Load development distance?

[jetech]

What distance from the target do you like to use for pistol load development? Is there an optimum or standard distance to test accuracy of a pistol?

 

[GBExpat]

What distance from the target do you like to use for pistol load development? ...

I always setup at ~20' with the CHRONY 5'-8' in front of the portable bench (dependent upon what type of loads I am shooting). Anything beyond that makes it more of a eye test for me.

 

[lauderdale]

.380/.9mm .40 .45 7yds. then 12yds. then 20+ but that me.

 

[LiveLife]

- I start at 7 yards with starting charges as I don't expect optimal accuracy but look for charges where the slide starts to reliably cycle and extract/eject spent cases, especially for compact/subcompacts with stiffer recoil springs.

- Once I have reliable slide cycling, extraction/ejection of spent cases, I then start monitoring accuracy trends at 10/15 yards using higher powder charges.

- As most accurate charges are identified, I verify consistency of accuracy on subsequent range sessions (I need at least 2-3 range trips to very a load most accurate).

- Once the most accurate charge is verified, I then shoot at 25 yards.

- For pistol loads in carbine testing, I start with known accurate loads at 25 yards and adjust charges to maintain supersonic loads above 1126 fps when bullets reach 50/100 yards (chrono placed at 50 yards with wooden dowels for diffusers and metal deflector to protect chrono) to eliminate transonic effect. Subsonic loads are tested normal but adjusted for bullet drop.

 

[SlowFuse]

For small concealment pistols I usually start at 7 yards and move out to 12 or 15 if it looks good.

For full size service style pistols I start at 15 yards.

 

[BigBore45]

well most pistols like a full sized 1911 is done at 25 yards with high end target or competition guns at 50 yards.

smaller type pistols sub compact or compact or combat type pistols I like 10-15 yards but haven't seen any real standard on it.

 

[ReloaderFred]

For most handgun rounds I'll start at 15 yards. Those that look promising will then be tested at 25 yards, and the best of those will be tested at 35 yards, which is where the berm on our handgun range is located.

I don't consider anything under 15 yards as a test of accuracy, only of functioning.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[jetech]

Thanks for the replies. I may try moveing up to 15 yards with the Glocks.

 

[243winxb]

http://s338.photobucket.com/user/joe1944usa/slideshow/FirearmsReloading102/9MM%20Accuracy Depends on the firearm type. Some American Rifleman tests at link.

 

[stu1ritter]

At the distance I intend to shoot it at.

Stu

 

[forestswin]

I think a clear sight picture is the key - so the distance will vary depending on the shooter's vision

I use 1-1 /2" paste on targets and look for groups that stay within that target

for load development - with handguns that I can mount a red dot or pistol scope I shoot at 25 yards
with scoped guns - for refinement of really good loads I move targets out to 50 yards and use a 3" paste on target

for open sights its more like 7 to 10 yards

I bench rest all guns for load development - I'm testing the load - not my shooting ability

chrono gets set at 10 ft in front of muzzle
and I record chrono data and group size