How much does powder charge affect accuracy?

[CGT80]

.2 sounds reasonable for pistol. 2 grains would be fine in bigger pistols or some rifles. I like to start just above a minimum load with the first shots, but I will take a full range of test loads to the range. After the first shots I decide if a lighter load will fire without a squib, and then I work my way up looking at accuracy and checking for overpressure signs.

Go to the range with a plan and whatever you may want to try out, and then start with the safest bet first. You can always choose not to shoot a load if you suspect it is too light or heavy. But it sucks to spend time and money to hit the range and wish you had brought a better sampling with you.

[wtkaiser]

That's my problem. I've set things up for that, you know...test loads fired in a certain sequence from low to high. 5 shots each (because it's easier that way). But something always comes up and I forget a pen, or I don't write the results down because that target has vlown to there and gone... So as far as testing, I am right where I was 30 years ago!