion. Since you can mount a scope on a 7600 quite easily, should you use a scope for the load development? Most people will be more accurate with a scope and determining your optimal load should be easier. After the development is complete, remove the scope and adjust the irons accordingly.

[Redneck 7]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I've tried mounting a scope on it before but it shoots low, like 4" low at 100 yards. I don't want to spend the money on the special shimming rings from Burris I believe. Thanks for clearing the smoke for me guys.

Happy shooting!

[58thecat]

Do your load(s).
Set up at 25 yards to make sure your touching paper. Adjust to centre, out to 50 and repeat, out to 100 and repeat. Now dial in your pet load that your figure gives you the best grouping. Make sure rifle is rested and attempt to maintain the same sight picture...hard to do with open sights but that's all part of the fun.

[dogslayer403]

For your intended range and purpose find your safe max powder charge and go with it. Unless its just to tinker its gonna shoot good enough for 100yds and under as you stated

[Deer Hunter]

I would do everything you would do with a scoped rifle but do it at 50 or 75 yrds first instead of 100. And use a proper target that is easier to use with the sights you have. Like a heavier "V" sitting on top of the bullseye. Or a heavy inverted T. Realizing the sights will cover the bottom half of the target making it hard to aim.

[260 Rem]

Originally Posted by Deer Hunter

I would do everything you would do with a scoped rifle but do it at 50 or 75 yrds first instead of 100. And use a proper target that is easier to use with the sights you have. Like a heavier "V" sitting on top of the bullseye. Or a heavy inverted T. Realizing the sights will cover the bottom half of the target making it hard to aim.

With a "six o'clock" hold, it is not so bad. I use a target that is a bit wider than the sight picture to make it easier to center the post, and leave a "sliver" of space between the top of the post and the bull. Not sure that is what the best advise is ... but works for me.

[Deer Hunter]

This is what I would use at 100 yrds. Easy to sight on.