best velocity per caliber

[chache]

This question may seem "old hat" to some of the more experienced reloaders, but I have to ask.

I have read on this forum and in some ladder test instructions that calibers like a specific velocity to shoot good groups.

Is this based on the rifle of the caliber, and if based on the caliber, where can I find this info?

 

[rcmodel]

That isn't true in the respect that you can say all X caliber rifles will shoot X weight bullets most accurately at X velocity.

Every rifles barrel and stock bedding is a law into itself, and will have different barrel harmonics at different bullet velocity.

That is what the "Ladder Method" is all about.
Finding that ideal velocity for your individual rifle.

If a chart were possible, there would be no need to ever work up a load for a rifle, and no need for reloading manuals with thousands of different loads, because the same one load would work perfectly in every rifle.

But of course, it won't.

rc

 

[Afy]

RC:

With all due respect, the velocity windows for 6MM NBR, 6 PPC, and .30 BR are fairly well established fr various bullets. But yes the same load will not work across different barrels but will give you an excellent starting point. For example with 6mm BR with a 1:8 twist a 105 grain Scenar/berger with 30 grs of Varget is an excellent starting point. Though the window could be +/- 1 grain

 

[rcmodel]

I agree that BR rifles and BR calibers like the 6MM NBR, 6 PPC, and .30 BR have well known loads that will very likely be very close to optimum.

But I didn't think that's what the OP was asking.
Could be wrong though?

And I still don't know of any chart that covers every caliber.

Some reloading manuals like the Lyman #49 do list the "most accurate" load with each bullet weight tested.
But that is not saying the same load will be the most accurate in every rifle.

rc

 

[Afy]

RC agree with you whole heartedly. Lyman provides good staring information, have had very good results with them for the .22-250.
Good info though.

 

[chache]

thanks for the info guys...

that is what i was suspecting regarding the chart info. nothing is that easy.

i just recently completed my first "ladder test" for a 62gn varmint grenade in a .243 using h380.

i was pleased with the results as i didn't expect them to be so good, being it was my first try with this test.

i'd expect the winning velocity would not universally work for all bullets in this gun, but would it be ridiculous to think that this velocity would work with other powders using the same bullet?

i appologize in advance for the ignorant questions, i have only been reloading for a year. although, with prices the way they are, it is cheaper to ask questions than to figure this out on my own.

thanks.

 

[41 Mag]

Don't sweat the questions. Heck back when I first started out there wasn't any internet to ask questions on. You either had to know folks who reloaded and pester the heck out of them or hang around gun ranges and shops pestering folks there. I admit, I did all of it. On top of buying up stuff just to see if possibly it would get me a little better group or faster velocity. Of course the velocity thing was just guessing way back then but it was fun thinking the louder it was the faster it had to be going. Sure was a bummer when I got my first chrony. LOL