Working Up a Load

[mps5949]

I would like to get some opinions on different methods to work up the optimum load for a given barrel/caliber. I have read one paper that discusses that the longitudinal shock waves created by the chamber pressure will send shock waves back and forth through the barrel which will change the diameter of the bore, thereby affecting shot dispersion. The key is to find the optimum barrel time,OBT) and adjust your load so the bullet leaves the muzzle at this exact time, to avoid the maximum bore diameter caused by the shock wave. The theory is that these waves are initiated and travel much faster than the bending waves of the barrel. And that a larger muzzle diameter leads to larger shot dispersion. To find these "sweet spots" one would vary charge weight incrementally and look for improved grouping,less dispersion).

The second method I have read is the Incremental Load Development Method,ILDM). This method incrementally loads 20 increasing charge weights and at 300 yards watches for groupings in the vertical dispersion. These groupings are "sweet spots" where the "vibration effect" and "recoil effect" tend to cancel out, thereby minimizing vertical dispersion.

I am curious if forum members have some experience on how the two methods integrate or if one or the other tends to hold more practical value at working up an optimum load. And I am assuming all other variables are constant, such as neck tension, seating depth, primer type, bullet type, etc....

Thanks

Mike

 

[expiper]

Just try a few common sense loads...your gun will tell U what it likes....Roger

 

[Winchester69]

Search on "Optimal Charge Weight" and "Audette Ladder Method." You should find plenty of discussion on both.
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