Is upper node always better?

[jelenko]

I tend to disagree, (somewhat) with this.

If this was true, I could stick any reasonable load combination in my 6PPC or 30BR and simply turn the tuner until it hit that magic sub .200 agging capability.

When you get into really extreme accuracy and precision, such as what we attempt to achieve in Short Range Group and Score, there seems to be a little more to it.

What this “little more” is, I am not quite sure.

Interesting! Thanks.

 

[mike mccormick]

Not always. I try to go with the node with widest loading window. In the big scheme of things, I score higher across the day.

 

[diggler1833]

I have had a couple barrels shoot best in the "upper node" - or right around book max / or when pressure signs were obvious.

However the vast majority have done better around 3-5% below what most sources list as maximum. I've also had a barrel that annoyingly only shot really well down around most listed starting charges.

Sometimes I'll trade a little accuracy for velocity (hunting rifle, say 300 and in), but otherwise I'm happy to play in the "low node".

I think that it is barrel dependent.

 

[Steve Donlon]

I don't think the velocity of the bullet has to be at the very edge of safety to be the most accurate. If you have more powder than the length of the barrel can tolerate to get the velocity you want, accuracy will suffer. I load about one grain down from max and find that node. Velocity is great and will help accuracy but only to a point.

 

[jimmymac]

Speaking from a benchrest perspective there is little to no published information so we are most always running by the seat of our pants.

A good example are published 6PPC loads. What is published as maximum, is basically just a starting load for almost every guy on the line.

There are no absolutes. The targets will give you the answers.