dmoran
Donovan Moran
damoncali & T-REX -
The advantage of a ladder test , in my experience, is to finding accuracy zones efficiently from a large increment spread with the fewest amounts of component waste, with the least amount of barrel heat, and barrel life exhausted. Then from the found charge zones (nodes), fallow on group testing and /or tuning from with in the found zones will pinpoint the optimal charge.
Other positive aspects to come from ladder testing; ladder testing is a very effective and safe way to find maximum pressures to each rifles own unique characteristic with out excessive loading (and unloading) of ammo, by only needing one loaded round per increment up the charge ladder.
When utilizing a chronograph, base line velocity to every charge increment are established which reveals the powders speed/velocity, sensitivity, and maximums for that given cartridge. Which in return goes far to established data base, desired velocity & ballistic capability, as well as development direction of where to proceed and where not to proceed. That in return tells us what to expect at each charge level in terms of velocity, pressure, and accuracy for future development planning as one does proceed.
Vertical dispersion and velocity spread between increments are my only focus with ladder testing. I typically conduct them at 450 and/or 1000-yards, and I basically pay no attention (or very little) on horizontal dispersion. From which wind and/or horizontal dispersion is almost a non-factor. It is common for me to perform ladder tests in the less then favorable conditions part of a testing day, saving the more favorable hours for group testing and or tuning, where favorable conditions are more desired.
Below I am adding in 3 separate ladder tests conducted at 450 yards of 10-increments each. Resultants compiled as data, to show from a data standpoint what can be learned from ladder testing.
Here is the complete Velocity data and Vertical dispersion data of the 3 separate ladders:
Here is the measured POI Vertical dispersion plotted from the 450-yard target:
As I stated above, vertical dispersion is my primary concern and the ES between charge increments. I plot and measure the vertical dispersion of each bullet hole from a common point on the targets and add that data to my discovery sheets/records.
Each ladder was ran individually, then repeated after ample time to let the barrel cool between each ladder.
The 1st ladder alone yielded conclusive results. The 2nd and 3rd repeated ones clarified the vertical dispersion and velocity confirmation, that in all actuality were not needed.
The rifle used is a 1000BR rifle chambered in 6Dasher with 105-VLD/RL15/CCI-450/Lapua brass.
Hope that helps !.!.!
Donovan
The advantage of a ladder test , in my experience, is to finding accuracy zones efficiently from a large increment spread with the fewest amounts of component waste, with the least amount of barrel heat, and barrel life exhausted. Then from the found charge zones (nodes), fallow on group testing and /or tuning from with in the found zones will pinpoint the optimal charge.
Other positive aspects to come from ladder testing; ladder testing is a very effective and safe way to find maximum pressures to each rifles own unique characteristic with out excessive loading (and unloading) of ammo, by only needing one loaded round per increment up the charge ladder.
When utilizing a chronograph, base line velocity to every charge increment are established which reveals the powders speed/velocity, sensitivity, and maximums for that given cartridge. Which in return goes far to established data base, desired velocity & ballistic capability, as well as development direction of where to proceed and where not to proceed. That in return tells us what to expect at each charge level in terms of velocity, pressure, and accuracy for future development planning as one does proceed.
Vertical dispersion and velocity spread between increments are my only focus with ladder testing. I typically conduct them at 450 and/or 1000-yards, and I basically pay no attention (or very little) on horizontal dispersion. From which wind and/or horizontal dispersion is almost a non-factor. It is common for me to perform ladder tests in the less then favorable conditions part of a testing day, saving the more favorable hours for group testing and or tuning, where favorable conditions are more desired.
Below I am adding in 3 separate ladder tests conducted at 450 yards of 10-increments each. Resultants compiled as data, to show from a data standpoint what can be learned from ladder testing.
Here is the complete Velocity data and Vertical dispersion data of the 3 separate ladders:
Here is the measured POI Vertical dispersion plotted from the 450-yard target:
As I stated above, vertical dispersion is my primary concern and the ES between charge increments. I plot and measure the vertical dispersion of each bullet hole from a common point on the targets and add that data to my discovery sheets/records.
Each ladder was ran individually, then repeated after ample time to let the barrel cool between each ladder.
The 1st ladder alone yielded conclusive results. The 2nd and 3rd repeated ones clarified the vertical dispersion and velocity confirmation, that in all actuality were not needed.
The rifle used is a 1000BR rifle chambered in 6Dasher with 105-VLD/RL15/CCI-450/Lapua brass.
Hope that helps !.!.!
Donovan
