Ladder test failed w/ savage 308

[ohiohunter]

So I loaded up 8rds for a friend's factory savage 308. He shot 6 of them at 300yds, he thought he was showing pressure signs (he wasn't) and didn't shoot the last 2. He ends up with a group of 4 in a square with the greatest spread just under 3" and the other two were out of the park so to speak. I'm under the impression I could pick any of the 4 loads and run with it, I didn't bother asking the loads as he just suggested 43.5gr of varget under 180gr accubonds. We'll see what happens with that load.

My question is is 300yds too short for ladder testing? I thought for sure with a 308 pushing 180's it would be fine.

 

[Mike 338]

300 yards is O.K. but longer is better if your rifle is inherently accurate. 8 shots really isn't going to give you the data you require. Read the article and follow the instructions and that will be an actual Ladder Test.

Long-Range Load Development