IdahoRedneck
Well-Known Member
When I develop a long range load I will start at a distance where I plan most of shots will take place so typically my ladder will start at 500 yards with a blank piece of paper appx. 3 ft long with bull in the middle ( 1k target at army surplus works great). After deciding on my start and appx max load I will load 1 round in .3-.5 increments (depending on what I'm shooting) to my max. I dope my scope so I will hit low on the paper while holding on bull so as the charge increases the pattern will climb. Document after every shot on the target and inspect brass for excessive pressure. After all shots are fired the target will show a node with the least amount of vertical variance. Once the node is noted, it will be between .9 and 1.5 grain spread (depending on what increment I loaded) lets say the node is 92.3-93.2. Now I know that even if my powder thrower throws a little light or heavy my point of impact is going to stay relatively the same. Now I will load 3 shot loads 92.2, 92.4, 92.6, 92.8, 93.0, 93.2 and go shoot at 700 round robin style documenting each shot and find the load with the least amount of vertical variance. This will be my new best friend for this rifle. I don't worry to much about horizontal because as you know by the time you start and finish the wind here will change alot. This is what has worked for me and several rifles, maybe it will help you in your quest to 1k, maybe you already know. Figured if I didn't share then it may be new info left not shared.
I have read about the ladder test and even have one loaded up to go shoot. I have never shot one though
When you guys say cool between shots do you mean excactly that.... Let the barrel get completly cold again..... I am usually careful not to let it get to hot but ive never waited long enough between shots for it to get cold again... How long do you guys wait between each shot when developing your long range loads...
Ill try the round robin method aswell.....