Another OCW test

[DamagedGuds]

I'm going to be this guy. Verbally assault me if needed for this post. ?This is my very first attempt at load development. I went out today to attempt the OCW method.

BadRock 6.5 CM
140 ELD-M
IMR 4350
Ogive to head was 2.266

I tried to stay within the parameters of the Hornady reloading book since this is my first time reloading and trying to feel for pressure problems. Because I was doing this test for the first time I didn't want to have the V3 connected to the barrel to alleviate any type of potential muzzle issues/POI issues. The Hornady book lists IMR 4350 with a Max of 42 grains. I went up to 42.2 which didn't feel like or were there any visual pressure problems.

My question(s) are: should I press on and continue to see if it's possible to go higher? Or should I utilize the information I have and go ahead and run the V3 to get an accurate velocity with the given target info?

Below you will find my shots. Visually, I'm seeing two nodes, one at 39.8 grains and another at the 41.6. by all means please give your input. Any help and information will be greatly appreciated.

My goal is to reach out, not for F-Class, but I'm trying to get more into PRS style shooting. Furthest I've shot has been 850 with factory ammo.

 

[ditter]

Get the chrono on there and youll have a ton more information you can base a decision on. You'll eliminate shooter good luck and shooter bad luck with the groups you already have. Get some velocity data and SD data and you'll appreciate it at longer distances. As far as pushing up the charge weights, you can do that and youll see and feel some pressure signs eventually. But if you can get your velocity to where you want them (say around 2800fps), why go up that much further?

 

[DamagedGuds]

I appreciate the feedback. With that information I'm going to load up more from 41.4 to 42.6 grains in increments of .2, feeling for pressure. I'll write down the velocities and repost after shooting. Do you feel it's necessary to load 3 or 5 rounds per weight utilizing the Chrono?

 

[Billl223]

I'm also doing load development using 140 ELD and IMR 4350. In my test, the factory ELD load seemed the best but I believe I see a node around 41.0 and possibly one around 42.4 as 42.3 looked O.K. with no pressure signs.

 

[ditter]

I appreciate the feedback. With that information I'm going to load up more from 41.4 to 42.6 grains in increments of .2, feeling for pressure. I'll write down the velocities and repost after shooting. Do you feel it's necessary to load 3 or 5 rounds per weight utilizing the Chrono?

I'd say minimum 3 shots. 5 would be great.

 

[DamagedGuds]

I loaded today; 41.4, .6, .8, 42.0, .2, .4, .6, and .8. I only shot the 41.4 - 42.0. I think I'm going to stick with the 41.6. These are my velocities for those numbers. I only did 3 of each. I plan on loading up 10 of each tomorrow; 41.5, 41.6, and 41.7, and maybe 41.8. I'll run the chrono for all to get a more accurate SD/ES.

Grain. Velocity. SD. ES
41.4 2835. 4.59. 9.0
2829
2826

41.6 2824. 5.51. 11.00
2835
2830

41.8 2851. 3.21. 6.0
2845
2850

42 2853. 3.79. 7.0
2852
2859