ladder test questions

[acts238]

1st
I done a simple 1 gr increment ladder test to find which charge weight grouped best in my rifles -with bullets jammed
all of them seemed to like the lower charge weights 1-3 gr above min
all shoot well out to 500 yrds-
all but 1 under moa
it shoots moa at 100 & much better 300-500
should I go higher to see if there is another node that will give me more velocity?
none showed pressure signs at max charge weights
should I go smaller increments ? if so how small ?
Ive been told ladders are useless at100
should at least be done at 300
but if it dont do reasonably well at 100
how will it do better at 300
I understant that sometimes bt bullets go to sleep at longer ranges
I think this is whats happening with my 308 that does better at longer ranges
but it still took a ladder test
to see which load shot best at 100
thanks in advance for any advise

 

[Sonic Crack]

Re: ladder test questions

I think you have a misunderstanding of how a ladder test is preformed. You do not shoot groups with each charge weight. Look in a reloading manual for whatever caliber/bullet/powder combo you are using and get a staring point of a powder charge. From your staring charge weight (#1) increase the powder charge .3 grains at a time (#2 #3 #4 and so on) Untill your at max book charge. Take your numbered rounds to the range and shoot them in order from #1 threw #10 or how ever many you have. Shoot them all at the same aiming point at least 300 yards away. You will have to figure out how to mark each bullet hole so you know what hole is for what charge weight. You will end up with a vertical string of bullet holes in the target. #1 being lower on the target and #10 being towards the top. You are looking for charge weights that group together horizontally. Those are the nodes. When you find your nodes then load 5 rounds in those charge weights that were on the same horizontal plane and shoot groups with them or, take those charge weights and shoot another ladder test at a farther distance with .1 grain charge weight difference and look for the same horizontal grouping. I know there are threads that explain this. do a search.