OCW vs Ladder - what do you do and why?

[Sniffer]

While loading up some rounds earlier I got to thinking about each method and which is better

I've done more OCW testing and for me it feels better as I can see how well the various 3 or 5 rounds group with each powder step, which is ultimately the end goal. My experience suggests the biggest variable with this method is the person behind the trigger being as consistent as possible.

Ladder testing is easier and less costly, the logic seems sound and if you can identify nodes or flat spots then in theory it should result in more consistent shooting. I imagine this method requires a very accurate weigh scale to be effective otherwise its somewhat pointless.

Has anyone used both methods? If so how did they compare? Did nodes identified by the ladder method always result in good results on target, ie tight groups or were there instances were the best groups were found outside of the indicated nodes?

 

[FoxAlpha]

While I'm certainly new to this, I can't help but find ladder testing to be better suited for a very qualified or comfortable shooter.

For me, firing a 5 shot group lets me see where abouts my loads are even if there's a flyer or two which is common for my level of precision.
Firing 1 round per load however, id have no way to comfortably determine if it was the load that was off or my shot. This is what's kept me from doing the ladder testing. It would be nice, having only to run 9-10 shots for a new load vs 45-50.

Curious myself what others have to say.

 

[Kayser Sose]

what is 'loading by OCW'?

 

[bearhunter]

what is 'loading by OCW'?

Optimal Charge Weight.

The only problem with OCW is that it's only proven for ONE firearm.

Ladder tests are OK as well and like OCW they give you a place to start.

Personally, if the rifle looks to be in good, shootable condition, I will start mid way on what's suggested in my manuals with the powder bullet weights I'm using.

There are all sorts of factors that can/do change things at the range with each firearm, which is an entity unto itself.


There are good things to be said about both methods so just do what you feel comfortable with.


Now, what are you loading your firearm to do????? Are you only trying to shoot tight groups on paper or are you going to hunt with the firearm????

If you're going to shoot tight groups on paper, you need to learn to shoot in a consistent manner that is conducive to the venue you choose to shoot.

Check out match shooting competitions and the different methods individual shooters use. Also, check the rifles they're using and whether your rifle,ammo is even competitive.

If you're hand loading to hunt, five shot groups are IMHO a waste of time and good bullets. Especially with some of the light weight barrels on many of today's rifles.

When hand loading to hunt, never shoot your rifle until the barrel is hot or even warmer than TWO quick shots will make it. Once you go beyond that point, things start to change harmonically and groups start to change.

When you hunt, if you need to shoot more than twice, you're likely going to lose the animal, if you've even hit it.

I hear this at the range far to often, "I just put twenty rounds through it and it finally settled down." The barrels were hot enough to fry eggs on. There isn't an animal in the world that will let you shoot that many rounds before you shoot it.

Always sight in your rifle with a cold barrel. Shoot two rounds and let it cool back to ambient temperature and do it again. Don't adjust your scope.

If you're shooting a fresh cleaned barrel, repeat the two shots after cooling until the shots show a definite group. A two shot group of course. Now, adjust your scope to hit the point of impact.

After allowing the barrel to cool again, check POI to make sure all is well and if it is, put the rifle away and go hunting.

Most rifles do not shoot well with a freshly cleaned barrel and need to be fouled. Some rifles will shoot well after only one fouling shot. Most need three to five rounds. Then you have at least another twenty shots before point of impact starts moving from a COLD barrel.


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