I've never done a ladder test before so I thought I'd give it a shot with Reloader 17 and Berger 175gr OTM bullets. This test was only 100yds and I decided to do it a little different than most I've seen. I didn't want to shoot at the same hole and try to interpret the data. I decided to shoot at different points and watch the bullet rise and fall over the range of powder.
The top was my first test starting with 43.7gr and finishing with 49.2gr. The wind was blowing so everything got pushed to the right. The last shot 49.2gr, I aimed at the 43.7gr point as I ran out of paper. I didn't plan shooting the 49.2gr as Alliant lists 48.7 as the max load (more or less) and I think that is correct. The loads above 48.7 do show some signs of over pressure.
Since I wanted some velocity, I decided to run a second test at 47.7gr to 49.1 grains. Since I don't know quite how to interpret this, I'm going to take a guess and say 48.6gr is probably going to be my best bet. Other interpretations would be welcome. There was little to no wind during the second run.
The scope is set dead nuts for 175gr FGMM. Assuming Federal knows what they are doing with nodes, can I assume that a different powder could have a similar node and shoot to the same point? My overall length is 2.88" (Winchester cases).
The top was my first test starting with 43.7gr and finishing with 49.2gr. The wind was blowing so everything got pushed to the right. The last shot 49.2gr, I aimed at the 43.7gr point as I ran out of paper. I didn't plan shooting the 49.2gr as Alliant lists 48.7 as the max load (more or less) and I think that is correct. The loads above 48.7 do show some signs of over pressure.
Since I wanted some velocity, I decided to run a second test at 47.7gr to 49.1 grains. Since I don't know quite how to interpret this, I'm going to take a guess and say 48.6gr is probably going to be my best bet. Other interpretations would be welcome. There was little to no wind during the second run.
The scope is set dead nuts for 175gr FGMM. Assuming Federal knows what they are doing with nodes, can I assume that a different powder could have a similar node and shoot to the same point? My overall length is 2.88" (Winchester cases).
