Lennyjoe
Member
Coondogger, as I assume you know well and good by now, reloading is a process in which we find a good bullet/powder combination by trial and effort. Each of or rifles will have a preferred bullet/powder combination that will outperform 95% of the commercial ammunition out there. The challenge is finding it.
“Ladder testing” as some call it involves batch loading and testing of several powder charges (usually in .5grain increments) from listed minimum to maximum charge with same bullet, depth and crimp. I usually do 5 rounds of each powder load to start. Fire and document. Having the phone camera is handy to take pics of results. Use a marker to document the target as well so you have historical data along with data entry in a ledger.
If the bullet/powder combination is unsatisfactory you have a decision to make. Try different powder, or bullet.
Welcome to the wild wonderful world of load development. If you’ve been hard at it for a while and everything above is old news, then carry on and be safe.
“Ladder testing” as some call it involves batch loading and testing of several powder charges (usually in .5grain increments) from listed minimum to maximum charge with same bullet, depth and crimp. I usually do 5 rounds of each powder load to start. Fire and document. Having the phone camera is handy to take pics of results. Use a marker to document the target as well so you have historical data along with data entry in a ledger.
If the bullet/powder combination is unsatisfactory you have a decision to make. Try different powder, or bullet.
Welcome to the wild wonderful world of load development. If you’ve been hard at it for a while and everything above is old news, then carry on and be safe.