Which load to pick

[mikegaiz]

Say I have a friend who has a new barrel and did a ladder test, found two good nodes, and did some load development. He came up with two = and nice groups with low single digit SD. One is 150 fps slower than the second. Which one should I , or he shoot for a match? :-\

 

[Immike]

Put your best foot forward.

 

[mikegaiz]

Ok, which foot?

 

[Immike]

If you don't have pressure problems then take advantage of the speed.

 

[ShootDots]

Prior to a match (if possible) take BOTH loads out to the distance the match is run at and run a test. Example: I had 2 loads in my .284 Shehane. Both loads appeared to be the equal of each other. They were going the same speed, same e.s.'s and the same accuracy level(s) at 300 yards. I took them to 1000 yards, my intended use for this rifle, and shot 25 rounds. 15 shots (3 groups of 5 shots) with one load and 10 shots (2 groups of 5 shots) for the other... The 15 shots, shot with 10-12 inches of vertical. The other load shot 10 shots in 7 inches with 9 of those shots in 4.5" at 1000 yards. Could I tell from 300 yards what they were ACTUALLY going to do? No.. I had an idea>>but it needed to be tested. Obviously, I will use the one over the other.. IF I had to test them at competition, I would. However, I have the ability to test loads while NOT in competition.. That's how I determine which one to use..

 

[Immike]

One of the deciding factors for (me) is how well the rifle behaves with the node. If I can be consistent and it rides the bags well then it will shoot it's potential. If I have to fight the rifle to keep it shooting then I am pushing it too much and can't win with it.

 

[mikegaiz]

I can only test at 300 and have to pick one. They shoot the same. Does the 150 fps buy me anything except elevation? Is there any thing else to consider? Extra pressure in hot weather or barrel wear? I am testing in 75* weather.

 

[ShootDots]

That is a "loaded" question! Pun intended!! LOL!!! Are you at MAX pressure on the fast load? It does not matter what powder you use>>> if you are at a REAL MAX for your load and shooting at 75degrees and it gets to 95 degrees, you will most likely be out of your node... I try and have a window of at least .3grs on either side of my "node" where nothing too much changes... On my Shehane, my load is 56.8grs of IMR 7828. It shoots just as well at 56.5 and 57.3 >>> so I place my load in the middle at 56.8.. Then should we get temp spikes, it won't make hardly any difference.. But if I ran at 57.3 and I was shooting this summer down here in Houston, I guarantee you I would be out of my node for sure...

 

[mikegaiz]

Neither are showing high pressure. Tested 2 gr. higher and no high pressure issue, group opened up and SD increased.

 

[ShootDots]

Then I would use the lower accuracy node you're in...

 

[basshusker]

If the slow load is consistent over a string (shots/time) at the 75 degrees outside I would run with that as ShootDots suggests.
J

 

[mikegaiz]

Thanks guys. I will let you know how it works out.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

One will most likely out agg. the other. I would use both loads for a couple matches. You will be able to tell which one to pick.