Maximizing range session with reloads

[hardlyworking]

Question for the masters - I only have the ability to get to the range 1x a month, which leaves 29 days for me to tinker, but only 1 to test. I was debating if the below is a good idea:

If I have not yet dialed in my powder charge, is there any benefit to picking a low/safer charge weight and changing my seating depth / OAL?

Or should that only be altered after I have picked my optimum charge weight?

Note 1: I already know my personal max is 29.2gr giving me flattened primers, this load does not compress at my current OAL (which is max magazine length). I was thinking of doing a ladder of 28.0gr and checking to see if seating shorter was of benefit.

Note 2: I do not have a ton of experience, and understand that this may not be safe due to over-pressure concerns, so I'm definitely willing to accept an answer of "NO". I prefer my face without shrapnel embedded.

[jericho89]

I will tell you what I have done in the past, is it the best, that is for you to decide.

When I only had a day to test I would create as many different test loads as I could from min to max. I would write on each round to identify them. I would go to the range start low and work up. When I hit the results I liked I would usually test one higher to make sure. Then I would disassemble the rest that were not used.

[Metal God]

I've heard of a few guys that just pick a mid range powder charge and just go shoot . I don't recommend that but can see how that could work for experienced loaders to go plink with .

I have to ask , 29.2gr of what ? in what ? pushing what ? for what ?

Work up loads if you can . I have had your same problem lately . Can't seem to get to the range . I have many loads for multiple calibers both rifle and handgun already to go for testing . I'll be going on Monday and it will take me all day 7:30am to 4pm to do this testing . 8hrs of testing with no fun shooting in between . It makes for a long dull day but the info recorded lives forever . It's the price I'm willing to pay to get safe accurate loads .

I been to the range 12+ times this year and only shot for fun twice .

[sofbak]

To answer both of your questions:

1. Find the powder charge/projectile combination that works best for you. This takes care of the barrel dynamics.

2. Then experiment with small variances in COAL.

[stilly]

I will tell you what I have done in the past, is it the best, that is for you to decide.

When I only had a day to test I would create as many different test loads as I could from min to max. I would write on each round to identify them. I would go to the range start low and work up. When I hit the results I liked I would usually test one higher to make sure. Then I would disassemble the rest that were not used.

+ 1/2

I would shoot the others instead of taking them apart.

[Calif Hunter]

For rifle loads, I will usually review my loading manuals to see what is the "best" powder to use - case capacity/brand, velocity and accuracy - realizing that the last two will vary from their data to mine and with the bullet used. I then increase the load in one grain increments from min to max with 5 rounds loaded at each level. I mark the cases with a mark corresponding to a ledger I take with me. I shoot for groups, starting with the min load and looking for pressure signs as the charge increases. I mark each target with the load info and then compare when done. I will then take the best load and try powder charges of a half grain each way, if safe and again choose the best load.

For hunting loads - bullet choice is my first criteria based upon the game and the rules (lead-free or not.) For varmint loads, I will use several different bullets as accuracy is the main criteria.

I am not a bullseye shooter with handguns, mainly shooting action matches and plinking so I am not as picky with handgun loads. The few times I have used a handgun to hunt, I followed pretty much the same procedure as I use for rifle loads.