Working Up Loads - Methods

[cheygriz]

Another interesting test.

When you've got your load developed to your satisfaction, shoot at least 5 groups, and average them, at 300 yards.

I can't begin to explain why, but the old "minutes of angle" theory doesn't always apply. I've been told that some bullets don't stabilize properly until well past 100 yards, and others lose stability below a certain velocity.

I've had match loads that shot 3/4 inch groups at 100 yards (TEN shot groups,) and then opened up to 4-5 inches at 300. I've also had a couple that shot one inch groups at 100, 200 and 1 1/4 inch groups at 300!

 

[gearheadpyro]

I've heard about those kinds of loads before too. I don't have access to that long a range yet, but will soon. I'll try my current best loads and see how they do.

 

[WNTFW]

Vertical stringing can be shooter. Inconsistent breathing is one culprit. (See Walkalongs post about inconsistent shoulder pressure.) I found a rear sandbag can really help. All sandbags aren't created equal. A good one is easier to use.
I have been willing to really look at myself as the weak link and have found that to have the biggest, cheapest, quickest and longest lasting positive effect on my shooting and load development. It all seems like a what comes first the chicken or the egg type thing. I still have a long way to go! It will never end.

The OP seems to me like the guy that will put in the work and get the group even better if at all possible.

GearheadPyro,
My point is that OCW will work at 100. 100 is not too short to use the method. The fact you got no useful data does not prove the method wrong for 100. 50 was pushing it, but it still worked. Ladder testing has it problems. OCW has its problems and on down the line. Knowing what a method has to offer in terms of what it can & can't do is important. Following the direction for the OCW is a bit tricky as they are not that well written in spots.
I have seen some guys report that their more accurate loads don't have low deviations in velocity. Some guys swear by the chrono other guys have never clocked a single load.

For what it is worth I was skeptical of OCW and some of what Dan Newberry thinks I don't buy into. I don't think what works best in my .308 is what will work best in yours or anybody elses.

 

[gearheadpyro]

I have tried two ladder tests in the past two days. Pictures of the first one's target is on my blog. The entire group is less than 1.25" (15 shots, 100 yards, slow fire. just like your supposed to do.) The second one's target was very similar so I didn't post it.

I did however run all the shots through a chrony and graphed the velocities, the charts are also posted. Those are worth a look. They show what the ladder test is supposed to, especially the second test. I've got one area where 4 or 5 shots are all within 10 fps of each other. This is what both of these methods are looking for, similar velocities across a group of charges. With the chrony I could pick this up, but looking at the target I'd never know.

I've had very similar obstacles with the OCW method. 100 Yards is just not enough distance for me to get a noticeable difference across a group of targets.

BTW, the only difference between the two ladder tests was a pass through the Lee Factory Crimp Die (only enough crimp to give a slight squeeze on the case, definitely not enough to deform the bullet). The results even surprised me.