Need advice on ladder load development

[Ned Ludd]

Thanks Ned. Appreciate the input.
I didn't use the chronograph because I have the Magnetospeed and it throws my rounds off. Want a LaRadar but I am saving my shooting equipment budget for a Joypod I have on order. Next will be the Labradar.

Yes, that is certainly an advantage of the LabRadar. Nonetheless, I used a MagnetoSpeed for years until recently breaking down and buying a LabRadar. I simply loaded up 5 extra rounds at each charge weight for velocity and shot my groupings with the MS removed. Alternatively, you could just load up a few rounds extra of each of your #9 loads next time you go out and get a velocity with them using the MS. Some people just wait until they have the final load before determining velocity. However, I feel like that approach is leaving a lot of useful information untapped during the loading process. Regardless of the path, I'm sure you'll get where you want to be. Good luck with it.

 

[Papa Charlie]

Yes, that is certainly an advantage of the LabRadar. Nonetheless, I used a MagnetoSpeed for years until recently breaking down and buying a LabRadar. I simply loaded up 5 extra rounds at each charge weight for velocity and shot my groupings with the MS removed. Alternatively, you could just load up a few rounds extra of each of your #9 loads next time you go out and get a velocity with them using the MS. Some people just wait until they have the final load before determining velocity. However, I feel like that approach is leaving a lot of useful information untapped during the loading process. Regardless of the path, I'm sure you'll get where you want to be. Good luck with it.

I do the same thing. Now that I have narrowed it down I will load a few extra rounds in each and measure the velocity that I apply to the results on the target to do the final evaluation.
I get Boeing Bonus Bucks from people at work that I convert to Cabela's gift cards, I also use my Cabela's Visa and between the two, I have about half of the LabRadar cost covered. I want to put together a little more and then when they have one of those discounts for 10%-30% come out, I will pull the trigger on one.
I am still spending the money but it doesn't feel like if I just go out and put it on the CC. Besides I have the JoyPod on order and just had to take my truck into the shop. I had an injector short out on my 7.3L diesel and that is going to cost me pretty close to the value of both my future toys by the time all is said and done.

 

[Ned Ludd]

I do the same thing. Now that I have narrowed it down I will load a few extra rounds in each and measure the velocity that I apply to the results on the target to do the final evaluation.
I get Boeing Bonus Bucks from people at work that I convert to Cabela's gift cards, I also use my Cabela's Visa and between the two, I have about half of the LabRadar cost covered. I want to put together a little more and then when they have one of those discounts for 10%-30% come out, I will pull the trigger on one.
I am still spending the money but it doesn't feel like if I just go out and put it on the CC. Besides I have the JoyPod on order and just had to take my truck into the shop. I had an injector short out on my 7.3L diesel and that is going to cost me pretty close to the value of both my future toys by the time all is said and done.

I understand where you're coming from. As much as the latest "toys" in this sport always seem to cost, one certainly has to be judicious about where and how they spend their hard-earned money. As compared to when I first started, I feel like my purchases now are much more often made from a better-informed position, although I still occasionally buy something that I wonder later why I ever wanted it LOL. The good news is that many of the pricier items such as a LabRadar or Joypod should last a very long time. Bullets/brass/powder/primers also cost plenty, but always seem to disappear quickly for some reason .

 

[Peebles24]

I have not figured out node testing 60% yet so what i say is not a answer but a question why are you not looking at loads 7 on the top set and 8 on the bottom set, they have the best verticle? I understand you are looking for the load on the rising curve but if it is bad with verticle stringing how can it perform at 1000 yards?

Does doing a ladder with the magnetospeed attached throw off a ladder test that bad? I have a optical chrono also i may do next ladder with it 4 rounds each then chrono one of each with the magnetospeed.

 

[jsthntn247]

I have not figured out node testing 60% yet so what i say is not a answer but a question why are you not looking at loads 7 on the top set and 8 on the bottom set, they have the best verticle? I understand you are looking for the load on the rising curve but if it is bad with verticle stringing how can it perform at 1000 yards?

Does doing a ladder with the magnetospeed attached throw off a ladder test that bad? I have a optical chrono also i may do next ladder with it 4 rounds each then chrono one of each with the magnetospeed.

Look for loads with the same point of impact, which tells you where you are on barrel harmonics. That should get your vertical correct, then tune horizontal with seating depth.

 

[kvd]

So which loads do you think show the best possibilities.

Difficult to tell - because your ladder test was fired somewhat differently from a normal ladder test. In your test, you fired the different charge weights at different points of aim - looking perhaps for the tightest grouping. In a true ladder test, one fires the different charge weight test loads at the same point of aim and the idea is to look for the least vertical in a set of loads within the test group. Consider that if you are not in an accuracy node, if you sight in with the lowest charge weight load, subsequent heavier loads will simple climb up the target if aimed at the same point. However, if you do happen to pass through an accuracy node in your ladder test group, you will see 2 or 3 loads hit within a visibly narrower vertical band. In other words, the loads will climb - level off - and then continue to climb again. This is what you are looking for and it is difficult to see in your test. The middle charge weight in the narrow vertical band would be the preferred load to work with.
Clearly, you did a lot of work on your test. See if you can measure the mean distance from the vertical line for each group and deduce which loads are closest to the vertical line on the targets and which are most above and below the vertical line. For the 215 grain bullet, the targets for loads 3, 4, and 5 may be worth looking at. Can't make anything out for the 200 grainer.

This is a great article on ladder testing and reviewing the results:

http://www.accurateshooter.com/technical-articles/long-range-load-development/

Good luck

 

[Clancy]

Looking for an update on this..?