Using ladder tests to select powder

[Mr. B]

I have been experimenting with ladder testing at 275 yards and I have noticed something interesting. When loading ladders using a velocity range from a loading manual (for example 2700 to 2800) with different powders at .2 grain increments; the entire ladder group size can vary from sub moa to larger than 8.5 x 11. It seems like there is a better chance of finding a good load with a powder that groups all 7-10 shots sub moa than with a powder that groups all shots into a sheet of notebook paper. Does anyone use this method to determine what powder to start off their load development?

Here is a 7 shot ladder with 308 win using 135 gr SMK's with RL-15

 

[Alex Wheeler]

We do use early testing for this, a narrow ladder with steady velocity climb is what you want. If it goes wide or round, wrong powder.

 

[Terry]

We do use early testing for this, a narrow ladder with steady velocity climb is what you want. If it goes wide or round, wrong powder.

Wide or Round?

 

[Mr. B]

We do use early testing for this, a narrow ladder with steady velocity climb is what you want. If it goes wide or round, wrong powder.

Thanks for the info, I felt like I was on the right track. How many different powders would you try before you gave up on a specific bullet? It seems like 3 or 4 as that would let you sample the various burn rate range for that rifle and bullet combo.

 

[rogina]

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