Ladder Test From My 12FV in 22-250

[mmattockx]

So I finally got out to the range when it wasn't brutal out and got my first ladder test done with my 12FV that I bought over winter. I had previously tried Federal and Winchester commercial ammo and some reloads that a friend made and they all sucked. Best results were a bit over an inch at 100yds with the Federal stuff. I was starting to worry I had bought a lemon and was never going to make it shoot. Turned out to be worrying for nothing.

My targets from yesterday:

I used 50gr. V-max bullets and IMR4064 powder, CCI 200 primers, 2.450" COL. Started at 34.0gr and went up to 37.5gr. in 0.5gr. increments. As shown, it liked the 34.5gr. load and the 36.5gr. load. Best group was a touch under 3/8" at 100yds, one other under 1/2", several under 3/4" and the worst was a bit over 1". All loads were better than the commercial ammo I tried. Needless to say, I am very happy with the performance and relieved that the barrel isn't a dog. I would say that the 3/8" group is pushing the limits of the rest, scope and factory Savage stock I am using. I need to beef things up before I can expect to ever improve on that.

For the ladder test experts, where should I go from here? Obviously, I will work around the 36.5gr. load to more precisely pinpoint the node there. I am also thinking of trying 0.2gr. above and below 37.5gr. to see if the lack of vertical stringing translates into a sweet spot there as well. The Hodgdon max was 37.0gr. and I am already 0.5gr. over that, but with no pressure signs at all. Is it worth trying a bit more, or just working down from 37.5gr. in finer increments to try and find a node?

The next test will be at 200yds to exaggerate the differences. I used 100yds yesterday because we had a bit of a gusty side wind and I wanted to minimize the effect on those stubby 50gr. bullets.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[Splatter]

First, I believe a "ladder test" is the firing of one shot per loading to look for nodes of accuracy.
Second, I'm going to need for you to buy me a much larger monitor to properly evaluate your groups, maybe a 42" job.
Or you could take pictures with each individual group in a frame, or you could post the measurements.

 

[mmattockx]

First, I believe a "ladder test" is the firing of one shot per loading to look for nodes of accuracy.
Second, I'm going to need for you to buy me a much larger monitor to properly evaluate your groups, maybe a 42" job.
Or you could take pictures with each individual group in a frame, or you could post the measurements.

You mean everyone doesn't have a 42" monitor? Now that made me laugh. I kind of expected anyone wanting to look to just open the pic in a viewer and zoom in on each group.

I was following Mysticplayer's ladder test method, with 3 shot groups instead of 2 shot ones. Perhaps it shouldn't be called a ladder test, since that is more what you describe.

Best group of 3/8" was the 36.5gr. load, followed by the 34.5gr. load at just under 1/2". The others varied between 5/8" and 3/4" with the worst group being 1-1/8" from the 34.0gr. load.

Anyway, here are pics of each sheet individually, hopefully a bit more detail is readable:

Mark

 

[pilgrim]

that definitely not a LADDER TEST

from your pictures - it`s just an accuracy test of one load....

Ladder test - "A ladder test is, fundamentally, a method of testing a load combination using continuous increments while looking for a cluster of consecutive shots showing similar points of impact (POI). Usually the powder charge is adjusted incrementally while noting/tracking the point of impact variations in the vertical plane, and looking for plateaus on the target. The idea being that your best load will appear where several sequential, incremental charges impact in nearly the same place on the target. Basically you are trying to visualize a "sweet-spot" in the barrel harmonics by using the bullets impact on a target. " - from 6mmbr.com http://www.6mmbr.com/laddertest.html



sorry, but SPLATTER is absolutely right.....

 

[Styled]

A ladder test is usually shot a a single point of aim, and at further distances then 100yrds. What you have is similar to a OCW (Optimum Charge Weight) and still gives you an idea of where to look. There are usually 2 nodes that you would be interested in the fastest (velocity wise) is mostly found right at the edge of high pressures, the next fastest is some what slower (150-200 fps in my rifles).

.5gr is also a big jump for a non magnum and harder to really tell what the loads are doing unless you get lucky and fall right on the a node. As you move away from the node groups can also tend to shift point of impact, and rotate from horizontal to vertical or just scatter.

For what you have posted if 37.5grs is your max load, I would look around the 36.5gr and adjust the load in .2gr jumps starting at 36.1-36.9. I choose this because your 37gr load had a pretty noticeable shift, and 37.5 is also another noticeable shift in POA. Your loads look relativity under 1MOA stable from 34.5-36.5 (although .5gr jumps can hide a lot too).

I think your on the right track, and going out to 200 or better yet 300yrds with give you a lot more info in the fine tuning stages. Your rifle is already shooting pretty good, I don't think it would take much more to nail down a great load.

Good Luck.

Oh and the groups looked just fine on my 19" Monitor

 

[Styled]

Although I like ladder testing more, if testing under 300yrds the OCW method is still valuable.

Here's a link for OCW http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspace.com/

And yes do some more reading. But also do some more shooting, as it is the best way to shoot small groups, and don't be afraid to post more results. Some folks will trash you for trying to learn, screw'em just as much people willing to help out.

 

[Splatter]

I think I'd be looking for a best accuracy load in the 36.5+ groupings.
I'd be pushing it harder than 37.5 for sure, if your gun/cases can handle it. Look at the horizontal dispersion of the 37.0 load!
And the vertical dispersion of the 37.5 group is great too.

 

[mmattockx]

Thanks for the info, gentlemen. I am currently limited to 200yds until our range is approved at 300yds. I will try looking for the node around 36.5gr as described and I will also do some more testing on both sides of 37.5gr in 0.2gr increments. If I can find a load that combines the horizontal dispersion at 37.0gr with the vertical dispersion at 37.5gr that would be fantastic.

I am currently getting no pressure signs at all at 37.5gr, the primers all look the same from 34.0gr up to 37.5gr and bolt lift was not sticky. I will post the next round when I get a chance and the weather cooperates.

Mark