lisagrantb
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2008
- Messages
- 127
View attachment 126597 so I was thinking at work a while back on how to develop a load for a new 338 Lapua I was getting. Do I do the ocw or ladder method, then I thought why not do both at the same time. I mean there basically the same test just done at different ranges. I have access to a 1k range near me so I waited for the perfect day, no wind at all and overcast with no mirage. I set everything up, fired a few sighters then ran the test. I gathered the data threw it in a spreadsheet (at work of course) and here are the results. It kinda surprised me at the outcome.
It is an interesting way to test, that all of your data shows improved numbers around the 93gr mark would show that you are in a "node" at that point. I wonder if the testing would show better data if done in .5gr or less steps at that distance.
So I tried the OCW test with RE22 and RE23. While RE22 had clear flat spots (sills?) at 60 to 61 and 62 to 62.5 grains,
RE23 was just a steady velocity increase at each sample weight of powder. What to do?
I just had to go to the range and shot 2 foulers, 3 shots at 62.2 , then 3 shots at 63.2. Max charge I called at 63.8 gr, which was the RE22 value from Nosler, as I had no actual load data from Nosler using RE23.
Admittedly, I need to go back and finish the load workup so this is preliminary. I think OCW has merit as it does limit excess shooting if you know how to read the results. Can't say I do, as this was my first crack at it.
lots of burned powder, and bullets and no answer...ocw at work...lol