Ladder Test Results and Questions...

[RLinNH]

Finally got out today to use my new Chronometer. I did 2 separate ladder tests. both of them were 10 round strings. Both strings were fired out of a Bergara B-14 Wilderness HMR Platform...(Toady's temps were hovering in the high 30's)
Lapua 136gr Projectile with H4350
-40.9 grains=2639fps
-41.1 grains=2677fps
-41.3 grains=2687fps
-41.5grains=2710fps
-41.7grains=2715fps
-41.9grains=2715fps
-42.1grains=2723fps
-42.3grains=2752fps
-42.5grains=2754fps
-42.7grains=2783fps

I am looking for 2-3 fps groupings that are relatively close to each other. Yes? So, 41.9grains and 42.5grains look like a good point to start handloading on to punch some paper with?

Berger 130gr Hybrid OTM Tactical Projectile with H4350
-41.4grains=2706fps
-41.6grains=2733fps
-41.8grains=2732fps
-42.0grains=2740fps
-42.2grains=2763fps
-42.4grains=2757fps
-42.6grains=2776fps
-42.8grains=2781fps
-43.0grains=2799fps
-43.2grains=2812fps

With the above mentioned thoughts, I would hand loading 41.8grains and experiment from there...

My apologies for these mundane questions. But yes, we need to learn someplace. And my favorite way of learning is by doing something myself, with the insightfulness of people that have already done this sort of thing. Thanks for your time and I look forward to replies.

 

[ACard]

My preferance is to look for a flat spot across 3 load variations and go with the middle one, that way if your throw is slightly +/- you should still be in the sweet spot

 

[AManWearingAHat]

What did the groups look like?

Generally my process is, and please correct me if I am wrong, is that I will fire my ladder tests blind on velocity unless I am going for a straight velocity target. I take charge that shoots the smallest group, and then chrono that and typically that ends up being a very consistent load velocity, ES, and SD wise.

 

[TheOfficeT-Rex]

What did the groups look like?

Generally my process is, and please correct me if I am wrong, is that I will fire my ladder tests blind on velocity unless I am going for a straight velocity target. I take charge that shoots the smallest group, and then chrono that and typically that ends up being a very consistent load velocity, ES, and SD wise.

You're not wrong, but most people will either shoot a string looking for a velocity flat spot (where multiple charges show little difference in speeds) or shoot groups and judge how far vertically POI differs from POA. Then adjust seating depth for groups.

I think OP is doing the first method - in which case, 41,5 to 42,1 for the scenars, or 41,6 to 42,0 for the bergers. I don't like shooting one shot strings across the chrony for anything but finding maximum pressure - I'd start working in 3 or 5 round groups to see if those weights produce good ES/SD as well.