When testing loads..... 3 or 5

[chuckw2]

When you guys are testing a new load over a chronograph, do you shoot three or five shot groups? When I shoot 5 shot groups it is much harder to shoot a small group. Will three shots give you meaningful data on speed,es and sd?

Chuck

 

[dreever]

Chuck,

I always shoot five shot groups. In competition nobody shoots three. I know three usually looks more impressive, but your looking for information not bragging rights.
When I chronograph I usually shoot ten. Three shots won't give you much meaningfull data.

Danny

 

[chuckw2]

Danny,
That's exactly how I do it. Just curious about everyone else.

Chuck

 

[Cheechako]

Chuck

For chrono data, the more the better. 5 shots minimum.

For accuracy potential, 3 groups of 3 shots each minimum. If you get a two-inch 3-shot group, more shots ain't going to make it smaller. When you find the apparent best, then shoot 5-shot groups. Just don't wear out your barrel with testing.:nono:

Ray

 

[ReedG]

When I first start working up a load for a specific bullet or powder, I use 3-shot groups in .5-gr. powder increments, usually in 5 sets of 3. Firing these will usually show which load the barrel likes best. Then I load another 5 sets of 3 of the best powder load and vary the seating depth by .005". This will almost always show the correct seating depth. Then I load one last of 5x3 of the best powder/seating depth load but vary powder 0.2-gr. to see if it tunes any better. After that, all 5- or 10-shot groups to get info for recording. As a score shooter, I then switch to hunting for the X-ring.