Load development

[Silverado]

When working through various powder charges with the same bullet and casing etc, how many of each do you make for testing?

 

[RePete]

Depending on the use 5 - 10 rds of each load, going 0.5gr up, to the listed max, then find the best and then refine.

RePete.

 

[River Rat]

Three,then if any look promising I will load 5 or 6 and then shoot either a 5 shot group or two three shot groups

 

[maynard]

5 of each, going up .2 gr at a time. Shoot about 1 shot per minute so the barrel does not overheat.
I test at 100yards to start. One aiming mark about 8 inches in dia. (iron sights, target rifle) off the elbows with a jacket and sling. No bi-pod or rest (I just can't shoot off them)
I shoot a group and then crank the sights over 5 minutes right, shoot another group, go up 5 minutes, shoot another group go left 5, shoot another 5 left, shot another group 5 down, shot, down 5 more, go right 5 and shoot again and 5 more right and shoot again.
One target, I now have 9 groups and have only walked down the target once to put it up. No need to increase the heart rate if you are trying toshoot small groups.

You will see all your groups on one target and will find the 1-2-3 groups that are the most promising.
Next range session work with these 3 groups/loads and play with seating depths.

 

[jed]

I always load 10. But then I also always shoot 5 shot groups. I feel that they are more informative than the three shot groups. Plus I like to load.