I am loading for a 257 AI, and so far, I have been loading 5 shot groups at various powder weights for 2 powders and 2 bullet weights. I find that it is taking a long time to find a load that I am happy with, so I did some reading about ladder testing to try to speed up the process a bit. I have access to a 300 yard range, which is apparently the minimum recommended distance for ladder testing, but I have never shot at 300 yards, and I am relatively new to both handloading and precision shooting. The best groups that I have been able to get with this gun so far are just under 1 MOA at 200 yards. I can shoot 0.75 MOA groups at 100 yards with handloads in my stock Win model 70 in 30-06.
Considering the above information, what is the likelihood that I will be able to narrow down a load range to examine more closely with ladder testing at 300 yards? Should I just continue to try 5 shot groups at various powder weights until I stumble upon a good load, or should I try the ladder test?
Considering the above information, what is the likelihood that I will be able to narrow down a load range to examine more closely with ladder testing at 300 yards? Should I just continue to try 5 shot groups at various powder weights until I stumble upon a good load, or should I try the ladder test?
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