Would this be fair to say?

[Jspeed]

It has been my understanding that an initial seating depth test could be run with a somewhat random powder charge….seems a low to mid/low charge is most often suggested…if this is true, would a best charge weight also show itself with a somewhat random seating depth? Thanks

 

[just_jon]

When I want to mix things up and test seating depth first, I split the difference between book starting and max load.

 

[Slick8]

If it were me I'd do a ladder test from at least 300 yards first. I see no need to mess around testing a random charge.

It takes 10-12 shots for a ladder and puts you in the ballpark.

 

[VinceMule]

Kiss, Find Pressure, Rock On

The method I use

 

[308win]

We all end up at the same place, no matter how we get there? I'm a seat test first person myself

 

[Jspeed]

If it were me I'd do a ladder test from at least 300 yards first. I see no need to mess around testing a random charge.

It takes 10-12 shots for a ladder and puts you in the ballpark.

So you think the answer to my question is "yes"? You're expecting a best (or, at least, better) charge weight to show itself with a somewhat random seating depth…right?

 

[Jspeed]

We all end up at the same place, no matter how we get there? I'm a seat test first person myself

Do you completely finish (for the time being, anyway) your seating depth testing? To the .001" Before running charge weights from low to high? I understand you might possibly tweak seating depth again after finding what appears to be best charge weight…thanks

 

[Mikecr]

You could luck into anything.
Like if your seating testing at a lower pressure load leads to something so good that you don't want to change anything, that's a choice you can make. I wouldn't count on it though, especially if a low load density.

 

[Slick8]

So you think the answer to my question is "yes"? You're expecting a best (or, at least, better) charge weight to show itself with a somewhat random seating depth…right?

I've mostly been shooting bergers which typically like to run at .020 off which makes that my Starting point.

The closer you are to the lands the quicker you'll build pressure in you're ladder test.

Like said above many ways to skin the cat but my preferred is to run a ladder at minimum prior to seating depth testing.

 

[2buffalo]

The 300 PRC I am loading for now I was adjusting seating depth within the first hundred rounds while the barrel was breaking in. Found something it liked then did an OCW with .004 neck interferenc today. I am going to try to tune it a little tighter but it's pretty decent.

78.3g Retumbo
215 Primer
3.683 COAL
Lapua Brass
5 shot group .44 MOA what I would call roughed in. So it does work or I just got lucky. I have never developed a load in this order before. Just wanted to try it.

 

[308win]

Do you completely finish (for the time being, anyway) your seating depth testing? To the .001" Before running charge weights from low to high? I understand you might possibly tweak seating depth again after finding what appears to be best charge weight…thanks

My thought is......why bother with different charge weights if you don't know where the bullet likes to sit? Or for that matter, if the barrel likes that bullet at all? I find seating first, then move to 2 shot ladder tests at no less than 80% distance I figure for my max. That's usually 600 to 800 yards. If you read your ladder correctly, I think you end up with a very predictable load. I've only once gone back and adjusted seating after doing the ladder. Just my method, like I said....we all get there, just different paths

 

[simo hayha]

Jam and chase for me.

 

[Mr. Magoo]

Depends on the bullet. Shoot enough and you'll start seeing the depth preference patterns for picky bullets and that saves effort/ barrel wear and cost chasing stuff around. No sense wasting components jumping or jamming if you know its not gonna like it.

 

[Jspeed]

My thought is......why bother with different charge weights if you don't know where the bullet likes to sit? Or for that matter, if the barrel likes that bullet at all? I find seating first, then move to 2 shot ladder tests at no less than 80% distance I figure for my max. That's usually 600 to 800 yards. If you read your ladder correctly, I think you end up with a very predictable load. I've only once gone back and adjusted seating after doing the ladder. Just my method, like I said....we all get there, just different paths

What do you use to meter and weigh powder? How large are your powder increments when testing different charge weights? How large are your changes in seating depth? Thanks