Having read several posts about load optimization theories, I would like to post my own. You all know about OBT (Optimal Barrel Time) and OCW (Optimal Charge Weight). My theory is called OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). It involves endless fussing over the smallest details of cartridge construction and dimensions and interminable load tests (Audette ladders, Baney ladders, Aluminum ladders (both step and extension) and, the ultimate; Round Robin, Third Party, Double Blind, Mechanical Rest, Tunnel Tests). OCD may not actually result in a single round fired in competition or afield, but provides the satisfaction of knowing that no detail, however insignificant, is overlooked. Using OCD techniques, it is possible to find the ultimate load for a rifle easily within 2 or 3 barrels, 4 tops. [br]
Another important aspect of OCD is the collection and detailed knowledge of every handloading gadget, fixture, gauge, press or other device known to humankind. The more obscure, both origin and purpose, the better. Proper OCD use of these tools can winnow a full production run of brass to a set of 5 cases that are completely indistinguishable from each other. A new breakthrough area is the emerging use of scanning, tunneling electron microscopy to sort brass on the sub-atomic level, eliminating molecular variances demonstrated to produce flyers. Less powerful optical microscopes are useful when sorting powder into kernel groups. I corresponded with a well-known (in the OCD community) powder-sorter and learned a great deal of useful information that I plan to apply in my next load series. We all wish him well and hope for an early release from the state facility. He had a few problems that needed attention after sorting an 80-pound lot of H335. Dynamic bullet-spinning fixtures help us to sort bullets based on true gyroscopic data gathered at rotational rates equal to those experienced during firing. One of these devices recently became unstable and sheared 12 grade 8, 1/2" mounting bolts. When the fixture stopped bouncing around the shop forty-five minutes later, we were able to determine that a few thousandths of bullet jacket separated during testing, catastrophically destabilizing it. If we had not caught it, that flawed bullet might actually have been fired, ruining the group. Group measurement is another important area that separates OCD from less exact systems. All groups are fired with a 1000x telescope that allows use of a sewing needle point as aiming reference. Triply-redundant Laser interferometers provide group measurement precision to 200 nanometers, eliminating most ties. [br]
OCD is a dedicated discipline and not for everyone. While it does not need to be fully applied in all aspects to have beneficial results, one cannot call oneself truly OCD until there are no more details to examine. Thankfully, we have not yet reached that point and the quest continues!
Another important aspect of OCD is the collection and detailed knowledge of every handloading gadget, fixture, gauge, press or other device known to humankind. The more obscure, both origin and purpose, the better. Proper OCD use of these tools can winnow a full production run of brass to a set of 5 cases that are completely indistinguishable from each other. A new breakthrough area is the emerging use of scanning, tunneling electron microscopy to sort brass on the sub-atomic level, eliminating molecular variances demonstrated to produce flyers. Less powerful optical microscopes are useful when sorting powder into kernel groups. I corresponded with a well-known (in the OCD community) powder-sorter and learned a great deal of useful information that I plan to apply in my next load series. We all wish him well and hope for an early release from the state facility. He had a few problems that needed attention after sorting an 80-pound lot of H335. Dynamic bullet-spinning fixtures help us to sort bullets based on true gyroscopic data gathered at rotational rates equal to those experienced during firing. One of these devices recently became unstable and sheared 12 grade 8, 1/2" mounting bolts. When the fixture stopped bouncing around the shop forty-five minutes later, we were able to determine that a few thousandths of bullet jacket separated during testing, catastrophically destabilizing it. If we had not caught it, that flawed bullet might actually have been fired, ruining the group. Group measurement is another important area that separates OCD from less exact systems. All groups are fired with a 1000x telescope that allows use of a sewing needle point as aiming reference. Triply-redundant Laser interferometers provide group measurement precision to 200 nanometers, eliminating most ties. [br]
OCD is a dedicated discipline and not for everyone. While it does not need to be fully applied in all aspects to have beneficial results, one cannot call oneself truly OCD until there are no more details to examine. Thankfully, we have not yet reached that point and the quest continues!
;D
