First ladder test, help me read it

[Grimstod]

Hay guys did my first, well really second ladder test. The first one I did about 1gr at a time and determined that there was a node some where around 54gr so I loaded up a few rounds in .2gr increments and shot at 300yards. Can you guys give me advice on how to interpret it? Am I really far off?
Number on top is the grains and number underneath is the velocity.

 

[jsthntn247]

I'd run a seating depth dest at 300 with 53.9

 

[bow shot]

Wow, if you did that in the wind… you really have something there!

I say if you have the ability to wait it out for a calm day, give it another whack and then repeat the test (your ladder test). If you could back it up a couple hundred more yards, that's where the ladder really gives you the scoop IMHO. Its really hard to get that distance for some of us though...

If you were shooting in wind, even if you are using flags, you should forget and horizontal as "significant".

Remember, if you are load testing, your form has to be perfect, perfect, perfect (especially if you are testing using a bag and a 'pod like in your vid) or else you will drive yourself nuts chasing loads, doubting your cleaning method, blah, blah, blah. Ask me how I know, LOL!!

Take every shot as if your life depended on it, like allowing anything to be "nooooot quite right" while making the shot is totally out.

Also, use your chrony to see which load has the most consistent velocity (shoot 3@ load A, 3@ load B, 3 of load C, etc.). Some folks rely on that heavily… The idea is that consistent velocity should equate to consistent vertical. Should, anyway...

 

[Raythemanroe]

I'm not a pro but I do give advice I agree with 53.9, vertical and speeds are consistent or step it back some more maybe 400y

 

[Grimstod]

Thank you guys.
I will do a seating test soon at 400yards or more. I do have the range. Just didn't want to walk that extra 100 yards the 7 times it took me running out there to mark my bullets and put the paper back on. It was really windy.

bow shot: I will def take my shots seriously. Probably shoot a smaller dot sized target to. I am still working on getting my shooting form down. Thanks for the helpful advice. Now that you guys mention it the 53.9 does look the best and MV is most consistent there. I will have to take my bike to the range next time. All that walking (running to) back and forth wore me out today.

 

[stool]

another guy that has not heard of a spotting scope......

Just didn't want to walk that extra 100 yards the 7 times it took me running out there to mark my bullets and put the paper back on.

 

[Raythemanroe]

Could be he didn't want to map it on paper and wanted the exercise

 

[Erik Cortina]

When I used to do ladder tests, I would do them at 1,000 yards. I would set up a video camara and go back and shoot the ladder test. Then I would go home and watch the video and mark the shots. Easy.

 

[bow shot]

I really enjoy running over to the target and back on my mtn. bike between shots. You get some cardio, as well as force a wait between shots. In my particular stretch, its 10 minutes between shots in the summer. If you are more of a killer than a paper guy, its good discipline for breathing, settling, etc. too. Never know you may need it on battle some day.

I really dig the bike. I know, its not for everybody.

…and I can't afford a good spotting scope, lol!!!

 

[bow shot]

Excellent Eric' !

Sounds like a phone app idea….

 

[Grimstod]

another guy that has not heard of a spotting scope......

Just didn't want to walk that extra 100 yards the 7 times it took me running out there to mark my bullets and put the paper back on.

I have several. But I asumes that my friend brought his. Never asume.
I did get my work out in. I try to keep myself in good shape. I can be back to shootable breathing in about 8 breths after running 300y.

 

[jonbearman]

Which shot is 53.9,I cant even see a marked shot like it in the bunch. Am I dyslexic?

 

[WyleWD]

Which shot is 53.9,I cant even see a marked shot like it in the bunch. Am I dyslexic?

Thanks for posting that Jon. I didn't see it either, and .9 doesn't fit the .2 increase format in this case. ;-) WD

 

[Lapua40X]

I'd run a seating depth dest at 300 with 53.9

Assuming the 53.6 (2470) is an anomaly, I'd concur.

 

[Raythemanroe]

It is a number between two, chosen for good reason

 

[Erik Cortina]

Too much time between shots can be a bad thing. Wind, mirage, ans lighting can change if too much time elapses between shots.

You need a way to keep track of the shots and you need to stay put as much as possible, this will help with shot execution and consistency.
When you are shooting, shoot, when you are running, run. Don't mix the two.

 

[stool]

varying bbl condition and changes in wind.....
when i go shooting , i shoot..i do not go for the exercise...

for a ladder to be useful the conditions need to be as similar as possible, shot to shot.

Could be he didn't want to map it on paper and wanted the exercise

 

[bow shot]

Well, if you have any horizontal oscillation in your barrel….

 

[stool]

but wind in your face or at your back IS a big deal in a ladder...
all i was saying was do not walk back and forth...shoot in stable consistant coditions so the INFO becomes DATA.

leaving fore and aft wind out of your comments is misleading to those the do not know.....

 

[bow shot]

Aye, folks