Ladder test results - The Firearms Forum

gdmoody · 02-23-2012, 08:46 PM

I finally made it to the range today. A few weeks ago I loaded up some .223 rounds for my Vanguard. I had been shooting 55 grain bullets through it. When I started reading and asking about twist rates I came to the conclusion that I needed a lighter bullet for the 1/12 twist rate barrel.

I loaded eight different loads using a 40 grain Sierra Blitzking bullet and ranging from 24.3 to 25.7 grains of AA2230 in 2/10s of a grain increments. I fired a few 55 grain bullets through, just to warm the barrel. The first set of three rounds (24.3 grains powder) was about 5 inches high at 100 yards so I adjusted the scope down and continued firing. The rest of the shots were a little high and to the right but I didn't care much where they went, I just wanted groups (I just didn't want them all to be 5 inches high).

The first group (24.3 grains) was the best one of the day, it measured .566 center to center. The next best was the last (25.7 grains), it measured .709. As you can see from the first picture, a lot of the problem was ME and not the rounds. I think the group with 24.9 grains also has a lot of potential to be the load I will go with since it was the only group with at least 2 holes touching. I will load up a few more with the 24.3, 24.9, and 25.7 and try again with just those three and next time I hope to remember to take my lead sled

!!

My next ladder test will be with 34 grain Midway Dogtown bullets. I will find a load that the Weatherby likes. That test will probably take me another few weeks.

jack404 · 02-23-2012, 08:52 PM

gettin there eh ..

cheers

Gahunter12 · 02-23-2012, 11:09 PM

Great shooting there GMoody! Did you have to deal with the high winds today? I know it was windy in Gwinnett Co today while I was working.

The_Rifleman · 02-24-2012, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gdmoody

As you can see from the first picture, a lot of the problem was ME and not the rounds.

I bet it was the rounds. That is what kind of groups you get when the load isn't quite right.

Good shooting and good luck on the next one!

gdmoody · 02-24-2012, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gahunter12

Great shooting there GMoody! Did you have to deal with the high winds today? I know it was windy in Gwinnett Co today while I was working.

I shoot at a range in Elberton. The wind wasn't very bad yesterday morning while I was shooting. As I was packing up to go home, the wind was picking up quite a bit.

JLA · 02-24-2012, 08:05 PM

Nice shoot George!

American Leader · 02-24-2012, 09:15 PM

Very nice George, look forward to your next test lot. You're really haven some fun, congrats!

02-23-2012, 08:46 PM	#1
gdmoody Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northeast Georgia Contributor Posts: 6,343	Ladder test results I finally made it to the range today. A few weeks ago I loaded up some .223 rounds for my Vanguard. I had been shooting 55 grain bullets through it. When I started reading and asking about twist rates I came to the conclusion that I needed a lighter bullet for the 1/12 twist rate barrel. I loaded eight different loads using a 40 grain Sierra Blitzking bullet and ranging from 24.3 to 25.7 grains of AA2230 in 2/10s of a grain increments. I fired a few 55 grain bullets through, just to warm the barrel. The first set of three rounds (24.3 grains powder) was about 5 inches high at 100 yards so I adjusted the scope down and continued firing. The rest of the shots were a little high and to the right but I didn't care much where they went, I just wanted groups (I just didn't want them all to be 5 inches high). The first group (24.3 grains) was the best one of the day, it measured .566 center to center. The next best was the last (25.7 grains), it measured .709. As you can see from the first picture, a lot of the problem was ME and not the rounds. I think the group with 24.9 grains also has a lot of potential to be the load I will go with since it was the only group with at least 2 holes touching. I will load up a few more with the 24.3, 24.9, and 25.7 and try again with just those three and next time I hope to remember to take my lead sled !! My next ladder test will be with 34 grain Midway Dogtown bullets. I will find a load that the Weatherby likes. That test will probably take me another few weeks. Attached Images __________________ NRA Endowment Member GeorgiaCarry.Org Member Retired US Army Postal Worker Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take an ass whoopin'.....author unknown (but obviously brilliant) -->

02-23-2012, 08:52 PM	#2
jack404 Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Australia Contributor Posts: 17,622	Re: Ladder test results gettin there eh .. cheers

02-23-2012, 11:09 PM	#3
Gahunter12 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 64	Re: Ladder test results Great shooting there GMoody! Did you have to deal with the high winds today? I know it was windy in Gwinnett Co today while I was working.

02-24-2012, 08:05 PM	#6
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,320	Re: Ladder test results Nice shoot George! __________________ 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!

02-24-2012, 09:15 PM	#7
American Leader Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Iowa Contributor Posts: 1,630	Re: Ladder test results Very nice George, look forward to your next test lot. You're really haven some fun, congrats!