Order for building a load

[AR-180]

Do you run a ladder test, shoot groups, or test length first? How do you build your best ammo?

 

[Dolomite_Supafly]

I start by shooting across a chronograph before I ever head to the range. I find the smallest SD I can then head to the range to test that load.

 

[nn8734]

Not a fan of ladders as I found the “flat spots” to be at different locations each time the test is done with the same combo of components. Instead, I use the OCW method, here is my progression.

Step	What I'm Doing	What I'm Looking For	Notes
1	Initial OCW 3-5 shots per group	POI Consistency from Chg Weight to Chg Weight, MV and Pressure Signs	MV Data: Im only looking at MV (not SD or ES) to see what charge weights my min required MV is met and if pressure is present at that MV where POI is consistent from increment to increment
2	Refined OCW 10-15 shots per group, adjacent CWs	POI consistency (repeated from initial OCW), group size at 100m and at 600m	If group size is not to my liking but MV and POI consistency is there, I go to seating depth testing in an additional session before going to step 3
3	Final validation - 40-60 rounds	MV Consistency (SD/ES), group size, elevation hold overs at various KDs vs predicted (either via FDAC or ballistic app), overall performance impressions	If SD/ES are reasonable (low double digits, high single digits across 40 rounds im good - i put the load into production. If it all comes apart, i diagnose and re-group (honestly, this very rarely happens)

 

[rustyinbend]

1. Pick your supplies (case, powder, primer, etc.)
2. Get the right distance off the lands using a modified case, comparator, and selected projectile
3. Find the best recommended start and max charge weights
4. Build a ladder test and find a good velocity node (flat spot)
5. Build and shoot groups (3-to-5 cartridges) for those nodes
6. Pick the best group
7. Declare Victory - Load more and go shooting

Stop at any step and iterate until you have a result you trust ... then move on.