Is there an easier way for testing new powder?

[alexisjohnson]

Hey Guys,

So when you're trying to find a more accurate load....are there any tips or trends that could help me out?

I know we're supposed to start from the minimum and then ladder our way up, testing each charge weight but has anyone found that for example, the more accurate load will always be in the last half of the min/max range?

I've been using the ladder method but i'm just trying to see if there is a better way...

[bubbala]

if ,,, you contact someone with the same brand,calibre, model rifle and projectile you'd like to shoot, they might give you a place to start based on their experience.
you still have to do SOME testing for YOUR gun though.

[nahpungnome]

I never start at absolute minimum. I found that this causes my slide to not cycle properly. I also found that using min loads the accuracy is only decent within 10 yards.

I always make my start point for any new recipe around the middle. So if a min/max range is 5.0/6.0, I start at 5.4-5.6.

[OpenSightsOnly]

Hey Guys,

So when you're trying to find a more accurate load....are there any tips or trends that could help me out?

I know we're supposed to start from the minimum and then ladder our way up, testing each charge weight but has anyone found that for example, the more accurate load will always be in the last half of the min/max range?

I've been using the ladder method but i'm just trying to see if there is a better way...

If you are loading for rifle, FWIW, Varget is a good all around powder. Also, playing around with seating depth can make a difference.

What are you loading for anyway?

[slayer61]

You mighty try the Nosler site. They identify the most accurate powder/charge combo on each caliber tested.

https://load-data.nosler.com/load-da...er-parabellum/ for instance says that 5.3 of True Blue was most accurate of the powders tested

[Barbarosa]

Check out older reloading manuals. They usually list the accuracy load. You still have to test though to see what works best in your gun.

[santacruzgunner]

Figuring out what works is half the fun

[robert101]

More information would be helpful. Who has the time to guess at what you are really asking for?

[Lead Waster]

I check my manuals, then check online, and write all the stuff down. Then to be honest, I start around the middle, not at the starting charge, and not exceeding ANY of the maximums I've written down.

I'll load maybe 50 of each test load and move up by 0.2 grains rather than .1.

I'll go with whichever uses less powder that works in the gun and is accurate ENOUGH for me.

[jimmykan]

Consider buying the QuickLOAD software from NECO
QuickLOAD/QuickTARGET Ballistic Prediction Software, V3.9

It simulates internal ballistics, and can tell you chamber pressure, propellant burn percentage, muzzle velocity, barrel dwell time, etc. with an extensive database of cartridges, bullets, and powders.

It will tell you which powders have the ideal burn characteristics for a particular cartridge/bullet combination.

It costs about $150, but might save you from buying a jug of powder that isn't good for your application.

[jimmykan]

Aside from that, the ladder test aka Audette method or Incremental Load Development Method (ILDM)

Is the most efficient and systematic way to find an accurate load. Since you are only loading 1 round of each charge weight, you should be able to identify your rifle's accuracy nodes in the fewest number of shots, and needing to load the fewest number of test rounds and consequently needed to pull apart the fewest number of untested rounds, usually none.

http://precisionrifleblog.com/2012/07/13/creighton-audette-ladder-testing/

[gwhiz]

Aside from that, the ladder test aka Audette method or Incremental Load Development Method (ILDM)

Is the most efficient and systematic way to find an accurate load. Since you are only loading 1 round of each charge weight, you should be able to identify your rifle's accuracy nodes in the fewest number of shots, and needing to load the fewest number of test rounds and consequently needed to pull apart the fewest number of untested rounds, usually none.

http://precisionrifleblog.com/2012/0...adder-testing/

Very interesting links from that article. Thanks.

[Whiterabbit]

Figuring out what works is half the fun

More like half the frustration. Development is the fun part, not shooting hundreds of boutique bullets into shotgun patterns learning what powders don't work, while getting laughed at by neighbors at the range shooting half the group size with half as much gun.

OP, you ever figure it out, let me know. I don't know a shortcut to finding the right powder other than to research, research, research.

And that would still make me miss great combos like using 4198 in 460S&W.

[alexisjohnson]

For the new loads i'm working on...i've decided to start a bit higher than minimum and go up by .5 grains. Once i find a node...i'll fine tune the powder weight a bit...

I'm developing a load for my LMT ar in 223. Ironically...the most accurate thing i've shot out of it has been factory loaded barnes vortx bullets (55 grain). They shot at .75 MOA which is phenomenal. I usually get about 1 MOA with factory precision bullets...now i'm trying to see how much i can make that shrink via my own custom loads.

[OpenSightsOnly]

For the new loads i'm working on...i've decided to start a bit higher than minimum and go up by .5 grains. Once i find a node...i'll fine tune the powder weight a bit...

I'm developing a load for my LMT ar in 223. Ironically...the most accurate thing i've shot out of it has been factory loaded barnes vortx bullets (55 grain). They shot at .75 MOA which is phenomenal. I usually get about 1 MOA with factory precision bullets...now i'm trying to see how much i can make that shrink via my own custom loads.

Since this is 223, powders that you need to use has to be at the medium burn rate like H4895 to Varget.

Powders that has given me consistent and accurate loads with the 75 gr or 77 gr match-grade bullets are 8208XBR, H4895, RL-15, and Varget.

I like 8208XBR since its a short stick powder, easy to meter.

Out of my White Oak A2 upper, 0.75 MOA is average with my reloads.