wisconsinteacher
Handloader
- Dec 2, 2010
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When working up a load how many of each weight do you make to test?
How many?
- Thread starter wisconsinteacher
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DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
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Three. If initial tests are promising, they will get more detailed scrutiny.
Richracer1
Handloader
- May 12, 2005
- 2,138
- 117
I do three shot groups as well. If I think a shot in one particular was thrown and the other two looked promising, I'll try that particular charge again.
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
- 37,279
- 5,871
While I'm aware of accuracy, I'm even more focused on standard deviation. A small SD will almost inevitably indicate that accuracy can be achieved by fine tuning the charge or adjusting the OAL. I realise that a velocity reading is prone to considerable error without a large enough sample, but if the three shot test is promising, I can load up ten and shoot again to verify velocity and to give me an indication of accuracy potential. In any case, consistency with the load will ultimately translate into accuracy.
- Nov 4, 2004
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I start with three. If the load looks promising, I load up 6 and reshoot. Like Dr. Mike, I am looking for accuracy and a low SD.
JD338
JD338
DrMike":24s3co7g said:
I agree with all of this, as it is exactly how I look at it or go about it.
And the last sentence pretty much sums it up in a nutshell!!
With the single word being consistency, as accuracy starts with it. Without it, the odds are against you.
Dave
- Thread starter
- #10
wisconsinteacher
Handloader
- Dec 2, 2010
- 1,976
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I just reread my post and wrote who not how. Man I guess it was a busy Monday. I need to get a chrono one of these days. Thanks for the help.
- Nov 4, 2004
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We knew what you ment to say. :wink:wisconsinteacher":o5cgj482 said:
Once I got my chronograph, I wondered how I managed to get as far as I did with out one. It will be the best investment you make!
JD338
I load 5 of each, 10 for match loads. Just a nice round number in the loading tray and a better sample than 3. Lately all my hunting has been in dense woods with a couple of opportunities maybe to 200 yards possible. Everything I've worked for pressure has grouped under 1.5MOA... good enough for my purposes, no further testing required. For match loads I always test in 10 round batches, usually with 2 different COLs per powder charge, one touching the lands, one just off, 15 as I approach max. loads. I do not own a chronograph so I'm a little fussier about pressure signs and want to be sure I have a good sample when approaching max loads.
I am guessing from your questions you are new to reloading. I would recommend you load in 10 round batches from starting load in the following increments for safety's sake. Max charge >75 grains 1 gr increments. Max charge 40-75 gr .5 gr increments. under 45 gr in .3 gr increments and pistol loads in equal fifths of the difference between start and max. Do this for your first 300 rounds or so until you have a feel for pressure signs and you have refined your technique, then drop to 5 round batches with each change. I don't believe in 3 round groups, they invariably "lie" about a rifle/loads potential. Takes more rounds to find the gremlins, and we can all use the practice anyhow.
I am guessing from your questions you are new to reloading. I would recommend you load in 10 round batches from starting load in the following increments for safety's sake. Max charge >75 grains 1 gr increments. Max charge 40-75 gr .5 gr increments. under 45 gr in .3 gr increments and pistol loads in equal fifths of the difference between start and max. Do this for your first 300 rounds or so until you have a feel for pressure signs and you have refined your technique, then drop to 5 round batches with each change. I don't believe in 3 round groups, they invariably "lie" about a rifle/loads potential. Takes more rounds to find the gremlins, and we can all use the practice anyhow.
Antelope_Sniper
Handloader
- Jan 25, 2008
- 2,618
- 0
I typically load 4 each. It fits nicely in a box of 20, and allows for "user error".
If one load just shoots a ragged hole in the paper, the then load up a full box of it, and put it thorugh it's paces.
If two loads look equally promising, I load 10 of each and shoot 3 groups of each, and decide which on I will move forward with, or if it's back to the drawing board.
If one load just shoots a ragged hole in the paper, the then load up a full box of it, and put it thorugh it's paces.
If two loads look equally promising, I load 10 of each and shoot 3 groups of each, and decide which on I will move forward with, or if it's back to the drawing board.
When working up a load, I too use 4 of each recipe. Once I get it nailed down, I'm probably a bit fussy but I weigh every load. The more irregularities I can reduce/eliminate, the better. There are enough issues that come into play when re-loading so get rid of those things you can control.
Just my $0.02 worth :grin:
Dave down in Necedah, WI
Just my $0.02 worth :grin:
Dave down in Necedah, WI
I generally start with three shot groups but load 5 of each load. Loads are shot for accuracy and velocity. The chronograph readins ae plotted on a graph nd case head and pressure ring measurments are taken. Oncee the most favorable loa is chosen, then I'll do plus or minus one-tenth grain increments on either side of the original promising load starting at a hafl grain below anf a half grain abover the load that looked the best. Once I find what appears to be the best, then I may or may not shoot a 10 shot group, but usually prefer a 5 shot group to confirm the load. I might do the 10 rounder for a target rifle ot varmint gun but almost never for serious hunting guns. I just do not see the need. Besides, when you're retired on a fixed income, the cost of components becomes a factor. 
Paul B.
Paul B.
