Help with Ladder test

[Epoxyoyo]

This was my first ladder test on a 7mm-08. Need help to see if I'm reading it right. I loaded up the following rounds and shot them at 100 yards.
#1 - 47.0
#2 - 47.2
#3 - 47.4
#4 - 47.6
#5 - 47.8
#6 - 48.0
#7 - 48.2
#8 - 48.4
#9 - 48.6

All with H4350

It looks to me like #6 and #7 were the tightest so it appears.

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[smokey262]

Was there any wind?

 

[Epoxyoyo]

very light. Gun was sighted in with Federal Fusion ammo at 1 inch high. The Varget I had tried was shooting to the left and high and alot more spread between rounds. Not too concerned about placement at this time just tightness of group. Some of the variability in placement was me on the Winchester Cheap bench rest I was using. I kept having to reset on the target crossbars after each shot.

 

[kelbro]

Looks like you might have a node there but you need to follow up with at least one more round to confirm. I would load 5,6,7, and 8 up and shoot two more rounds of those four.

200yds really works better for ladder tests but if 100 is all that you have access to, it will work fairly well.

 

[MHouser]

A single ladder test isn't going to tell you squat. Was there wind? Did you do your part? What kind of consistency are you getting out of your powder scale? Are you using good brass? etc. etc. etc. Do 4 or 5 ladder tests at 300 yards or more and then post the results.

One flyer and your test is out the window.

 

[cheygriz]

Take your best loads, ans load 25 rounds of each, then shoot 5, five round groups at 200 yards.

 

[243winxb]

The Ladder test is to be fired @ 300yds as i understand it. Mostly useless to the average shooter/rifle.

 

[dc.fireman]

epoxy -

Take a look at the link below: It's for a page for a Mr. Dan Newberry, who is a frequent contributor to the practical riflery forum. It has a testing method, which although similar to the ladder test, seems like it might be a little easier to use, and doesn't require a set distance, simply three identical targets, and all of them level with each other. Good Luck.

http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspace.com/

 

[StaTiK]

My understanding of the ladder test is that you're looking for vertical stringing, not necessarily horizontal. If so, #s 4-5 look the best.

I do agree however that 100yds is less than ideal but I understand that we live in a less than idea world and sometimes 300yd ranges are not available.

-StaTiK-