First ever OCW test

[FoxtrotBravo]

I finally did my first OCW test. I'm not sure if it's worth putting up here, but thought maybe there might be some valuable comments I can learn from. I don't claim to be the best shooter, which is why I'm working on reloading - to get to practice more. Also, there was a fair amount of wind yesterday blowing mostly from straight in front. Temperatures mid to upper 50's.

I loaded 28 rounds of .223 Rem with 4 sighters and 3 rounds for each of 8 charge weights. Charge weights were in 0.3 grain increments. The book min/max was 21.5/24.7 grains in the Hornady book. All rounds were fired. Each target area has 3 shots except for the sighters at the top of the photo. Next to last charge very slightly flattened the primers; the last flattened a little more. I could also feel the bolt lift tighten a little in those cases.

Thanks for looking!

 

[MitchAlsup]

Re: First ever OCW test

The window between 23.6 and 23.9 looks promising, and so does 24.5.

So try a sweep from 23.6 through 23.9 in 5 shot groups wth 0.1 gr steps. Then try 24.3 through 24.7 in steps of 0.1 gr.

 

[doc76251]

Re: First ever OCW test

I'd look inside 23 - 24gr and probably spend a lot of time at 23.5 and try to find a nice day to test them on. Even with the 23.3 group they are all staying in the same location. You can see where the vibration starts to come in at 24.2 as the groups shift right.

You may also wish to consider some regular graph paper and those sticky dots the next time you go. You have two different shapes/sizes to aim at and that may cause some unwanted errors. Another issue that may develop if you shoot the edge of the dot is that it will shift your POA. Don't shoot at what your aiming at, dial on a minute or 2.

Cheers,

Doc

 

[FoxtrotBravo]

Re: First ever OCW test

Thanks for the comments! Really appreciate it.

 

[vman]

Re: First ever OCW test

23.3 to 23.9 should be investigated further. Perhaps small increments.

Also, i would load a few more of 24.5 and see if they group the same as they did on that OCW test.

Output of a test is only as good as the input... so make sure your shooting is good and your form is solid

 

[woodspider]

Re: First ever OCW test

Load that 23.5 and see how it does for 5 shots, might save you some time?? if it works out, then stretch it out some range wise if conditions are good it will give you more feedback.

 

[kyreloader]

Re: First ever OCW test

Another vote for the 23.6-23.9 range. I would load 3-5 rounds at 23.4, 23.7, and 24g and shoot those round robin. I would then shoot a group with 1 load each of 23.4, 23.7, 24g at the same target and see how your group does. If the POI of all three groups are the same and the multi load group all shoot into the same group, I would pick the middle charge (23.7g) and shoot 5 shot groups to confirm. The confirmation groups I usally try to shoot at more distance (300y or so). If still the MOA that you would like, play with seating depth (+/- 0.005") to fine tune the load for you rifle.

Nice target by the way.

 

[Seawalker]

Re: First ever OCW test

You really do need to have the same sight picture each time. Best to keep the targets the same to do that. IMHO .3g is too big a jump in 223. Since you have a node showing with the same POI at 23.6 to 23.9, I'd go to 23.5 and shoot a 3 shot round robin at 23.5, .6, .7, .8, .9.

If all group pretty well with about the same POI, then pick the middle of the pack probably 23.7 or wherever the middle is, and load one round each assuming 23.7 is the real middle at 23.6, 23.7, and 23.8. Fire that group at 200 yds. If you have a wide stable node, they should group like they were all loaded the same.

You might be able to save some ammo and fire a 3 shot group at 200 yds. with 23.5, 23.7, and 23.9. If they group tight then you pick the center of 23.7 and load up enough to "fire for effect" by adjusting your seating depth in increments of .005 in and out to tighten the group even further.

 

[FoxtrotBravo]

Re: First ever OCW test (second round)

On January 28th, I tried a second OCW test with a narrower range of charges and smaller increments. The day was supposed to be nearly calm winds but turned out to be somewhat breezy across the trajectory path from right to left with small gusts. Temperatures were around 70. I think the wind was a factor, but thought I would post this anyway.

I loaded up the 28 LC06 cases with a range of charge weights from 23.4 up to 24.0 grains in 0.1 grain increments. I also did 22.7 and 24.5 out of curiosity. I had to throw one case out, so that leaves 9 charge weights with 3 rounds each. I did not chamfer the case mouths except for one case that needed trimming.

Shooting was performed with 2-3 minutes between shots at 100 yards.



<span style="color: #CC0000"><span style="font-size: 14pt">100th post!!!</span></span>

 

[Seawalker]

Re: First ever OCW test (second round)

Looks like 23.7 .8 and .9 have nearly the same poi which is what you expected from the previous test. I'd pick the middle at 23.8 and load some to try at distance of 200 or more. I'm assuming your target was at 100.

 

[FoxtrotBravo]

Re: First ever OCW test (second round)

Thanks for the reply Seawalker, I think you're right about 23.8 grains. The target was at 100 yds and we do have a 200 range. When I can get around to reloading these, I will post more results.