load testing?

[cornhusker]

When your working up a new load,how many rounds do you normaly load ?
I see where Berger suggest 6 rounds and Losler recommends 3.
I alwys shoot at least 5 fouling rounds first..These are just you odd rounds
I have that are odd ball things..I shoot them over the target so not to
make it confusing on the paper..And I hate wasteing too many bullets
if you know what I mean..Thanks..

 

[spife7980]

For the initial broad strokes ocw test I will shoot groups of three. Then once I find that I will load up groups of 5 of my target weight, one and two tenths above and below. Once I find what I like there I will load up groups of 5 to test seating depths. Then a group of 10 for final verification. And another 10 to chrono. Man, that is a bunch of bullets now that I look at it.

Ladder testing supposedly can cut a bunch of that out but I've never had decent results with it.

 

[Juggerxxx]

Depends on the caliber, cost and how much my shoulder can handle. 5 shots for small to medium and 3 for larger calibers for OCW. I took up this sport because I like shooting and experimenting with different bullets , powder, brass, primers............... the more I shoot the happier I am

 

[MtnCreek]

I'll load 5 - 10 (depending on cartridge or knowledge of components) with increasing charges shot over a chrony to find load limits. I used to start development around a flat spot in velocity, shooting for groups. I've been using ocw method as written the last several new loads and like it. Either way, and even counting seating depth adjustment, a box of 50 is usually enough to settle on a load. I don't enjoy chasing a load like I used to. YMMV.

 

[Sig Marine]

Pressure testing: 8 - 12 rounds
OCW: 3 foulers and 24 - 27 for testing
Testing best charge weight at distance to confirm: 12 rounds
Chrono load: 10 rounds (dot drill)
Verify elevations at 400, 500, 600, 800 and 1000 yards: 10 - 20 rounds

Minimum number of rounds - 67 rounds
Maximum number of rounds - 84 rounds

Some shooters combine their pressure test with their OCW but I prefer to do it separately even though it takes a few more rounds.