Am getting ready to shoot the test this weekend...what is the best distance to shoot it? best target to use? What exactly am I looking for? I'm assuming a tighter grouping somewhere down the line. I've loaded 20 rounds in 1/10 gr increments, do I start test at the lower or higher level of powder 1st or does it matter as long as I keep track/plot each shot? Does anyone have any photos of a good example target result? I'm looking to do this right the first time...
Audette Ladder test questions.
- Thread starter jsteiger
- Start date
JS,
There's some good information available here if you do a search. There was a weekly article about ladder testing. I'd link to the threads for you, but I haven't figured that out yet.
I think your loads are too tight. But. What are you testing? The best results will come from as far a range as you have or what is practical for your round. For my 6br I'm sure I could do it at 200 or even maybe 100. However at 300 or better yet 600 yards the differences you'll really be able to see and maybe not need to get out the caliper to verify the results. So for me and my 6br I'd want a minimum 40 rounds, two sides from a refrigerator box, a 600 yard range, and 4 loads at .3 grain increments. I'd shoot 5 shot groups. And run the test twice. And probably a third time cause I'd mess something up. This is just for starters and to help you get thinking.
Do a search there's all you want to read here about ladder testing.
Good luck and let us know how you make out,
Jeff
There's some good information available here if you do a search. There was a weekly article about ladder testing. I'd link to the threads for you, but I haven't figured that out yet.
I think your loads are too tight. But. What are you testing? The best results will come from as far a range as you have or what is practical for your round. For my 6br I'm sure I could do it at 200 or even maybe 100. However at 300 or better yet 600 yards the differences you'll really be able to see and maybe not need to get out the caliper to verify the results. So for me and my 6br I'd want a minimum 40 rounds, two sides from a refrigerator box, a 600 yard range, and 4 loads at .3 grain increments. I'd shoot 5 shot groups. And run the test twice. And probably a third time cause I'd mess something up. This is just for starters and to help you get thinking.
Do a search there's all you want to read here about ladder testing.
Good luck and let us know how you make out,
Jeff
200 yrds, I use 1/2 of a poster sheet from walmart cut approx 14x22 with a 1" magic marker dot about 6" from the bottom centered. And you'll need a decent spoting scope.
Mark/note each shot, and use a pencil, by the time you get too 12 or so you'll be glad ya did.
Some poo-poo the test, I find it usefull.
Mark/note each shot, and use a pencil, by the time you get too 12 or so you'll be glad ya did.
Some poo-poo the test, I find it usefull.
As JLM said, Shoot at the longest range you have. I load 2 loads at .3 increments, seat bullets just touching the lands. Use 2 targets and shoot in a round robin. I have a private range so I drive the ATV to the target and mark each increment on each target. That keeps the barrel temp uniform. I end up with 2 complete tests and , hopefully, can draw a conclusion. Keep in mind that shoulder placement, cheek placement, trigger control, placement on the bags and the wind can have a huge impact on your test. You must do everything the same. I presume you understand pressure signs and are a experienced reloader.
Thing I find funny is no one says load fouler rounds for a ladder test. I suggest loading 5 rounds at one end or the other of your loads. 200 or 300 yards if you can get it and like Nechhi suggested mark every shot. Failing that, take a photo.
If you are using a factory barrel 1 round per isn't going to tell you much in my experience. Barrels vibrate and oscillate in directions besides up and down. 3 rounds per load gives you more idea of a true center of impact and you will also see the groups open and close as it goes through the accuracy nodes.
If you are using a factory barrel 1 round per isn't going to tell you much in my experience. Barrels vibrate and oscillate in directions besides up and down. 3 rounds per load gives you more idea of a true center of impact and you will also see the groups open and close as it goes through the accuracy nodes.
Guys, thanks for all the great info!!! I think I'll postpone test for a little while...until I'm prepared to do it correctly. Doesn't make sense to rush it and get nothing out of it. All of you have great hints and tips on the fine details of the process that I would never have thought of...sure is nice to be able to tap into your wealth of knowledge and experience!!
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