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Rifles, Reloading, Optics, Equipment
Reloading
ladder test? does it work
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<blockquote data-quote="BountyHunter" data-source="post: 146580" data-attributes="member: 12"><p>GG or anyone else</p><p></p><p>a ladder simply gets you to a node very quickly and IDs the upper end pressure for that load. At the end of 30 rounds (max) I know my upper limits, at normally at least two (highly supected) accuracy nodes. the most accuract node is also not the highest MV wise. I set up my ladder charges to go over what I suspect is the top end. that way as I go up, I monitor pressure signs, measure expansion and when I get to what is the limit I stop the ladder. I might have rounds left over but I know my top end for that gun.</p><p></p><p>After that it is standard accuracy reloading techniques to lower SD ES etc. I can normally reduce my group size and ES, SD with tweaking seating depth and neck tension. It think in this thread I said that I start in the lands (once again max pressure) and work out. That way only one way to go and zero confusion. </p><p></p><p>However, I have switched primers, reshot my accuracy groups and then run a mini ladder to confirm my load is still in the middle of the node. If I am in the middle of the node, I have never run into pressure problems in hot weather later. I can tell you shooting the groups method has run me into pressure problems later.</p><p></p><p>Sure I could look at a manual (as suggested) go to top end adn go down from there, and shoot 2-5 shot groups and it would take me 60-200 shots to find the same thing and 4x the time minimum. However, I would NOT know where my top end is pressure wise, I might or might not know where my node starts and ends. I just happened to find on group that shoots good that day and it could be on the top or lower end of a node. If it is top end, let it warm up and your accuracy will go to heck and pressure through the roof.</p><p></p><p>Remember I am using a chrono and a micrometer to monitor MV and pressure by watching the traditional signs, MV jumps and then case expansion.</p><p></p><p>I have had extra rounds left over from testing (all various weights in the node limits) at 300/400 and shot 1" ten-twelve shot groups with all different charges. Now that would be a great group for most, but that is not the most accurate group possible obviously. Most of the bullets within that node will group together very closely.</p><p></p><p>At the end of 2-3 short range sessions and max normally of 60 rounds, I have my upper end pressure documented, I know my node upper/lower limits and have tweaked an accuracy load and reshot it 2-3x to confirm MV range, SD, ES and group.</p><p></p><p>One time I ran into a bullet that would not shoot in a ladder and switched bullets and got what I needed the next time. However, it only took me 20 shots to confirm that bullet would not work in that gun with that powder, not 60-200.</p><p></p><p>BH</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="BountyHunter, post: 146580, member: 12"] GG or anyone else a ladder simply gets you to a node very quickly and IDs the upper end pressure for that load. At the end of 30 rounds (max) I know my upper limits, at normally at least two (highly supected) accuracy nodes. the most accuract node is also not the highest MV wise. I set up my ladder charges to go over what I suspect is the top end. that way as I go up, I monitor pressure signs, measure expansion and when I get to what is the limit I stop the ladder. I might have rounds left over but I know my top end for that gun. After that it is standard accuracy reloading techniques to lower SD ES etc. I can normally reduce my group size and ES, SD with tweaking seating depth and neck tension. It think in this thread I said that I start in the lands (once again max pressure) and work out. That way only one way to go and zero confusion. However, I have switched primers, reshot my accuracy groups and then run a mini ladder to confirm my load is still in the middle of the node. If I am in the middle of the node, I have never run into pressure problems in hot weather later. I can tell you shooting the groups method has run me into pressure problems later. Sure I could look at a manual (as suggested) go to top end adn go down from there, and shoot 2-5 shot groups and it would take me 60-200 shots to find the same thing and 4x the time minimum. However, I would NOT know where my top end is pressure wise, I might or might not know where my node starts and ends. I just happened to find on group that shoots good that day and it could be on the top or lower end of a node. If it is top end, let it warm up and your accuracy will go to heck and pressure through the roof. Remember I am using a chrono and a micrometer to monitor MV and pressure by watching the traditional signs, MV jumps and then case expansion. I have had extra rounds left over from testing (all various weights in the node limits) at 300/400 and shot 1" ten-twelve shot groups with all different charges. Now that would be a great group for most, but that is not the most accurate group possible obviously. Most of the bullets within that node will group together very closely. At the end of 2-3 short range sessions and max normally of 60 rounds, I have my upper end pressure documented, I know my node upper/lower limits and have tweaked an accuracy load and reshot it 2-3x to confirm MV range, SD, ES and group. One time I ran into a bullet that would not shoot in a ladder and switched bullets and got what I needed the next time. However, it only took me 20 shots to confirm that bullet would not work in that gun with that powder, not 60-200. BH [/QUOTE]
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ladder test? does it work
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