Best to find "best" load

[Little gator]

So I'm just now getting into hand loading I'm not looking to mass produce, my goal is to find the best(most accurate) combo

Any tips on how to go about figuring that out?

Honestly please don't just tell me your recipe. I'm looking fwd to the trial and error. I'd just like some pointers on how to go about mixing and matching so I'm not just spinning my wheels with a poor process Wasting money and that all important "in stock" link

Thanks

 

[dimar1492]

Seems like this is a popular method for now OCW Overview - Dan Newberry's OCW Load Development System

 

[chevytruck_83]

Since your starting out I suggest doing it with a caliber like 308. This way data and supplies will be readily available. Nothing worse then getting a load close and not being able to get one piece of the puzzle. Ex powder primer or bullet and having to start over all the time. Then I will load 5 rounds from the middle to high charge range listed for your weight bullet. Example. If u find a bullet that is listed as a max load of 43 grains. I would load 5 at 39.5, 5@40,[email protected],etc. (Remember to match weight to your barrels rifling). Have a target for each load. When you shoot these loads only shoot one from each at a time. This will help eliminate conditions such as barrel temp,you flinching etc from influencing one load more then another. If u notice consistent bad grouping after a while try cleaning the barrel and taking not of when u did so. KEEP NOTES AND TARGETS...

 

[mdmp5]

Seems like this is a popular method for now OCW Overview - Dan Newberry's OCW Load Development System

Ocw is a good process, but the results can be difficult to interpret at times. I recommend shooting a simpler ladder test at 300 yds. You will use less ammo to find a good load.

 

[CK_32]

That's a lot of "best" OP... Are you sure you can handle all that

 

[Little gator]

That's a lot of "best" OP... Are you sure you can handle all that

Edit: I would like it if persons could impart to me a good way of figuring out what loads will work best in my set up.

That better?! I'm not really sure what I was thinking when I typed in that title

 

[cobyb]

I have had good luck with the ocw test. read up on it and follow the directions and you should end up with a great load, if you can upload pics of you targets to the forum you will probably get a fair amount of feedback on your results.

 

[Hookturnr]

I usually load up right at the lands with a heavy for caliber bullet. I run my first test with 3 rounds each starting low and moving up in 1% steps. .5 grain increments will work for this until you get into bigger cartridges. I find the best looking groups from that and try 5 rounds at my best group and on either side of it in a smaller step, then proceed as results show.

 

[mxjunky78]

I've tried the OCW and the ladder test. To be honest with you, the OCW test was a PITA to do and the results were a little difficult to decipher. I did the ladder test the second time around and used a lot less ammo and the results were clear cut. I'd just do the ladder at 300yds if you can and then refine at 400yds.

 

[CK_32]

I've tried the OCW and the ladder test. To be honest with you, the OCW test was a PITA to do and the results were a little difficult to decipher. I did the ladder test the second time around and used a lot less ammo and the results were clear cut. I'd just do the ladder at 300yds if you can and then refine at 400yds.

I agree the OCW got a tad taxing for me as well. But its design was to take out the human variable on the ladder test to alter results on just one shot that may be pulled for shooter error and for people limited to 100 yards. If you have access to a 300 yard range I too would prefer to run 2 ladder tests and go with that than a OCW.

 

[CK_32]

Edit: I would like it if persons could impart to me a good way of figuring out what loads will work best in my set up.

That better?! I'm not really sure what I was thinking when I typed in that title

Just givin you a hard time OP.

 

[Rprecision]

Seems like this is a popular method for now OCW Overview - Dan Newberry's OCW Load Development System

+ 1

OCW takes a bit more time, maybe a bit more ammo

BUT

It leaves nothing on the table when your done

 

[oldfatguy]

OCW has worked very well for me. Understand the process and take your time with it. After finding a good accuracy node I'll run it again with different seating depths to fine tune.

OFG