Some advice on OCW method of load develpment

powdergun

powdergun

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I have just returned from the range and am tring to interpret results.

Gun: .223 Savage walking varminter
Bullet 50 gr v-max
loads: Six loads from 25.8 to 26.8
Range 100 yards

I have plotted the points of impact and have found the following:

Closest two loads were 1( 25.8) and 6(26.8)
Next were 1( 25.8) and 2 ( 26.0)

Note Load 6 was just as close to load 2

Question: Do I work with loads 1 and 2 and assume load 6 represents the next nodal point ?
Of 1,2, and 6 do I go with the best group ?
Do I take it out to 200 yards with loads 1, and 2 ?


All six impact points fell in a .75" circle and were very close.


Any and all advice welcome.
 
That is what I was thinking. However, My optics only go to 9X and my eyes are not what they used to be. As a result I need a bigger aiming point. Will using a larger target dilute the results. In other words aiming at a bigger area adds too much variation. What would be a good size for an aiming point at 200 yards ?
 
What sized dot is the question. At 100 yards I can see a nickel sized dot. At 200 I can't see something that small so would moving up to a 1.5 to 2" dot have an effect on the the validity of the results ?

I'd love to get some nice optics with a much greater power but the old pocket book won't let me and the old eyes just aren't what they used to be ( sucks getting older)

My goal is to find a good load for my varmint gun so I can hit a coyote sized target out to 300 or so.
 
powdergun said:
I have just returned from the range and am tring to interpret results.
..snip...

All six impact points fell in a .75" circle and were very close.


Any and all advice welcome.
Click to expand...

My interpretation: stop, you're done. You have a good load.

You have six shots into 3/4 MOA. The fact that each of your six shots had a slightly different powder charge is irrelevant (actually it is wonderful and it works in your favour)

I would suggest you set your powder measure to the halfway point (26.3 grains) and load up a bunch of ammo. Just throw the powder charges, there is no need to weigh each one. After all, your testing has shown that if you are as much as half a grain heavier or lighter, your bullets will go into a 3/4 MOA group.

If you want to shoot a coyote at 300 yards, you have a load that can do that (it should group just over two inches at that distance). If you get the range to the coyote correct, and you set the correct amount of elevation and have a steady setup from which you can break a good shot, you've got your coyote.
 
Im with these guys. Your optics are limiting you, dont waste any more money on tuning your load, just shoot and save for a scope, after that you may continue tuning if you desire. No point burning money for nothin.
 
Your loads look good but if you want to test at 200-300 use a 4"x4" or 6"x6" square, as an aiming mark. Shoot at the corners of the aiming mark instead of trying to center the crosshairs in the middle.
 
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