7 Saum class load Dev: .5 or .3 increments?

[Winny94]

Im not very experienced reloading cartridges with more than ~40gr capacity. For a 55-62 gr range, can I do .5gr increments, or would i be better off staying at .2-.3 (specifically for finding max charge - not the node)

 

[mac86951]

For pressure testing I like to keep my increments to 1% or better. For group testing I like to choose a range that I can measure within. IE, +/- 0.1gr control means I'll group test at 0.3gr increments.

I do wonder how much a 0.1gr difference makes in a 50bmg.

I know my LR 223 loads, I'm counting kernels

-Mac

 

[RampedRaptor]

0.4gr for pressure testing.

 

[Willie]

I use .5 gr for pressure testing, but I shoot 3 of each charge wt. I like to see an average of the velocity rather than just one, when I'm pressure testing.

Also, I use 2 x fired brass formed to my chamber to get good data.

 

[Kurz]

Im not very experienced reloading cartridges with more than ~40gr capacity. For a 55-62 gr range, can I do .5gr increments, or would i be better off staying at .2-.3 (specifically for finding max charge - not the node)

I think you'll find a difference of opinion based on whether your use is for Match/Target shooting or Hunting.

When working up Match loads I try to use .2 - .3 grain for finer resolution but I also shoot further than 100 yards when testing, normally 300 yards because I'm going to do a ladder test there any way.

For hunting loads, I try to work with the .5 grain then refine it as necessary.

Having some fireformed brass will often help with alleviating some of the foibles associated with case sizing.

 

[Rdlningcltchdmpr]

It is important to not ruin a barrel with testing that is( too fine ). Also time and money on bullet's brass and powder. Small cases like 223 , i go 1/2 grain. On big cases like 308-30-06, i go one grain increments. It really saves the barrel and when you hit the speed and accuracy spot then fine tune. This works great for me.

 

[swd]

I do coarse load development with .5 and when you find nice node 2 loads .2 each way up and down.

 

[Borisserge]

If you can shoot one case twice as a ball park, water weigh the volume. With the cases as you fire them do a 1 grain increase.

If you can use a chronograph and quickload, you should be able to match the case water volume, powder load, speed and pressure as a columnation of accurate information to find accuracy and load very quickly.

It's definitely the cheaper way than burning out a barrel and powder, and killing cases....

 

[natdscott]

For pressure testing I like to keep my increments to 1% or better. For group testing I like to choose a range that I can measure within. IE, +/- 0.1gr control means I'll group test at 0.3gr increments.

I do wonder how much a 0.1gr difference makes in a 50bmg.

I know my LR 223 loads, I'm counting kernels

-Mac

Once more, for emphasis.

It's about % of charge variance, NOT absolute weight.

..and yeah, anything in the .223 casing size hurts a lot more than almost anything larger. If you hear of a guy literally counting kernels in .223, and measuring on lab balances, don't laugh until you try it yourself. It's not nearly the same animal as anything larger.

For example, if a person reads this statement literally:

I do coarse load development with .5 and when you find nice node 2 loads .2 each way up and down.

...and starts using 1/2 grain ladders with a .223, they are at moderate risk for blowing their shit up.

...making this:

Small cases like 223 , i go 1/2 grain.

...not particularly good advise.

 

[Bradu]

I use .5 grain increments for pressure tests on magnums. .3 grain for my smaller calibers. I tried .5 in a .260 one time with flat line bullets. Several rounds showed no pressure, next one was just starting to lose the round edges of the cup and the one after that lost the primer out of the case when I ejected the cartridge.