Load Workup Spreadsheet

[Significent]

I'm getting ready to work up the first load for my 223 Remington bolt gun. After reading more than a couple of "how to" articles, I've put together a little spreadsheet to help figure out the optimum powder weight and COL. I'm guessing many here have created similar tools. Certainly, many have worked up loads. If you have some of your numbers from the past, please plug them into the spreadsheet to see if the graph on the second tab reflects the conclusions you derived when working up your loads.

The spreadsheet is protected but not with a password, so you can change anything you like. Just be careful not to change the formulas (unless you mean to). I'm planning to enter x and y coordinates of each fired round in millimeters to keep things simple. If you used inches, it might be worthwhile to covert to millimeters so the numbers are more readable (multiply inches by 25.4 to get millimeters). I'll be curious to see if you think the spreadsheet is worthwhile. Please let me know.

Thanks,

 

[Steve Smith]

Significent, I appreciate your enthusiasm toward accurate testing, but as my Highpower mentor and rifle maker said to me "Imagine, if you keep that up, you'll wear out several barrels before your'e done!"


I got the point. There are certain combinations that already have a proven track record. I suggest you narrow the search.

 

[Significent]

Pop!

Steve: Now you've gone and burst my bubble. I was all set to spend a whole day waiting for my barrel to cool down between shots. So now you have to give me some idea of just how many rounds I should shoot at different charge weights and different COLs. Should I shoot three rounds per flight rather than five? Should I decrease the charge difference between flights and just look at the range of charges at 50 and 75 percent between min and max loads. I'd at least like to see two barrel nodes before I start playing with COL. I've never done this before so I don't know what kind of results to expect. You suggest that "certain combinations .... already have a proven track record". I've heard that every rifle is different enough that you have to work to get great accuracy. I'd like to see 0.25 MOA groups when all is said and done. That may or may not be possible, but I intend to give it the old college try.

Let say you just got a new rifle for which you have great expectations. How would you work up the loads?

I'm watching my in-box.

Thanks,