ladder test load duplication

[Nishon]

hello gentlemen! Im new to this forum so please bear with me for asking a question which may seem a little silly to most of you guys.I have set up a load consisting of 100gn hornady interlock BTSP in 243.The accuracy node which was found using a ladder test is what im content with.If you want to set up another load using a bullet of stronger construction yet remain with the same case,powder and primer,will the accuracy node remain more or less the same if you load to similar velocity of the first load that you set up with the ladder test? I want to load the 100gn nosler partition for hunting purposes and use the interlock for range time.Im using a Howa 1500 with heavy barrel.

 

[Chuckhunter]

Nishon, if you have the muzzle velocity and C.o.a.l.measured from the base of the case to the ogive of the load you're shooting, duplicate that C.O.A.L with the Partition, measuring the same way.. Then tweak the powder charge of the Partition load to match or be extremely close to the Laddetested round and you should be good to go. What this will tell you is which bullet is most accurate with that powder, primer, velocity combination. The criteria for acceptability is up to you. Good luck!

 

[Nishon]

Thanks for that advise Chuck,I really appreciate your help.Will try that and take things from there.

 

[Erik Cortina]

Bullets will have different ogive profiles, therefore will seat different with same base to ogive measurement. Measure your relation to the lands with first bullet and duplicate with the second bullet. Do a powder test and find best node, then follow up with a seating depth test.

I would use the same bullet for everything. If you switch to a different bullet for range time, you will be burning up the throat, and when you go back to your original bullet, it might no longer shoot well.

By the time you figure the cost and time to find a new load with bullet B, get new scope settings, etc, and then verify load with bullet A, scope settings, etc when you go back, it's easier/cheaper to simply use the Partition for everything, including range time.

 

[Nishon]

Erik the partitions or accubond was actually my choice of bullet for everything but due to lack of availability I got some hornady but I think ill use them up then go with just one bullet for everything.I never thought about throat erosion on bullet A would effect bullet B,I will remember that.Thanks for the help.

 

[swampshooter]

The Hornady is a very good hunting bullet. Why not just use it to hunt with also at least until you can lay in a good supply of the Noslers. Shooter's Pro Shop is a very good source of Nosler bullets if you're having trouble finding them. Frequently they sell blemished Nosler bullets at very reasonable prices. I shoot and hunt with a lot of the blems and they shoot fine.

 

[Erik Cortina]

In competition we don't even like changing bullet lots, much less bullet types.

When you find a bullet you like, buy at least 500 at the same time. When you run out and start on a new bulls lot, you must test again.

Good luck and happy shooting.

 

[Nishon]

Erik I wish I cud just get myself about 500 rounds of partitions but this part of the world it would set u back around 600 U.S Dollars for that quantity.I will try the 95gn partitions first then the 100gn and whichever stabilise better I will use.I feel the partitions is the most versatile round for a 243 for both close and long range.