Originally Posted by
Gib
dokcop,
The 75-77 grain BTHP bullets were designed to be loaded to magazine length. The A-Max and Sierra/Nosler 80's were not designed for mag length but for single loading. I would believe that the load you are using now with 75-77 grain bullets would be just fine for rattle battle since they need to be fed from the magazine for the 200-600 yd matches.
I shoot cross the course and my load is 24 gr RL15 with either the Hornady 75 BTHP or the Sierra 77 grain HP loaded mag length for the 200 and 300 yard line. I have shot this load at 600 but prefer the Hornady 75 grain AMAX or the Sierra 80 since I can single load. Hope this helps.
That's all really good advice. IMR 8208 will also work well. Dokop mentioned 69's. I do know some folks who run 69's at 200, 77's at 300 and then 80's at the six, but I just run 77's at both 200 and 300 to give me one less thing to think about. 77's are the bullet of choice for rattle battle.
For rattle battle, a good wind call at 500 and 600 is the key. You should strive to get them all off at 5 and 6, like the military teams do, or at worst finish up at 300. Carrying loaded rounds all the way down to the 200-yard line is kinda known as "the walk of shame" is some circles.
"There it is"
LOAD AND BE READY!