Load Development

[Crunchy]

Curious how other handloaders go about developing there pet loads.  I will throw mine out there, but curious what everyone else does.

I already have primers, bullet, and powder picked out from previous loads

1. Seat bullet .020 off the lands
2.  Figure starting charge and go up in .3 grain increments to where I think max load will be
3.  Grab chrono and head to the range
4.  I dont worry at all about where my impacts are.  Usually dont even shoot at a target.  I looked for nodes (flat spots) from the chrono data that expand say 3 rounds.  I usually find 2-3 nodes depending how low of a charge I start at and end at.
5.  I shoot until I reach max load where primers and/or sticky bolt/swipe marks show and stop there.
6.  Go to chrono data and load 3 rounds each of the node range(s) and then shoot at some paper 100 yards.  Best 2-3 groups go to the final stage.
7.  Load 5 from the 2-3 groups and shoot at 200.  One should stand out.  If not, seating depth gets adjusted, usually closer to the lands for bergers for me.
8.  Finally, load 5 of the winner and shoot over the chrono.  Looking for good ES and SD numbers. Numbers should be good based on the original chrono data I started with. 

My cheapo pro chrony makes shooting at a targets, and through the chrono tough at the same time tough.  If I had either a magneto speed or labradar I could shorten this up at step or two.  Other than work on the brass, what steps did I leave out, miss, or are unnecessary to find my petload. 

Another thing that has me wondering.  My pro chrony reads speed from where it is set up (12-15 feet) from the muzzle.  Most accurate reading would be at the muzzle.  only chrono that gets this reading would be a magnetospeed.  Not sure where labradar captures its reading.  So since I am getting velocity at say 15 feet away how much of a difference would this make.  Might be overthinking it, but when I order my custom dial, I want it as accurate as possible.  More coming on this in another thread

[Stein]

I’m in the same boat, VX5 arriving today and needing an accurate velocity.  Magneto is $180, maybe someone has one they would rent?

I also calculated velocity with known drops at known distances and G7 for the bullet.


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[jasnt]

When I’m starting load development I’ll start with a low charge.  Load up some 3 shot groups starting at .015” off the landes or mag length which ever is shorter and seat each group deeper by .030”.   
Which ever shot best I’ll use that seating depth for my load work. I shoot a ladder over my chrono ( I use magneto speed, must have an accurate chrono for this!) target dosent matter.   Look for my upper flat spot near max.  Then I’ll load up 5 shot groups and fine tune my seating depth in .005” increments. 
If you don’t have a magneto speed or labradar then you could do 3 shot ladder test at 300 yards.   
This is my method that’s worked well for me.   Yrmv

[Wolfdog2314]

Subscribed.
Just got my Labradar in the mail. Looking at the different methods as I just started reloading. Brass prep stage is done. Time to load. Looking forward to following...

[Crunchy]

Nobody has input on this part?

Another thing that has me wondering.  My pro chrony reads speed from where it is set up (12-15 feet) from the muzzle.  Most accurate reading would be at the muzzle.  only chrono that gets this reading would be a magnetospeed.  Not sure where labradar captures its reading.  So since I am getting velocity at say 15 feet away how much of a difference would this make.  Might be overthinking it, but when I order my custom dial, I want it as accurate as possible.  More coming on this in another thread

[Stein]

Personally, I wouldn't be worried about the drop in speed over the first 15 feet.  For my load, the drop in velocity in the first 15' is 10 fps according to my ballistic calculator.  If I run the calcs with the muzzle velocity 10 fps faster, the difference in drop at 400 yards is 0.3".

You could always run the numbers for your load and just add that amount to the chrono speed and send it in as the muzzle velocity. 

[hunter399]

These are just my methods and is not advice nor should be used.
First of all you have to know what your after .
Most velocity
Or accuracy
Or both
As only reloading for few years no means , no expert.
I almost always start out at max load data that hodgdon load data is .most load data out there is on the conservative side .unless you load for some very old rifles that can't handle pressure.
Seating depth I always start out on the short side .Everyone wants to put that bullet right on the lands.I almost always start out close to what factory ammo COL then start working my way to the lands .And I can tell ya some bullets like to jump to that rifleing .let accuracy tell you where to seat the bullet.
I'm always look in for the need for speed .
I just want to send it as fast as possible accurately.
Just some things I've learned as a New born reloader.

[jasnt]

Nobody has input on this part?

Another thing that has me wondering.  My pro chrony reads speed from where it is set up (12-15 feet) from the muzzle.  Most accurate reading would be at the muzzle.  only chrono that gets this reading would be a magnetospeed.  Not sure where labradar captures its reading.  So since I am getting velocity at say 15 feet away how much of a difference would this make.  Might be overthinking it, but when I order my custom dial, I want it as accurate as possible.  More coming on this in another thread

the pro chrono has an accuracy rating of +/- 2%.  That’s a possibility double the difference velocity at 12-15’ would make.   Just confirm your drop and correct velocity first when correcting values.
If you where closer I’d be happy to let you use the magneto speed

[Crunchy]

Im just going to pull the trigger.  Tired of the issues with my old chrony.  Any big difference between the sporter and V3 as far as magneto speed?  200 dollar difference in price.

[Wolfdog2314]

Im just going to pull the trigger.  Tired of the issues with my old chrony.  Any big difference between the sporter and V3 as far as magneto speed?  200 dollar difference in price.

I just had this dilemma. I was between the two. My buddy said the V3 has some more options and better built. And ability to shoot suppressed with that (if you ever will). He then said at that point at 380$, you may as well spend another 180$ and get the Labradar. I figure I’ll have it forever and wanted the equipment to hopefully get me the most accurate load developments.

[Crunchy]

Not sure if the labradar gets muzzle velocity or further downrange? 

[jasnt]

The v3 will work on pretty much any rifle even with cans and brakes and has a better display. Also a hard case.  I’ve never used a sporter so that’s all I know about that.    I’m happy with the v3.  My gun budget is very small and I prefer to spend that $$ on components 99% of the time but I don’t regret the extra cost one bit!

[buckfvr]

I have the magneto sporter and have also done a bunch of shooting with Lab Radar........magneto does slightly change point of impact, so you have to collect velocity data, and then shoot for groups with out mag on, if you want the best groups.  No such issue with lab radar, less rounds to accomplish the task as you shoot for groups and collect data at same time, no POI issues.

[BULLBLASTER]

I’ve sent lots and lots of rounds over my magneto sporter. Bought a metal blast shield and sometimes it flys off but goes back on. It works very well for me.

As for load development I usually start .030 off the lands and run up to pressure with the chrono on then pick a powder charge and speed and work seating depth after that.

[b23]

Nothing against the LabRadar because I'm sure it's a quality piece, but for anyone considering going with one, if you maybe aren't particularly tech savy, you may want to do your research on how easy they are to setup and make work on a consistent and regular basis.  I've talked to quite a few very qualified high level shooters and it seems as though they either love them or hate them.

I bought a MS V1 when they first came out and had one before most people even knew what they were.  It worked perfectly and ease of setup was second to none.  My dad had a Oehler 35 and with the MS being so new and crazy simple, I wasn't exactly sure what to think of it so I ran it inline with his Oehler for awhile until I had confidence in the MS.  It didn't take long to develop confidence in the MS and within a couple uses of it, my dad quickly sold his Oehler and bought his own MS.

As everyone is aware, attaching, anything, to the end of a barrel will generally, big or small, change POI.  Whether it's a muzzle brake or suppressor, they all have some affect on POI, but I've never had it affect group size. 

Using stock mounted bayos, some of the top level ELR shooters even shoot with the bayo attached at all times.