So, I've been reloading for quite awhile but never delved into ladder testing, and was thinking about doing that for the sake of efficiency. I've read a couple of online articles that talk about using a 1% increment between loads. Question:

Does that hold true when ladder testing large capacity/overbore magnums like the 7mm STW or 300 Wby?

We're talking about powder charges of 70-90 grains on some of these, so a 1% increment would be .7-.9 grains of powder, which seems like a lot. But, perhaps it isn't in the sense of overall case volume.

Just curious for those of you that have ladder tested large magnums.

Thanks,
Kyle

.223 I step in .2 gr increments.

.308 type cases I step in .3 gr increments.

Anything long action I step in .4 gr increments

Stepping bigger than .4 gr I think you would jump right over one or two good nodes.

7STW and 300WBY I used .5 gr increments.

For me there are a couple of variables beyond case capacity. Two examples.
1.Just yesterday I was trying a new powder in a wildcat that there is no data so I started low with a ladder and loaded in .5gr increments even though it's a smaller case as i just wanted to know where max was and velocity. All charges were moderate and velocity was low so next go round I will start .5 higher and keep going up. If I get speed I want before hitting max then I will do another ladder to find sweet spot.

2. So if there is a ton of data for a caliber then its easier because your window has already been narrowed somewhat so now .2/.4 steps make sense. I start where I am comfortable then work to the point that high velocity or excessive pressure tells me to stop then see what looks best.

I just started using the Satterlee system for reloading. I wish I had found this years ago. I've wasted a lot of components trying to find the right node. I load 10 sometimes 15 rounds in .2 grain increments and shoot them across my chronograph and I've found a node. In 15 rounds I actually found 2 nodes for my Rem 700 in 308. The lower node turned out to be the best which seemed kind of odd to me.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. I kind of like the idea of maybe .4 grain increments. Seems small enough to not miss a sweet spot.

Sirrah243, are you saying locating a node based purely on velocity? I thought nodes were about barrel flex and vertical dispersion, regardless of velocity. Just curious.

You're exactly right.