ladder test? - The Firearms Forum

jbeam · 12-13-2011, 09:24 PM

im just learning of the ladder test, and i think it is a great idea. i just don't completly understand fully. Should you shoot one shot or more, and how many increments should you move up for say a 223. Also how do you tell which one is the load you want. And also do you do it at 100 and 200 yards? thanks

JLA · 12-13-2011, 09:32 PM

I did a write up on the way I do it in the ammo and reloading forum, pictures and explanation included. Sticky thread at the top of the page.. It works for me pretty well.

Essentially what you look for in a ladder test is a string of consecutive charges where the POI change is minimal. Some powders provide a bigger sweetspot than others and some powders just wont provide one at all. You still have to test different powders and bullets but the Ladder test is a way of saving ammo and barrel life.

300 yd sis ideal for centerfire rifle. I use 200 with great results, and you can do it at 100 but if your rifle is really accurate to start with the reults can be a bit misleading.

Handguns get tested at 25 yds and carbines chambered for handgun rounds get tested at 50 yds.

Thats just the way that works for me..

okiefired · 12-14-2011, 05:17 PM

http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspace.com/

I like this method. Does a good job of eliminating variables such as the fouling and heating of the barrel that goes on during testing. Either method works well as long as thier done properly.

okie

12-13-2011, 09:24 PM	#1
jbeam Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 30	ladder test? im just learning of the ladder test, and i think it is a great idea. i just don't completly understand fully. Should you shoot one shot or more, and how many increments should you move up for say a 223. Also how do you tell which one is the load you want. And also do you do it at 100 and 200 yards? thanks -->

12-13-2011, 09:32 PM	#2
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,398	Re: ladder test? I did a write up on the way I do it in the ammo and reloading forum, pictures and explanation included. Sticky thread at the top of the page.. It works for me pretty well. Essentially what you look for in a ladder test is a string of consecutive charges where the POI change is minimal. Some powders provide a bigger sweetspot than others and some powders just wont provide one at all. You still have to test different powders and bullets but the Ladder test is a way of saving ammo and barrel life. 300 yd sis ideal for centerfire rifle. I use 200 with great results, and you can do it at 100 but if your rifle is really accurate to start with the reults can be a bit misleading. Handguns get tested at 25 yds and carbines chambered for handgun rounds get tested at 50 yds. Thats just the way that works for me.. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

12-14-2011, 05:17 PM	#3
okiefired V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: OK. Posts: 186	Re: ladder test? http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspace.com/ I like this method. Does a good job of eliminating variables such as the fouling and heating of the barrel that goes on during testing. Either method works well as long as thier done properly. okie __________________ "If I ever meet a Texacan that hasn't drunk muddy water from a hoof print, I'll shake his hand and buy him a Daniel Webster ceeegar" Rooster Cogburn