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12/13/2010 4:43:46 PM EDT
I was wondering what the most efficient way to find an accurate hunting load for my rifle is.

I have my powder and bullets (tac and 62gr Barnes TSX), I just want to make sure I'm not flinging more of these expensive bullets down range than I need to.  Do I find the Sweet spot on the charge weight, then change seating depth? What kind of changes should I make during the development process? (.5gr at a time, .01",ect. )

I am looking to shoot these into some hogs during my trip to Texas in about a month, so I'm kind of crunched on time too.

Thanks in advance. I always like to see other people's methods for doing things like this, never just one way to do something.
12/13/2010 4:50:36 PM EDT
[#1]
I did a ladder method test one time.

Simple 0.1 grain increase over a 15 round spread.  I used a Redding trickler to get the right charge weight.  


The sweet spot will develop around 3-4 sequential rounds.  Then you can try those or the middle two charges to dial it in.

Over 15 rounds you'll likely end up with at least two sweet spots.  I went for the higher velocity one lol
12/13/2010 5:20:16 PM EDT
[#2]
i tried this on recommendation from someone here

http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspace.com/

read through the articles, they are short and very interesting.  the idea is to work up a load and find where the charge weight produces very consistent POI results, then adjust seating legnth for precision.  this way you have a round that is more tolerant of temp, elevation, and variances in charge weight.

That said i havent finished working up my load with this method...i have found my optimal charge weight, and got pretty good groups with it (.78 down to .39 edge2edge) in my 308.  i have yet to mess with seating depth and shoot a lot more of them to statistically prove it.
12/13/2010 6:17:04 PM EDT
[#3]
It's called OCW - ladder method. It's fast and accurate assuming your method of hand loading is consistant.
12/13/2010 9:07:32 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
It's called OCW - ladder method. It's fast and accurate assuming your method of hand loading is consistant.


It's the method I use.  Even if you don't decide to use this method, Dan Newberry's articles are really helpful in understanding why some loads are accurate and others aren't.  

The only thing I would suggest is to use a large scope and if possible take the human element out of the equation.    

12/13/2010 11:22:26 PM EDT
[#5]
http://www.desertsharpshooters.com/manuals/incredload.pdf

I haven't read the one linked above yet, they may be the same.  I'll read that as soon as I get time.
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