tweaking a load

[tactikel]

I am handloading for .22-250 and tried a load of Varget (1 gr under max) with a 55gr V-Max. The load is VERY accurate. I want to tweak the load to find that sweet spot of powder charge. Using only powder weight as the variable do I use 0.25 gr steps? and how many rounds would need to be fired at each step to statistically validate the load? Do you recommend stepping up or down initially. Thanks!

 

[sig220mw]

I always go 1/10 of a grain down and also up from the supposed accurate load.

Example, if the load is 44 grains, I try 43.9 and 44.1

Some times I will go farther and try 43.8 and 44.2. with the 43.9 and 44.1 included.

Takes longer that way but you get to shoot more.

 

[rcmodel]

1 gr under max

I was never one to try to extract the very last bleeding foreskin foot-per-second out of a 22-250.

It will do all that needs to be done at less then max load velocity.
All the while giving much longer barrel life in the process.

Seems if it is already "VERY accurate" at one grain under max, you might have found your load already.

You can burn the barrel half out chasing that magic load that is just a "little" better then the one you already have.

Then you have to re-barrel it, and start all over again with finding a magic load for the new barrel!

rc

 

[Kernel]

Since you already found a powder charge that's "very accurate", I'd keep the powder weight where it's at, and play with bullet seating depth instead. I'd shoot two 5-shot groups to validate and compaire the loads.