How do you get there?

[lives4huntin]

To test a load, I load three different loads. 57.0 57.1 57.2 I would shoot the 57.1 first, the other two second and third. Seeing if the group opens or closes from the "base group," I will continue to work the load from there. It has worked for me until now. Anybody else have a method that works well?

 

[Sport45]

I test in larger increments than that. IMO, if 0.1 grain makes a difference I need to find a less sensitive load.

 

[juk]

I agree with Sport45. Start from the Min and work up to the Max in larger increments. Maybe even .5 or 1 grain at a time. Save the .1 grain increments for fine tuning. Just throwing in my two pennies.

 

[Steve C]

Here's the way I approach the issue. I load 3-5 rounds at the start load which is 10% less than maximum. I then load the next test batchs at -8%, -6%, -4%, -2%, maximum. If the maximum load is 50 grains of powder X then the inrements would be at 45gr, 46gr, 47gr, 48gr, 49gr, and 50gr. After a fouling shot, starting at the start level I shoot for group and look for pressure signs. If any pressure signs are encountered before reaching maximum I stop and consider the previous load to be the maximum with the component mix I happen to be using. Any remaining rounds are then disassembled and the components get reused. Examining the groups determine which charge is the most accurate. At that point if I feel I can squeak out any more accuracy I'll load up the next batch with much smaller increments around that "best" load so far.

To me this seems like the most methodical method of finding the most accurate load.

 

[halfded]

I work up from minimum in 5 increments. I subtract the max charge from the base charge and divide by 5. Take the number you get there and add it to the min charge. Then add it again. and again.

Ex.
Load data says 5.6 min 6.6 max
6.6-5.6= 1.0
1.0/5= .2
My test loads would be 10 rounds of each: 5.6, 5.8, 6.0, 6.2, and 6.4. Gives good results out of a box of 50 and leaves me .2 grain buffer against max charge, which I'll work up individually if needed. If 2 loads are close in performance, I'll make up another 15 or so of each and compare those.

I agree too though that .1 grains isn't going to make much if any difference. Doesn't mean I won't try it anyway. Testing is shooting!

 

[freakshow10mm]

Pistol I work up in .5gr increments. Rifle I work up in 1gr increments. 3-5 rounds per charge. I shoot all of them, note ballistic vitals (velocity, ES, SD) and accuracy then shoot the next group and continue on till I run empty.