Step 2&3 after Ladder Testing?

[Glenn Powell]

Assume I have performed my due diligence and completed my ladder test. I have found x, y, and z powder charges to be a node. What do I do now? Load up 5, 10, or 15 rounds of the y charge and confirm its accurate at 300? Do I perform another ladder with x, y, and z charges to refine the charge weight? What do I do after the ladder? Then what?

I have just started loading at the range so I am able to tweak loads instantly, and want to get my ducks in a row for this weekends range session. Spent 6 to 7 hours at the range Sunday and Monday just loading and shooting getting used to all the new toys and trying to find a system that works for me. What a learning experience that was! I have never "tuned" a rifle, usually pick the best group and stick with it(hunting <300yrds)

I have learned we have a 300yrd F-TR shoot monthly and I want to play. 308 w/135 SMK's, 20" 14tw barrel.

Thanks, Glenn.

 

[Raythemanroe]

Some people would say to take the node assuming you got a few to print similarly and use finer adjustments. Take your loads back farther and do another ladder within your node. I find this helps get you right in the middle and in return gives you more leeway in your tuning. Also after you have the burn you want it wouldn't hurt to play with seating depth..

 

[Glenn Powell]

Our range only goes to 450. Will that be far enough to fine tune the charge? Do you do another ladder with seating depth? Or shoot groups? How many rounds per group?

 

[rduckworth]

Why not run an OCW. Maybe better than ladder testing and you can shoot it at 100 yds.

http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspace.com/#/ocw-instructions/4529817134

RMD

 

[jlow]

OCW is definately much better than a ladder.

 

[savageshooter86]

Glenn I am in the same boat as you. I did 2 ladders at different times and the load window repeated. I am now going to take 3 each of the load window and shoot them. I am looking to verify that the window is the same and also look for the group with the least vertical at the same time. After this I will do the same for seating depth. Looking only at the depth with the least vertical. You will have already proven the load in the center of the accuracy window, and now looking to tune the vertical out. Then maybe down the road I will play with neck tension to take anymore vertical out I can

Take a look at this thread. Dmoran ladder is very helpful to show you what you want to look for
http://forum.accurateshooter.com/index.php?topic=3816953.msg36236254#msg36236254

OCW is definitely much better than a ladder.

Each to their own. I have done OCW and it worked ok but burned more components. Ladder test at long range is much easier to discern your accuracy node.

Ladder test saves components too in my opinion.

OP-- search ladder test in the search feature. Should get a lot of info

 

[Glenn Powell]

Thanks for the link! I couldn't find it. ;D Saving components is my number one priority and why I think the ladder testing will work best for me. I have been able to scrounge up some powder and primers from here and there but not near enough. Pickings are slim.

 

[savageshooter86]

I didn't HAVE to, but I did 2 ladders with all 14 of my charges. Found my accuracy windows in 14 shots. Verified with my next 14 shots. This was more charges die to no load days available for my powder/bullet combo.

I believe you can do it using a ladder. You could do it at 450 vs 300 to show the results even better. JMO

 

[Glenn Powell]

Another couple questions. The node you find with a ladder test is a "velocity node" correct? Can I change powder, and the "velocity node" will be the same? Or is this just the "node" for that powder? Bullets being the same of course.

 

[Raythemanroe]

Are you asking if your velocity stayed the same with different powder would the node stay the same? I think it could be possible but unlikely! The node is more about vibration then velocity, Your kinda timing your load to the barrel whip or vibration. I would believe different powder regardless the speed is gonna effect vibration differently and have different burn rates! I f you got the same speed that doesn't mean the powder is at the same pressure or got to that speed in the same matter.

 

[Glenn Powell]

No cutting corners then. Ladder test with every powder change, got it.

I am pretty sure I am asking some stupid questions, but if I can understand what I am trying to accomplish, I can get to where I need to be. The beginning ladder test will show me the window of charge weight I need to be in, with "that" powder only. Then I should load withen "that" powders window and refine the charge weight. Is step 3 more ladder tests with seat depths ranging in increments of .010?

 

[savageshooter86]

You are on the right path. Step 3 would be seating depth. I used this method prior(not even Berger bullets) and had great results on paper on the seating depth that was the best
http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2009/03/berger-tips-for-loading-vld-bullets/

**If you do it this way start in the lands, that way you can establish your rifles safe maximum pressure and work backwards from there. If you started jumping 20 thous and found max pressure then did seating depth test closer to jam, you will run into pressure problems most likely

Save your target and be sure to post photos so we can see and help you if you want. Same with seating depths

 

[savageshooter86]

Glenn. In photobucket when you upload your image. It will show 4 links on the right side of the screen when you have the image. Should say "LINKS TO SHARE THIS PHOTO" Should say email, direct, html, and image. Click the one that code to the right of the link that says IMAGE.(should copy the link code next to IMAGE for you automatically when you click it) Now come back here,start a new reply, and paste it in here and hit post. Now your image is here

 

[Glenn Powell]

THERE SHE IS!!! THANKS!!!! ;D