Ladder testing...

toad67

Been reading about ladder testing and thought about trying it out. Below are two separate articles on it, but they kind of come from different pov's. The first one is more detailed, and talks about looking at ES at close range, while the second one looks at accuracy at longer ranges. Interesting reads.

http://www.65guys.com/10-round-load-development-ladder-test/

https://rifleshooter.com/2015/02/308-winchester-175-sierra-matchking-ladder-test-with-varget-and-imr-4064/

Anyone tried this before, if so, thoughts or comments?

The video on number one is good.

nononsense

toad67,

Here are a couple more good reads regarding the concept of shooting for a node. All have worthwhile information even when they vary slightly in procedures.

http://www.6mmbr.com/laddertest.html

http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspace.com/ocw-vs-ladder/4529811360

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

What you're actually looking for is the node, a plateau or flat spot in the graphing of the loads. The best part is that it's usually a visual thing which doesn't require math to plot the points since the bullet hole is that point.

The easiest way to see the separation of loads when shot on the same target is to move back from your usual 100 yard target. I use 300 yards as a minimum which gives me good separation and the node is easy to see. Closer than this has the shots all bunched up and this makes it difficult to find the proper node. So move back and use a larger piece of paper or target board. Concentrate on breaking each shot exactly the same way so you can evaluate the results simply. Sloppy shooting doesn't accomplish anything.

The reloading information given by Scott Satterlee is excellent with regard to the simplest accuracy/load testing. Short cuts have no place in this arena. Use a good scale, control the environment where you reload and practice safe reloading procedures. Consistency wins the day every time![:D] So eliminate all the voodoo which might use in the reloading room and get your procedures and practices down to the best and most repeatable.

As an aside, ES does not necessarily tell the complete story. No one variable is responsible for load development or accuracy testing. It is a combination of variables and how they interact which leads you to the best solution. Far too many people try to pin their success on just one aspect when it is always the combination of the variables. Weather will play a significant role if only in visualizing the target (mirage) but don't downplay weather if it can affect your powder density with moisture.

This is a graphic representation of the plateau I mentioned:



Best.