What is the best way to test various loads that I've made at the range?

 

Shoot three rounds of each? What distance should I be at?

 

Should I pick up a set of shooting bags?

 

Z

5 rd groups

at least 100yds for rifle once you are on paper. start with 50

a solid rest

What are we talking about when you say "a solid rest"? Are we talking a bench sled here.

 

Z

You should also borrow a chronograph, because you probably have a velocity you are aiming for.

 

Look at the smoke patterns on the empty brass, see if you get a nice sine-wave shaped marking, which is best.

 

Look for signs of overpressure.

 

Shoot multiple 5-round groups. Try to shoot in consistent conditions. Remember, a 5-10mph crosswind can make a bullet move 1" or more on the target paper at 100yds. So, if you have slightly changing conditions, it can make a great group look bad or a bad group look good. This is how you see people chasing a scope zero around at the range. There is a 5mph wind, they shoot a few shots, move the scope position accordingly, in the meantime the wind has changed just a little (maybe going from 5mph to 10mph, hardly noticeable to a human) and your zero is no longer anywhere near a zero.

 

Check the ballistic charts and see how much wind can affect your groups!

 

A 10mph wind will move a 168gr 308 bullet at 2900fps 0.75in at 100yds and 2.6in at 200yds!

A 10mph wind will move a 55gr 223 bullet at 2900fps 1.5in at 100yds and 5.6in at 200yds!!

 

-DAve

Ladder test to see where the best Node falls. You can find it on most reloading websites. Here is just one version http://www.washtenawsportsmansclub.org/ ... edload.pdf

 

Just because you pick how fast you want the bullet to go does not mean it will be the most accurate load for that bullet/barrel combination.