Ladder test results. Need input

[locked&loaded]

I ran a ladder test this weekend and the results kind of caught me off guard. Most tests I have seen resulted in a definate vertical string with increased load.
My results seemed to be a concentrated up and down shift. My hottest load actually shot lower than my lightest. The loads were from 40 grains to 45 grains in half grain increments. Conditions were 70 degrees and sunny with little to no wind. Distance to target was 300 yards.
I allowed the barrel to cool between each shot.
The total up and down deviation of the string was about 5 1/4 inches.
I'm thinking I should use the loads for shots 7 8 9 and 10 to do a finer test.
What do you guys think?

 

[jnesto]

Re: Ladder test results. Need input

For me looks like the cluster from shots #7, #8, #9 and #10 can be used for a second test.
I will do the same test in the next weeks and I have personal interest here.
Keep us posted.

 

[Poodleshooter]

Re: Ladder test results. Need input

I'd load 43.7gr and shoot it for groups. That seems to be the dead center of the node you've developed from 43- 44.5grs.
I'm a big fan of the Newberry OCW method, which varies slightly from the ladder method you're using here. I'm sure it's been posted here before,but it's easy to find online if it hasn't.
I've found its results much easier to read than my attempts at traditional Audette type ladder loading (though I've developed great loads with both methods).

 

[nhassey48]

Re: Ladder test results. Need input

Even though they are hot loads doesn't always mean they will shoot higher. That charge (assuming there wasn't a fouled shot) just means that it is a inconsistant charge. In which case you wouldn't even bother using the top few shots. As previously stated, it looks like 7,8,9,10 are def. a node. i would do another mini-ladder with that 2g spread in .2g increments, and what data you get from that, load it up and shoot! I like to shoot 2 10 shot groups and chrono them for ES and SD and see how it turns out.

 

[Casey Simpson]

Re: Ladder test results. Need input

Locked, do what you're thinking but do it at 500 yards this time.

 

[coues7]

Re: Ladder test results. Need input

I say go to 500 as well.

 

[locked&loaded]

Re: Ladder test results. Need input

I was planing on stretching out for the next test.
just need another decent day to shoot.

 

[JByrd]

Re: Ladder test results. Need input

400yds worked excellent on our 300 wm ladder 5 would be ok as well. NO closer than 4! We did 70 to 78.5@400 and some were touching

 

[locked&loaded]

Re: Ladder test results. Need input

Thanks for the input guys. Now it's back to the press.

 

[vman]

Re: Ladder test results. Need input

Give it another try for confirmation.

Did you have any head winds on the day? Whats the terrain like between shooter and target?

 

[locked&loaded]

Re: Ladder test results. Need input

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Give it another try for confirmation.

Did you have any head winds on the day? Whats the terrain like between shooter and target? </div></div>

No head wind. Terrain is a super flat turf farm.
Only wind was the ocasional right to left breeze.
Shots were fired when it was pretty much dead calm.