First ladder test

[idcwby]

Hey everyone did my first ladder test today. Didn't turn out that great, I don't think anyways. Here's the details: 264 Win Mag with 142 Nosler LRAB using RL33 went from 69.5 to 74 in half grain jumps, I'm not near my reloading book but they were either seated 0.005 or 0.010 off the lands. Had a couple rounds not make it on target. By the time the wind settled down, mirage was bad so I ended up doing this at 515 yards. I know that probably wasn't the best decision, but I decided I might learn something anyways cause I've never done one. LabRadar for the velocities.

1. 69.5 3159fps
2. 70 3218fps
3. 70.5 3249fps
4. 71 3277fps
5. 71.5 3279fps
6. 72 3319fps
7. 72.5 3340fps
8. 73 3348fps
9. 73.5 3343fps
10. 74 3367fps

9&10 had a more noticeable bolt lift, but still didn't feel to bad.



Thanks
idcwby

 

[Barrelnut]

Looks like you have something around 7, 8, 9. Where's 7 in the pic? Don't see it.

 

[idcwby]

Looks like you have something around 7, 8, 9. Where's 7 in the pic? Don't see it.

It's one of the ones that didn't hit. From the looks of things it looks like it was probably to far left. 10 was the other one. Not sure if the mirage was causing these or what.

Thanks
idcwby

 

[FURMAN]

I would load up 72.8, 73.0, and 73.2 and repeat. Make sure the paper catches them.

 

[ar10ar15man]

it is really tuff to try load development in the wind.
wasted trip if they are not on paper.
try for better weather, and maybe shorter like 200 /300
no use shooting at 500 if not on paper
mild left right can be accounted for, but a tail or head wind...just do not shoot.

 

[FURMAN]

I shoot ladders in conditions all the time. No, it is not optimal but I have had no problem as long as you actually account and hold for the wind such that you collect the bullets on paper. Always have sighters. I would suggest getting some plain butchers paper or automotive painters paper or anything less busy.

 

[fabricator21]

I've loaded the 142 ablr for a 6.5 cm and prc. They both liked .050 off.
Nosler also recommends .050 as a starting point.

 

[idcwby]

I would load up 72.8, 73.0, and 73.2 and repeat. Make sure the paper catches them.

Why would you only do those three and not go from 72.5 to 73.5 in 0.02 jumps? Would you go farther out?

I was planning on going with some white paper next time.

Thanks
idcwby

 

[FURMAN]

Why would you only do those three and not go from 72.5 to 73.5 in 0.02 jumps? Would you go farther out?

I was planning on going with some white paper next time.

Thanks
idcwby

I personally like wider nodes with good accuracy over narrow nodes with awesome accuracy. I have never had a problem staying under .5 moa out to 1k in calm conditions. If you stay with the loads I suggested I am confident you will have room above and below when conditions change.

 

[idcwby]

I've loaded the 142 ablr for a 6.5 cm and prc. They both liked .050 off.
Nosler also recommends .050 as a starting point.

I started close to the lands that way I know I could push them back. I hate starting back from the lands and than running out of magazine room as you move forward.

idcwby

 

[idcwby]

I personally like wider nodes with good accuracy over narrow nodes with awesome accuracy. I have never had a problem staying under .5 moa out to 1k in calm conditions. If you stay with the loads I suggested I am confident you will have room above and below when conditions change.

Ok. Will I learn anything from/gain any benefit from doing the 72.5-73.5 spread?

Thanks
idcwby

 

[FURMAN]

Doubt it. Wasting barrel life in my opinion. That lower charge is in the edge of a scatter node and I wouldn't run it even if it was scary accurate.

 

[slv hunter]

You've been given good info now wait for good conditons and try those three loads at 300 or 400. This may help.

 

[idcwby]

I thought the point of these was to be 500+? Why's everyone suggesting closer?

Thanks
idcwby