Load development small cartridges

[Justin B]

For a small cartridge like a 204 Ruger or say a 20 practical when you do a load development what powder increments are do recommend doing for the ladder test?

Also do you do the overall length testing after or before the powder charge ladder test?

Thanks

 

[a1712]

I use .2 grains on the smaller cases. Brian.

 

[MagnumManiac]

General rule of thumb is to use 1% of max as the increment for load work up.
This obviously changes with the size of the case. As an example, my 505 Gibbs was safe to use a start load then increase 3gr at a time until mid range then 2gr increase until max was reached at 152gr of powder.

Just use the 1% of max rule and you will be safe.

Cheers.

 

[7887mm08]

I use .2 grains on the smaller cases. Brian.

This is what I go by also

 

[jepp2]

Also do you do the overall length testing after or before the powder charge ladder test?

If you haven't read this, it is very helpful. Powder charge first, OAL to fine tune second. http://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/long-range-load-development-at-100-yards.3814361/

PM me if you would like some 20P load data.

 

[JSH]

For a small cartridge like a 204 Ruger or say a 20 practical when you do a load development what powder increments are do recommend doing for the ladder test?

Also do you do the overall length testing after or before the powder charge ladder test?

Thanks

My understanding is 1/10 per round when looking for the "node" or "nodes". Most say to go to 300 if you can, I can only run 200 easily.
The cartridge I was working with,the day I had to do it, wind messed with it but you could still see it.
I later did another at 100. You have to look a lot harder to really see it, where as the 200 really showed where they came together.

 

[Justin B]

My understanding is 1/10 per round when looking for the "node" or "nodes". Most say to go to 300 if you can, I can only run 200 easily.
The cartridge I was working with,the day I had to do it, wind messed with it but you could still see it.
I later did another at 100. You have to look a lot harder to really see it, where as the 200 really showed where they came together.

Thanks I was shooting 100.

 

[Prose]

For the 20VT and 17FB I used .2 gr increments, but fine tuned to .1 gr.