New rifle, load development

[mao0720]

Ive got a new rifle being put together as we type. It is a 308 win on a Savage Dual port PTA witha 30" Kriegger 1-11 twist LV barrel. Will be shooting 155 gr SMK palmas and varget in Lapua brass. Gun will be used for local FT/R and long range plinking. In the past when developing loads for a new rifle, I have always loaded 3 rounds at each charge weight in the Min-max range and looked for best group at safe pressure. My question is this, should I ladder test, or do things the same way I have in the past? I searched the forum and got lots of for and against for the ladder test, but nothing really definitive. So I guess im looking for everyones opinion as to how a new load should be developed. Thanks all!

 

[MNFinn]

I do what you do, though now I'm on the hunt to see if I can get a specific velocity. load a range of charge weights and shoot 3 shot groups...see what works well, while chronying the loads to see what I get as far as velocity...

 

[CanusLatransSnpr]

A ladder test @ 200 yds has worked well for me in developing loads, .3gr. increments on your powder charges. Plot your hits on a piece of notebook paper and the range of powder charges that group together is where you want to concentrate. From there load in .1gr increments and shoot 3 shot groups to see which charge groups best. After that play with seating depth till you hit the sweet spot!

Mike

 

[Shynloco]

Personally, I believe in running 40 - 60 rds down the tube of any new barrel before I even start the ladder process. Once I'm done with that, I clean the barrel. Thats when I start shooting groups of 5 shots (after a few foulers) as I just don't believe 3 shots is good enough to show consistency in the load you are shooting. But that's just what works for me and am not saying what other suggest is not the right thing to do.