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Long range load development at 100 yards.

Final²...Well, no contest. .015" is the winner. 17 of 20 are X ring waterline. The 9 was was a missed fishtail.
"3, in the corner pocket!"
@Killick, good work following the program. Now that you have your seating depth and rough powder, test for positive compensation at 1,000 yards. This test is best early inthe morning, or whenever your range conditions are the calmest. Using your determined seating depth, Load 5 sighters at 51.8 and then 3 rounds at 51.6, 51.7, 51.8, 51.9, and 52.0.

Use the sighters to center you target, then shoot each of the 3 round groups in succession keeping same POA. Be sure to shoot each 3 round group consecutively, quick, and in the same wind condition (not round robin). Meaning don’t start a new 3 round group until conditions seem consistent, then rip off 3 shots.

After firing each group, measure the vertical spread of each powder increment. Ignore the horizontal, one or two of them will show a very tight vertical. When I do this final test, I will find that my powder increment changes slightly from where I started and my best verticals are 2” or less.
 
I've read that the magnetoapeed influences POI, but will it impact group shape? That's why I ask.

If the shape is the same, then I can do full testing with the magnetospeed which would be nice.

Thanks Killick, just want to make sure here
Having the MagnetoSpeed attached can affect both POI and group size/shape. It doesn't necessarily have to, but it can, and often does. This has been addressed extensively here over the years. For a variety of reasons, I would suggest loading a few extra rounds, using some to measure velocity, and then leaving the MS off (unattached) when you shoot your groups. Maybe you can get away with having the MS attached, but given the time and effort that goes into the reloading process, as well as the current cost and lack of availability of reloading components, why risk it?
 
This is with a 6.5 creedmoor, 7.5 twist using 140 grain JLK VLDs.

This target was shot with Virgin Lapua brass. Might have an impact. Shot with the magnetospeed attached.

On the target:

•Big number is the powder charge
•top number is group size
•numbers next to bullet holes are distance from the center line of the target

To me it looks like the node is between 40.5 and 41.5. Not sure what happened with the flier to the right on 41.5. Also 39.0 might also be a good one..

Thoughts?
 

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Hi everyone, first post on the forum. Hope its ok to resurrect this thread.

I’ve just done my test per Erik’s instructions.

6.5x284. Shooting 147ELD-M. VV N165.
The 49.5gr load only had one velocity result,(labradar moved on the bench) hence no ES.

Any chance I could have some advice on where you think I should be starting? I’m thinking 51.5 based on the verticals but there’s quite a jump in velocity from 51-51.5.

Thanks for any help.

Jon.
F7D64ECC-4204-4C2A-9711-49A00B26816E.jpeg5FC5D089-B7D3-4999-A075-8351682B26C9.jpeg
 
51-52gr looks like a stable POI, I would work in that area for a seating depth test.

I would worry about the jump in velocity just yet till you run a depth test.
 
Hi everyone, first post on the forum. Hope its ok to resurrect this thread.

I’ve just done my test per Erik’s instructions.

6.5x284. Shooting 147ELD-M. VV N165.
The 49.5gr load only had one velocity result,(labradar moved on the bench) hence no ES.

Any chance I could have some advice on where you think I should be starting? I’m thinking 51.5 based on the verticals but there’s quite a jump in velocity from 51-51.5.

Thanks for any help.

Jon.
View attachment 1266198View attachment 1266200
51.7gr do seating in .3 increments 3 shot groups
 
Thanks for the input, 51.7 does seem the obvious choice now!

Seating depth wise, I’m jam -20thou which worked out at 2.600bto for the charge testing would you work from there? So, 2.597, 2.594, 2.591 etc..

thanks again for your help.
 
Why not do seating test at 50.7, then go back to powder test?
Hi,

Thanks for the input.

Can you tell me why you would suggest that? I’m completely new to this type of load development and value everyone’s help. My understanding so far says to get the charge weight right then go to seating depths.

Is it wise to start seating depth tests on a unknown charge weight?

Thanks again.
 
Hi,

Thanks for the input.

Can you tell me why you would suggest that? I’m completely new to this type of load development and value everyone’s help. My understanding so far says to get the charge weight right then go to seating depths.

Is it wise to start seating depth tests on a unknown charge weight?

Thanks again.
Just a different way to get to finish line. Lots of us start out a grain and half or so below a known max book load to do a seating test. Then take the best group and play with .3 or .2 powder charges. This is just the first method that I picked up on this forum , just like you picked up the other way.
 

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