What you would expect? Load test, step #2

[seanb]

I ran a ladder test for my AR at 400 yards, and picked the 4 hits that were closest vertically. So for the next step I did 3 shot groups of those 4 loads, plus the in between loads (it was only .2 gr steps for the ladder), so 7 groups total; 22.5gr to 23.1gr. In my mind I was expecting the groups to be closer in spread than they were, but I've never done this before so what do I know. Is this a fairly normal outcome, or should I run it again just to make sure?

 

[DanSavage]

Re: What you would expect? Load test, step #2

Are these groups at 400 yards!

 

[seanb]

Re: What you would expect? Load test, step #2

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Daniel308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are these groups at 400 yards! </div></div>

I WISH! No, just 100. #2 is just a smidge over .25", not too shabby.

 

[DanSavage]

Re: What you would expect? Load test, step #2

It looks to me like your definately in a node try different seating depth's now.

 

[LstManOut]

Re: What you would expect? Load test, step #2

Do you have access to 300yds? If not, I'd reload #2 with 10 rounds and shoot 2-5 shot groups. Shoot it just like you would shoot in a match (prone, bench, etc.).
Point is, confirm your findings before messing with the seating depth....confident benchmarks at each variable = confidence when changing the variables.

T

 

[jayd4wg]

Re: What you would expect? Load test, step #2

I'd shoot groups 5,6,7 again, and play with seating depth at group 6. They have a very similar relative POI, and seating depth adjustment should shrink the groups. What's your OAL now?

Looking at them again, i also think groups 2,3 have potential as a forgiving load, and could play with depth there as well, though the overall erratic spread is hard to judge based on a single run of 3 shot groups. did you shoot these round robin or just hammer through a single charge weight with all three shots? how much time between shots?

 

[seanb]

Re: What you would expect? Load test, step #2

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JasonB</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd shoot groups 5,6,7 again, and play with seating depth at group 6. They have a very similar relative POI, and seating depth adjustment should shrink the groups. What's your OAL now?

Looking at them again, i also think groups 2,3 have potential as a forgiving load, and could play with depth there as well, though the overall erratic spread is hard to judge based on a single run of 3 shot groups. did you shoot these round robin or just hammer through a single charge weight with all three shots? how much time between shots? </div></div>

I shot all 3 before moving on to the next group. I waited for the barrel to cool between each shot, just used my hand as a gauge, so not THAT precise.

I seated the bullets to just kissing the lands for all these shots using a Redding comp die (1.908" to ogive). Bullets were all sorted for weight and bearing surface, run-out was .001" or less. All shots were off a led sled. All I did was squeeze the trigger.

Thanks for all the advise everyone!