[mgrych]

So i think i'm going to try that audette ladder test (the one where you have one round for each powder charge) but i dont think i'll be able to see little .223 holes at 300 yds. At least not enough to remap them on a similar target. Should i just shoot at 200 yds? or is it critical to do it at 300?

[bullseye308]

100 is a little close, I might try 150 then 200. I don't think 300 is reasonable for most shooters with a 223 for the kind of accuracy you are looking for. 150 should be a good start and depending on how that goes will determine if you move out any farther.

[dakotasin]

for best results, further is better. 100 would not be a complete waste of time because you'll be able to shoot, but won't do much for your data gathering.

i would consider 200 to be an absolute minimum, but strongly encourage you to shoot 300.

set up a spotting close downrange so you don't have to walk the full 300 yards to check your target, use shoot-n-see targets, etc...

if you walk partway or all the way to the target after each shot, you know your rifle will be in the same condition (barrel/chamber temps) for each shot.

find a way to do it at 300, though. you'll be done w/ that powder in one range session, and the results you get will be as reliable as you are.

good luck!

[SlamFire1]

One gentlemen posted his groups and velocities for discussion because his results were inconclusive. He was unable to determine any pattern from his testing.

If you, the rifle, or the load, are not capable of shooting groups, it is doubtful that this method will tell you anything.

[TimRB]

FWIW, I have shot ladder tests at 200 yards and gotten perfectly acceptable results. YMMV, of course, but I wouldn't worry about it.

Tim

[~z]

Another Idea, set up 4 or 5 targets, shoot each once, then take the walk, mark (number the shot) your targets, walk back and shoot again, repeat. Once you are done overlay the targets and mark the holes on a "master target". This will provide the info without the spotting scope, and you can do it at any range.
~z

[Timmer]

what is this ladder tests?

[WNTFW]

Do a search on "ladder test" or "audette ladder test"

Also check out "OCW" or "Optimal Charge Weight"

You would get a better answer than I would be able to give

[kelbro]

How far are you planning to shoot in 'real life'? That's your distance!

[~z]

I’d have to disagree. In “real life” I shoot out to 2,000yds. I’d hate to even think about running a ladder at that distance, wind is WAY too big of a variable. 300-400yds is good; you will not be cutting bug holes then like at 100yds, your 0.whatever MOA group from 100 yds will open up enough for you to see what is going on. My $0.02
~z

[ChuckS1]

I've shot two ladder test for my CZ 527 in .223 at 100 yards. Both times I was able to identify the "sweet spots". But, take your time and allow time for the barrel to cool. Make sure you fire some fouling rounds first before you start the ladder. As a previous poster said, make sure you're capable of firing good groups to ensure you get valid results. I use a front rest and a rear bag.

Once I identify the potential loads, then I go back and start loading 3 rounds of each and fiddle with seating depth to find the most accurate load(s).

[~z]

Chuck, what is the total size of your group at 100? I tried at 100 once but the group was so small I could not determine where the "nodes" were. At 300, for me, the group opens up enough to see clusters. I could not get good data at 100. Just curious.
~z