How many shots?

[MD]

How many shots is common to try out a new load?

Three?

Five?

Or two separate batches of three or five?

 

[Gibbs505]

Depends, non mags I shoot 5. Magnums I shoot 3.

I wait 15 minutes between shooting at least!

 

[Demonical]

I only shoot 5 shots regardless of caliber over the Chrony and for groups.

 

[stubblejumper]

I fire three shot groups for hunting rifles and five shot groups for varmint rifles.I fire a group then when the barrel has fully cooled,I fire another group.

 

[agit-prop]

I shoot 5 per charge weight, and try to let the gun cool for 15 minutes between strings.

I'll shoot 20 loads for a given bullet/powder/rifle combo, plot the results in this spreadsheet.

I need to start using a chrony to get SD stats

 

[todbartell]

two

if it wont put two close together, it sure wont do three or ten
​

 

[Amphibious]

Always 3. I just like that number

 

[p-17]

Personally, I always shoot 4. When trying a new load, you're looking for basic trends. Sometimes 3 shots can be a fluke, but with 4 shots, you get a pretty decent idea of the objective performance level. At this stage, I think 5 shots is unnecessary.

Once I've found something that really looks promising, I'll work up another series with that charge, and one with a little bit over and one with a little under. This time, I'll load 5 or more per string, probably two separate batches. I'll shoot one batch at 100 metres and then the second batch at 200 metres.

After doing this, you can usually dial in the most consistent load.

For a hunting rifle that I am very familar with, I skip the second day and rely upon the initial 4-shot strings.

 

[martinbns]

At least two three shot groups with each load to narrow down the search and then when I've got it close at least three three shotters with magnum's and five with smaller calibres.

 

[stubblejumper]

When trying a new load, you're looking for basic trends. Sometimes 3 shots can be a fluke,

That is why I shoot more than one group when working up a load.When a load shows promise,I shoot several groups to see how consistant the load is.

 

[catnthehatt]

That is why I shoot more than one group when working up a load.When a load shows promise,I shoot several groups to see how consistant the load is.

X2!
Cat

 

[PoFF]

I go for 5 shots strings, simply because it means a whole row in my ammobox (50 cartridges). Easier to sort and keep track of loaded ammunition.