Shot 3 strings of the same 8 loads on the same day at 700 yds. Recorded with video camera to ensure correct documentation. Loads were as follows:
Charge - Velocity 1st string - 2nd string - 3rd string
43 gr 2807 2818 2818
43.2 gr 2807 2801 2818
43.4 gr 2830 2807 2836
43.6 gr 2818 2818 2855
43.8 gr 2855 2867 2842
44.0 gr 2855 2879 2879 - Slightly sticky bolt lift string1, 2. Ejector marks string 2.
44.2 gr 2867 2873 2904
44.4 gr 2867 2904 2892 - Ejector marks strings 2,3. Don't shoot anymore.
Based on previous testing I have determined there may be a node between 43 and 44.4 grains. After repeated testing with this load and others over many months of testing, I am having a problem coming to any conclusions as the bullets do not hit the target in any rational climbing manner. The attached pictures show no logical pattern of impact as one would expect while performing a ladder test. The biggest conclusion I have arrived at is the extent at which shooter error comes into play at 700 yds. Changes in velocity from round to round do not affect shot placement as much as shooter error does. For example, two rounds can hit the target such that they are almost touching each other, but have a velocity difference of 103 FPS. At the same time, two rounds can be almost a foot away from each other vertically and have identical velocities.
Are there any conclusions anyone can make in looking at the ladder test results I have posted?
Do I need to reduce the distance in which I am performing my ladder tests?
What are steps I can take to reduce the unexpected and unusual changes/differences in velocities from round to round?
(Ex: Velocity staying the same from 43 gr to 43.2 gr. Velocity decreasing from 44 to 44.2 gr.)
Charge - Velocity 1st string - 2nd string - 3rd string
43 gr 2807 2818 2818
43.2 gr 2807 2801 2818
43.4 gr 2830 2807 2836
43.6 gr 2818 2818 2855
43.8 gr 2855 2867 2842
44.0 gr 2855 2879 2879 - Slightly sticky bolt lift string1, 2. Ejector marks string 2.
44.2 gr 2867 2873 2904
44.4 gr 2867 2904 2892 - Ejector marks strings 2,3. Don't shoot anymore.
Based on previous testing I have determined there may be a node between 43 and 44.4 grains. After repeated testing with this load and others over many months of testing, I am having a problem coming to any conclusions as the bullets do not hit the target in any rational climbing manner. The attached pictures show no logical pattern of impact as one would expect while performing a ladder test. The biggest conclusion I have arrived at is the extent at which shooter error comes into play at 700 yds. Changes in velocity from round to round do not affect shot placement as much as shooter error does. For example, two rounds can hit the target such that they are almost touching each other, but have a velocity difference of 103 FPS. At the same time, two rounds can be almost a foot away from each other vertically and have identical velocities.
Are there any conclusions anyone can make in looking at the ladder test results I have posted?
Do I need to reduce the distance in which I am performing my ladder tests?
What are steps I can take to reduce the unexpected and unusual changes/differences in velocities from round to round?
(Ex: Velocity staying the same from 43 gr to 43.2 gr. Velocity decreasing from 44 to 44.2 gr.)
