Load testing

[ICANHITHIMMAN]

How long should I wait between shoots when testing my load?

I have heard that some guys use water and buckets to cool there barrel how it this performed?

Right now I shoot 5 rounds and wait 10 min then shoot 5 more. I think this is fine BUT. It is realy only the first shot I am worried about. It is my observation that the first round it POA - POI but then as my barrel heats and the rounds start to fall on each other the group will shift down and left 3". I know why this happens but is it effecting my load testing?

I just am not sure? If the first round and the second are 3" apart but after the second round the rifle groups what do I do If I have to make a QUICK follow up shot? I will be 3" off at 100yds now compound that by 7 or 800yds and you have a miss.

[loaders_loft]

maybe your rifle is not free floated along the barrel, or needs to be bedded to the stock. If you're getting a 3" shift from a cold barrel shot, something is not right. Don't bother with any more test loads until this problem gets fixed.

[GSoD]

I wait 4mins between each shot

[Gene]

Check your scope mounts and rings; a 3" change (assuming at 100 yds) is not acceptable. Free floating the barrel may help. Using factory ammo or handloads? Are you shooting from a good rest?

A sporter barrel will heat quicker than a heavy barrel. I shoot until the barrel is mildly warm to the touch, usually about 10 shots, then wait about 5 mins and go for another 10 or so.

[ICANHITHIMMAN]

Thanks guys

The rifle is beded. I will get it looked at. So you all wait around 5 to 10 min between shoots.

It does the same thing from cold bore with factory or handloads.

Have you guys ever heard of cooling barrels with water?

[sharpshooterbr]

I've read about several methods guys have used to cool their barrels quicker. Anything from placing cold wash cloths over the barrel, to making a chamber adapter to flush the bore with water, to using a product called a Winter Breeze Barrel cooling system that flushes the bore with CO2. Typically guys will find that cooling the barrels with water can lead to rust issues. I've seen many guys use alcohol instead to cool barrels. Their are alot of methods out there, but I've always employed good old air cooling when the barrel gets hot.

On a side note, has anyone ever done temp testing to see how hot a barrel can get during a group before it affects the group size? I have a laser thermometer that I've been meaning to take to the range with me to acquire some external and internal temps while firing groups.