I am new to reloading and long range shooting, have a savage 10fcp-k in .308, ive set up a ladder test for benchmark 38-42 grain 3 shot groups by 1/2 grain incraments, my question is should i find my recipe first or try and find what seating depth it likes first?
Make sure you read up on how to do a ladder test before you try one.
- Do it at 300 yards or more
- Use a large piece or cardboard or butcher paper for a target (with aiming point)
- I set up a target cam, so I know exactly where each round lands.
- I pick my components and look at the book for charges. I work over max, but I check for pressure after every shot.
- I would start with a length of 2.8 for your test.
- Load up to max in .3 grain increments. I load up 3 of each. (Not for groups)
- Use Vis-a-Vis markers to color the bullet tips. When you run out of colors use multiple colors to identify the round on the target.
- Now go shoot. I confirm zero to season bore prior to test. I shoot the test three times on three different targets to get a really good average. Shoot low to high, high to low ect.
You will see clusters of rounds with different charges. These are when your barrel is in an accuracy node. That's what you want. The ideal load is as fast as possible, in an accuracy node, and has a low SD.