Hi,
I am wondering if anyone has a more efficient way to work up loads that might be faster and use less resources than the method I use.
This is how I've worked up loads for my .243 if I'm after a target load. A hunting load would be a little different - obviously favoring velocity at the expense of some accuracy.
The values I'm giving are hypothetical book values. Not using actual values.
1. Choose a bullet - Sierra 70 Match
2. Choose a powder - This is where hunch comes in. I usually try to choose something in the middle of the range. That is, if starting loads are between 30 and 40 grains, depending on the powder, I would choose something in the middle. Also considered are what I have on hand (5 or 6 powders) and what the reloading manual says. For this instance I'll choose IMR 4064.
3. Determine max load for me. This is usually somewhat less than book values for me. Odds are the most accurate load will be less than book maximum. Additionally, I like to save wear, tear and resources. Since book says 38.5, I'll consider my max 37.8
4. Choose four or five different charges to narrow down what the rifle likes. For this caliber I'll choose to 5 loads in .7 grain increments - 35.0, 35.7, 36.4, 37.1, 37.8.
5. Make two groups of 3, total of six rounds at each charge (total 30 rounds). I use two groups to eliminate a lucky group skewing the results. Test at 100 yards.
6. Using the best group, let's that's at 36.4, I'll make two groups of three charges, surrounding the 36.4 group at .2 grain increments. That is I'll make two groups at 36.2, two groups at 36.4 and two more at 36.6. Total of 18 rounds.
7. I'll pick the winner and consider that to be the best recipe for that bullet/powder combination.
If I'm using a bigger caliber I would make the increments larger. For a .270, I would make the first test at 1 grain increments and the second at .3 grain increments.
This method requires 48 rounds. I came up with this on my own, but I'm quite sure others have better methods. I have tried the ladder test but found the random errors in my equipment or skills can throw off the test significantly because every single round contributes to how the test is interpreted.
I have heard of people that really know what they're doing can get pretty far with just 25 rounds.
I am wondering if anyone has a more efficient way to work up loads that might be faster and use less resources than the method I use.
This is how I've worked up loads for my .243 if I'm after a target load. A hunting load would be a little different - obviously favoring velocity at the expense of some accuracy.
The values I'm giving are hypothetical book values. Not using actual values.
1. Choose a bullet - Sierra 70 Match
2. Choose a powder - This is where hunch comes in. I usually try to choose something in the middle of the range. That is, if starting loads are between 30 and 40 grains, depending on the powder, I would choose something in the middle. Also considered are what I have on hand (5 or 6 powders) and what the reloading manual says. For this instance I'll choose IMR 4064.
3. Determine max load for me. This is usually somewhat less than book values for me. Odds are the most accurate load will be less than book maximum. Additionally, I like to save wear, tear and resources. Since book says 38.5, I'll consider my max 37.8
4. Choose four or five different charges to narrow down what the rifle likes. For this caliber I'll choose to 5 loads in .7 grain increments - 35.0, 35.7, 36.4, 37.1, 37.8.
5. Make two groups of 3, total of six rounds at each charge (total 30 rounds). I use two groups to eliminate a lucky group skewing the results. Test at 100 yards.
6. Using the best group, let's that's at 36.4, I'll make two groups of three charges, surrounding the 36.4 group at .2 grain increments. That is I'll make two groups at 36.2, two groups at 36.4 and two more at 36.6. Total of 18 rounds.
7. I'll pick the winner and consider that to be the best recipe for that bullet/powder combination.
If I'm using a bigger caliber I would make the increments larger. For a .270, I would make the first test at 1 grain increments and the second at .3 grain increments.
This method requires 48 rounds. I came up with this on my own, but I'm quite sure others have better methods. I have tried the ladder test but found the random errors in my equipment or skills can throw off the test significantly because every single round contributes to how the test is interpreted.
I have heard of people that really know what they're doing can get pretty far with just 25 rounds.