First rodeo here.
I'm at the point ready to install primers, charge and seat the bullet but whats the fastest or easiest way to find the load that works for me? My initial thought was to load say 5rds at minimum charge with the bullet set farther back (but I'm still not certain how much setback...), then load another 5rds at the next charge up in 1 grain increment, etc. (but keep the same setback). Find which set groups best then fine tune next range session in .1g increments, then play with bullet seating, if needed.... But then thinking about this, could take many trips to the range to find the recipe for me....
Ive read a little bit about the ladder method but don't fully understand it, yet. Found this good article on it and it says to plot my grouping at 300yds... but how would I know, or trust... the new charges would even be on paper at 300yds (rifle is currently zeroed with factory ammo and I can hit 300yds)? How do I know what bullet depth should even be to start with? note: I have a Hornady OAL gauge and bullet comparator. Hornady suggests .020-.040" setback so Id probably start with .040" but would that be too much pressure on the min charge?
If I follow this method using Nosler load data for my round, says min 46g max 50g so Id start at 47g and load 10 rounds with .2g increments for a total of 16rds, find the "sweet spot" where the grouping and velocity is best then repeat next range session with a set of rounds charged in .1g increments within the min/max sweet spot of the first session? Is that correct?
Caliber: 25-05, bullet: Nosler Partition 120g, powder: IMR 4831, load data from Nosler
Picture for tax.
I'm at the point ready to install primers, charge and seat the bullet but whats the fastest or easiest way to find the load that works for me? My initial thought was to load say 5rds at minimum charge with the bullet set farther back (but I'm still not certain how much setback...), then load another 5rds at the next charge up in 1 grain increment, etc. (but keep the same setback). Find which set groups best then fine tune next range session in .1g increments, then play with bullet seating, if needed.... But then thinking about this, could take many trips to the range to find the recipe for me....
Ive read a little bit about the ladder method but don't fully understand it, yet. Found this good article on it and it says to plot my grouping at 300yds... but how would I know, or trust... the new charges would even be on paper at 300yds (rifle is currently zeroed with factory ammo and I can hit 300yds)? How do I know what bullet depth should even be to start with? note: I have a Hornady OAL gauge and bullet comparator. Hornady suggests .020-.040" setback so Id probably start with .040" but would that be too much pressure on the min charge?
Load Development: Ladder Test Method - LoadDevelopment.com
The ladder test method for development of a load for your rifle is proven by reloaders and expert shooters accross the world to work. Here's how.
www.loaddevelopment.com
If I follow this method using Nosler load data for my round, says min 46g max 50g so Id start at 47g and load 10 rounds with .2g increments for a total of 16rds, find the "sweet spot" where the grouping and velocity is best then repeat next range session with a set of rounds charged in .1g increments within the min/max sweet spot of the first session? Is that correct?
Caliber: 25-05, bullet: Nosler Partition 120g, powder: IMR 4831, load data from Nosler
Picture for tax.