Ladder Test Analysis

[MattS]

Board name is an USMC MOS, and small arms instruction is criminally negligent to say the least in our military and to top it off if no one has ever talked, taught or instucted the finer points of precision be it BR or field shooting to him we need to help

 

[Bc'z]

You're right. I guess I'm. More frustrated by the fact that everyone keeps telling me that even though I've agreed with them many times lol. I was never arguing that the chronograph data was as good or better, it was just all I had.

Also, idk if u should make a separate thread, but any advice from anyone on a good bench rest setup for the least money? Should I just get some dead shot bags or a cheaper end adjustable rest? Those are the only options I can really afford.

This one has good reviews:
Guide Gear Bench Rest

You could use your back pack if thats all you got. I still have my original rear rest, tightly rolled up hand towel wraped in a little duct tape. Half dozen old shot bags filled with sand for a front rest works also.forget bipod on the RAP, I tried in the begining stock isn't strong enough. Caused vertical stringing.
Also place fromt rest just forward of magazine where stock is stiffer. Use non triger hand to help adjust rear of stock, " not on the forend". Both eyes open! Concentrate on your breathing. Exhale half way out and hold before sqeezeing trigger. If you lose sight picture or need another breath start over. Don't PUNCH the trigger or try to force the shot. Relax you should be startled when rifle goes off.

 

[Bc'z]

Ap

You're right lol. Part of why I wanted a low es/SD is because that's one thing I can do towards a good load without affecting it with skill. I'll bring a rest next time and see how I do. I'll probably just load a bunch of 41.6 and see how small groups I can get on and off rest as well as practice with a few hundred 22 rounds at 25-50yds

I keep a pellet rifle with a real heavy trigger that I shoot alot, helps with trigger control and breathing.

 

[RampedRaptor]

This one has good reviews:
Guide Gear Bench Rest

Do not waste your money on that stuff. A good solid rear bag and a bipod is all that is needed. Shoot slow. Watch a ton of YouTube videos (while they’re still available) on the fundamentals.

Unfortunately, shots don’t all pile up on top of each other unless you execute all the fundlementals correctly.

Don’t go changing a million things with your rifle and ammo until you are confident the nut behind the trigger is tight.

Future advice: Only post 50% to 75% of your allotted budget because people always offer 1 tier higher in cost and quality. Personal lesson learned the hard way.

 

[SF-Guy]

@cmat1120 I have 2 different 6.5 CM’s. The first is a GAP Crusader that shoots lights out with a 26” barrel and it likes 39.9 grains of H4350 and it average 2740 FPS. I also shoot my current custom f-class gun with a 30” barrel that likes 41.2 grains of H4350 and it averages 2830 fps.

I think it is your 22” barrel that is giving you your perceived lack of speed. Seems about right for that short of a barrel.

I agree. however, the target is the most important 'test resultant' i know of. i would shoot Bisquick and Graphite if it would group the best. in fact, the best groups at the lowest ( or reasonable ) velocities are what i look for. In a Ladder Test, as Creighton Audette originated it was to shoot 1 round each of progressive loads and note the impact of each on the target. that's important. when you are in an accuracy node you will have a number of rounds impacting together regardless of whether there is 0.1 grain or 1.0 grain difference.
for me, personally, I ladder test a new barrel to find out what range of a load will shoot groups. it is great when you can load a powder anywhere from 40.5 to 41.5, for example, and they still shoot groups. One way to look at that is that if you are using a culver type Harrel's powder measure you can set it and throw charges and spend more time working on your wind and mirage reading skills.

 

[SF-Guy]

Do not waste your money on that stuff. A good solid rear bag and a bipod is all that is needed. Shoot slow. Watch a ton of YouTube videos (while they’re still available) on the fundamentals.

Unfortunately, shots don’t all pile up on top of each other unless you execute all the fundlementals correctly.

Don’t go changing a million things with your rifle and ammo until you are confident the nut behind the trigger is tight.

Future advice: Only post 50% to 75% of your allotted budget because people always offer 1 tier higher in cost and quality. Personal lesson learned the hard way.

Now that's pretty good advice. In fact if you had a long list of variables to try....don't. prioritize them and make one change and test the outcome. that way you know if it is really an improvement. then try another. Consistency of fundamentals and shot execution is just as important than quality loads.