How many shots load Testing ?

[mattri]

Excellent thread, will be interested in replies.

 

[SS427]

I load up 27 rounds. Three different powder charges at three different seating depths. I'm of the opinion powder charge and seating depth are not independent of each other, but am the first to admit I'm a novice at doing this and could be totally wrong.

After I shoot 9 groups, I almost always see a trend that points me in the right direction of where to go next. From there I load up 10 rounds at each promising charge/seating depth. Usually I pick two of them, but in some cases only one, and then shoot a couple 5 shot groups with each load. If those 5 round groups look good, I tend to leave it alone. In a very accurate rifle, I will tweak it a few tenths of grains and thousands of seating depth just to see if I can eek out any more accuracy.

I shoot at 300 yards or less. If I did long range shooting my technique might vary.

 

[Hoier]

I do not use a chronograph, I let the groups show me the vertical. Another reason I don't use a chronograph is I can get hung up "chasing the dragon" numbers wise.

 

[savagedasher]

I like 6 - 2 shots gropes at 100yd with crony. I do several two shot to get my vertical out before I do my real testing The winds at our club are normally 1/4 tail or head winds. They start out calm and get stronger. By doing two shots a half hr apart I get a average of what effect the wind does with the load. Some loads shoot great in a head wind but suck with a tail wind or just the reverse.
I never seen my group get any better then my second shot. Larry