How long does the process of finding a load take you?

[Corey75]

When you guys are developing a new load for a new rifle or set up. How many rounds does it take you roughly to find the optimal load? And what is everyone’s go to process? Ladder, ocw? Etc…. I ask because I completely shot out my 7prc factory barrel while I learned the ins and outs of reloading and load development. Enjoyed every second of the process, but towards the end of my barrels life I realized I was chasing 1/2 inch 100yard groups from a barrel that would never be capable of it.

 

[Timberline001]

10 if the first load works 20 at most then I’m putting on a new barrel.

I load up 10 a little below the max load and go shoot it. If it doesn’t group well I’m trying a different powder and bullet combo. If it still isn’t shooting well then it’s not worth my time and money.

 

[Grizzle]

If you haven't read the "painless load development" thread, search it and see if it helps. It simplified things quite a bit for me. With good components it's usually pretty easy to get more than good enough precision if you're realistic with your needs/ expectations.

 

[43.6N]

Many of us have found a lot of success from the “painless load development” thread. Highly recommend.

The basic idea is to find a workable load, and then move on to things that actually matter. Like shooting in the wind, and positional stability.
1. Research what others have found success with.
2. Pick a quality powder and bullet.
3. Load near 90% of max charge.
3b. If you want to find “pressure” a brief charge ladder can tell you where the limits of your barrel are. Then back off by a half to a whole grain.
4. Shoot 10 shots. If they group well enough, then time to zero, and start using the load. If they don’t group well, make a major change in components before retesting.

 

[Yaremkiv]

Many of us have found a lot of success from the “painless load development” thread. Highly recommend.

The basic idea is to find a workable load, and then move on to things that actually matter. Like shooting in the wind, and positional stability.
1. Research what others have found success with.
2. Pick a quality powder and bullet.
3. Load near 90% of max charge.
3b. If you want to find “pressure” a brief charge ladder can tell you where the limits of your barrel are. Then back off by a half to a whole grain.
4. Shoot 10 shots. If they group well enough, then time to zero, and start using the load. If they don’t group well, make a major change in components before retesting.

This is what I will be doing from now on because I'm almost convinced that load development is mostly BS. I'm beginning to believe that the handloading process itself is so important that if done properly, will outweigh a wrong "node" selection or powder/primer combo.

 

[Timberline001]

This is what I will be doing from now on because I'm almost convinced that load development is mostly BS. I'm beginning to believe that the handloading process itself is so important that if done properly, will outweigh a wrong "node" selection or powder/primer combo.

Absolutely. The chasing of nodes and distance from the lands is completely pointless once you shoot a large group.

 

[TreeDog]

https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/painless-load-development-mine.238400/

This makes the process so much more simple and enjoyable. Less time at the reloading bench and more actually shooting.

 

[Corey75]

Many of us have found a lot of success from the “painless load development” thread. Highly recommend.

The basic idea is to find a workable load, and then move on to things that actually matter. Like shooting in the wind, and positional stability.
1. Research what others have found success with.
2. Pick a quality powder and bullet.
3. Load near 90% of max charge.
3b. If you want to find “pressure” a brief charge ladder can tell you where the limits of your barrel are. Then back off by a half to a whole grain.
4. Shoot 10 shots. If they group well enough, then time to zero, and start using the load. If they don’t group well, make a major change in components before retesting.

Explained perfectly for the dumb*** asking the question. Thanks tons man

 

[43.6N]

Explained perfectly for the dumb*** asking the question. Thanks tons man

lol I try.
Good luck man

 

[riversidejeep]

If you load test as I do for my 300SAUM it never happens, I'm just to stubborn it screw another barrel on.

 

[Harvey_NW]

10 if the first load works 20 at most then I’m putting on a new barrel.

I load up 10 a little below the max load and go shoot it. If it doesn’t group well I’m trying a different powder and bullet combo. If it still isn’t shooting well then it’s not worth my time and money.

Oh come on moneybags, you at least gotta give it 50 before you tomato stake it!