Those of you that have done ladder tests what are your procedures in doing so. I'm wanting to do a Ladder test on my 243. My max range is roughly 230-250. Is that enough distance to do it or do I need it longer. Also. Any tips would be great. Thanks
Hunter 257W said:I personally don't see the point of this type load development unless you are shooting way beyond 500 yards. According to the article Vonb attached above, the purpose of Ladder testing when developing a load is to minimize vertical stringing. When you look at the example shown(in the article), you'd want to use a powder charge of 30.1 grains. By using this "middle" charge of powder, the inevitable variation in powder in your handloads would give the very minimum amount of vertical stringing in the groups. However, any modern deer rifle cartridge shoot flat enough out to 300 yards that you don't need to even think about this. Also, there's no guarantee this powder charge will also give the smallest groups. Further there's no guarantee you'll get 3 powder charges that shoot to the same vertical point on the target as they did in the example.
Just doesn't look that useful for a normal deer rifle being used for normal hunting ranges or anything under 500 yards for that matter.
Jcalder said:Hunter 257W said:I personally don't see the point of this type load development unless you are shooting way beyond 500 yards. According to the article Vonb attached above, the purpose of Ladder testing when developing a load is to minimize vertical stringing. When you look at the example shown(in the article), you'd want to use a powder charge of 30.1 grains. By using this "middle" charge of powder, the inevitable variation in powder in your handloads would give the very minimum amount of vertical stringing in the groups. However, any modern deer rifle cartridge shoot flat enough out to 300 yards that you don't need to even think about this. Also, there's no guarantee this powder charge will also give the smallest groups. Further there's no guarantee you'll get 3 powder charges that shoot to the same vertical point on the target as they did in the example.
Just doesn't look that useful for a normal deer rifle being used for normal hunting ranges or anything under 500 yards for that matter.
I've had this same outlook for awhile. I usually look in my manual and look at online manuals and go from there adjusting my loads. I've gotten several loads doing this. And for a hunting rifle it works.
But there is a chance that I may be getting a 6 dasher. Before I do I'd like to test this procedure and see what works and to help my understanding of what I'm looking at.
Hunter 257W said:Jcalder said:Hunter 257W said:I personally don't see the point of this type load development unless you are shooting way beyond 500 yards. According to the article Vonb attached above, the purpose of Ladder testing when developing a load is to minimize vertical stringing. When you look at the example shown(in the article), you'd want to use a powder charge of 30.1 grains. By using this "middle" charge of powder, the inevitable variation in powder in your handloads would give the very minimum amount of vertical stringing in the groups. However, any modern deer rifle cartridge shoot flat enough out to 300 yards that you don't need to even think about this. Also, there's no guarantee this powder charge will also give the smallest groups. Further there's no guarantee you'll get 3 powder charges that shoot to the same vertical point on the target as they did in the example.
Just doesn't look that useful for a normal deer rifle being used for normal hunting ranges or anything under 500 yards for that matter.
I've had this same outlook for awhile. I usually look in my manual and look at online manuals and go from there adjusting my loads. I've gotten several loads doing this. And for a hunting rifle it works.
But there is a chance that I may be getting a 6 dasher. Before I do I'd like to test this procedure and see what works and to help my understanding of what I'm looking at.
It certainly won't hurt to do anything that makes your loads more consistent - I agree with that. Besides, you'll be shooting more and getting to be a better shot which is always a good thing.