Performing ladder test

[NCHillbilly]

OK gentlemen, I need some help.I hope this is the correct forum for this question. I know I have read somewhere on this site about how to perform a ladder test, but I have looked for two days and can't seem to find that info. I'm putting together some long range rounds and would like to use that system. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[datguy]

http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspace.com

This is the method I use..

 

[NCHillbilly]

OCW Overview - Dan Newberry's OCW Load Development System

This is the method I use..

I have seen some of Dan's info before and this seems like an even better system. On his site, he has listed some of his pet .308 load recipes, and two of them list powders that I currently use. My concern is this: What would be the difference in pressure tolerance between a bolt gun and a gas gun? I'm running a gas gun, and my thinking(flawed as it may be) is that a gas gun can't stand as hot of a load as a bolt. I know about working up loads and all that,but would kinda like to be in the ball park when I start. Any insights?

 

[datguy]

I'm in a somewhat similar situation. I decided to pay Dan's consultation fee to help me learn how to do this on my own. I'm shooting my first set of test shots as I type this..

 

[Steel head]

I'm in a somewhat similar situation. I decided to pay Dan's consultation fee to help me learn how to do this on my own. I'm shooting my first set of test shots as I type this..

Post your results!

I kinda do a ladder test and a OCW and look for a load that both agree on.
It's more work and components but I enjoy load development,,,, usually.

 

[datguy]

Performing ladder test

My load workup diary..

 

[Randoman5]

I'm getting ready to try this out. I understand the process. There's a great demo on the 8541tactical youtube channel. The only thing I can't figure out is how I'm going to figure out which holes are which. I don't have a camera with enough zoom to see bullet holes at 200 yards and I am definitely not an artist.

What do you guys do?

 

[alman1531]

For my ladder test with my AX308MC, (link below) I had a USPSA target at 300 yards turned around so the white side faced me. I placed a 3" orange sticker for an aiming point. I was able to spot .30 cal holes at 300 using the Nightforce BEAST and the Alpen 20-60x80mm spotting scope I have. After each shot I would spot the hit and write down in my data book a rough diagram of the target and drew each bullet hole's relative position to the 3" dot. After 5-6 shots during a cease fire, I ran down to the target and marked each bullet hole and the charge weight with a pen so I would not confuse any further shots in the ladder. I did this for three different ladders and got the accuracy nodes. When the temperature rose, the mirage made the bullet holes difficult to see; but still enough to differentiate them. Also a credit to the BEAST, the bullet holes had better resolution at 25x than the Alpen at 60x.

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/snipers-hide-reloading/268403-first-ladder-test-ai-ax308mc.html

 

[Steel head]

I'm getting ready to try this out. I understand the process. There's a great demo on the 8541tactical youtube channel. The only thing I can't figure out is how I'm going to figure out which holes are which. I don't have a camera with enough zoom to see bullet holes at 200 yards and I am definitely not an artist.

What do you guys do?

Setup the camera about 40 feet from the target off to the side a bit

 

[Randoman5]

Setup the camera about 40 feet from the target off to the side a bit

I can't think of anything else. I guess I'm adding the cheapest camera and tripod I can find to my endless list of things to buy for long range shooting.

 

[502Chevelle]

There is a great write up on ladder tests on 6mmbr.com. Enter ladder test in the search bar and it will bring it right up.

 

[NCHillbilly]

There is a great write up on ladder tests on 6mmbr.com. Enter ladder test in the search bar and it will bring it right up.

I will definitely check that site out also. I thoroughly enjoy load development, but with component availability issues still lingering, anything I can save is helpful. BTW, it's nice to hear from a shooting neighbor, as I'm in Monroe. Thanks to all for the suggestions. I can always count on the folks on this site.

 

[Sixfivesavage]

I'm getting ready to try this out. I understand the process. There's a great demo on the 8541tactical youtube channel. The only thing I can't figure out is how I'm going to figure out which holes are which. I don't have a camera with enough zoom to see bullet holes at 200 yards and I am definitely not an artist.

What do you guys do?

Surprisingly enough, walking to the target and marking each shot works! If your really tight on time or lazy, ride to it. If you can't, use a sharpie to color a few bullets at a time differently and shoot 3 then walk down.