Just did a ladder workup on my Model 70 25-06. Have you guys ever seen a ladder test shoot like this? Load one was book minimum. Load 11 (not pictured due to primer pushback along with 10) was the book load max. This test was also done at 192 yards and the spacing between load 4 and load 8 is only about 4.5".

Yes, the distance is to short to spread them out real well. Looking at that I'd say you had a left to right wind which died on shots 6-8. Regardless, I'd look for a load around charge #7-8.

Every other ladder test I have seen had a very definitive climb as the load charge was increased. This one seemed to be all over the board, but did seem to like just about every load that was put through it. I am doing a workup on loads 7 and 8 right now to see how they shoot.

I concur 100%

O.P. ladder tests give more clear data at 500 yards. Course not everyone has access to that, and you really need a calm wind day to not make you pull your hair out.

An old house door, and a giant piece of White paper, plus a vertical strip of duct tape, and a horizontal strip of duct tape 2' tall and 2' wide is my POA.

Thank you for the advice guys

Group shoot load 6, then 7, then 8.

Betcha a dollar load 7 does the best.

Hey fireman...

Interesting idea... why don't you run a ladder test at multiple distances to see how it plays out.

Not sure how much distance you usually do it at, thinking 500, for some reason...

But like 200, 300, 400, 500. I would be interesting to see how much of a difference there is

Because I've got better things to do with my time, and my components than to experiment at multiple distances to get the same exact data, most likely. Plus 500 is easier to read, and easier to trust

Every time I have ladder tested at 500, then group shot at 500, the rifle/ and load shot phenomenal at all distances.

Sorry didn't realize 50ish rounds would be the big if an issue to some who brags about shooting thousands of rounds a year

Of course, that was taken as being offensive. Though that was not my intention.

I don't brag about shooting thousands of rounds a year, it's just the way it is. The reason I shoot so much is, like everyone else, I miss. So the more I shoot the greater the likelihood is that I won't miss.

And I've stated many times that I do not enjoy load development, it is a chore. And like any chore I want my time and effort to be used efficiently. I've got plenty of other chores to attend to on 70 acres, with an almost half mile long rifle range. I simply stated what is an efficient use of time and components. I hate burning powder and using primers and bullets to punch paper. I like when it's all done, and I can work on learning elevation and wind for the new load.

And the point of the Ladder Test is efficient use of time and components, to get a mountain of data. I've learned tons about a rifle/ powder/ bullet combo in as few as 9 shots. That's why I like it.

When you have determined which load to refine, such as #7 here, what is a preferred increment to use for the next loads?

I would redo 3 round groups #6 to #8 in .3 increments and see what it shows on paper.

I agree.

I shoot 5 per group if I've got a heavy enough barrel to handle 5.

I would redo 3 round groups #6 to #8 in .3 increments and see what it shows on paper. [/quote]

I shoot 5 per group if I've got a heavy enough barrel to handle 5. [/quote]

I agree, I just make sure I find the node with 3 shots before doing 5 shots. Then back to the bench this time with .1 increments to and 3 shots again to confirm , if it improves the I do the 5 shot groups and then data written in stone. It's just the way I do it, we have our preferences.

Sorry for being off topic.

The first row was with Varget and 2nd is with IMR 4064 in the .308, node for each row is found. Tried 5 at 300 and its lights out with under an inch with a slight breeze. Next time out is 700 yards and 1000 with the 178 ELD-M. I have a gut feeling the ELD-X shoots better in my .308 Load charge is only .1 grain different between the M and X.



ZMS, ladder testing is best at further range, I prefer 500 yards.

that's great advice guys. thank you very much.

I will definitely try it the next time I can find a calm day and be off work