What is the SD/ES window you strive to meet, with your hand loads?

[wooltie]

I watched a video about 'finding the flat spot' over a 2 grain spread e.g. 50-52g, in .3g increments, shooting 6.5creed.  The video explained the rationale for using the chrono to find the flat spot and decide on the load because of 'chrono data'.

It's an appealing thought process, and I think it has a place. 

But for what it's worth--this guy on the video shot this 2 grain spread at 100 yards, 6.5creed, and all shots went into a 1" hole.  It's like the powder charge didn't affect the accuracy all that much.

My thought was to find an accurate load/group first, then try to find the flat spot, since the powder charge may not affect the group in some cases.

[jasnt]

I find it’s easier to find the flat spot the fine tune with seating depth

[Karl Blanchard]

I find it’s easier to find the flat spot the fine tune with seating depth

that's my go to usually. Run a velocity test over the chrony and then tune depth.

Brass prep and consistency is a big part of low ES in my opinion. But let's face it, for most of the ranges guys shoot, an ES of 20-30 isn't gonna make a bit of difference over 10-15. 

[b23]

I find it’s easier to find the flat spot the fine tune with seating depth

that's my go to usually. Run a velocity test over the chrony and then tune depth.

Brass prep and consistency is a big part of low ES in my opinion. But let's face it, for most of the ranges guys shoot, an ES of 20-30 isn't gonna make a bit of difference over 10-15.

 

[wooltie]

I find it’s easier to find the flat spot the fine tune with seating depth

that's my go to usually. Run a velocity test over the chrony and then tune depth.

Brass prep and consistency is a big part of low ES in my opinion. But let's face it, for most of the ranges guys shoot, an ES of 20-30 isn't gonna make a bit of difference over 10-15.

That's what I'm doing this go around thanks to input from people on this board.  Last go around the shot groups of different charge weights to find the smallest group, but ended up going in circles.

This time around, I shot 3 different bullets, picked the one that grouped best, then did a SD test.  Just did a chrono test this weekend and now onto fine tuning the SD at 100 yards.  Then I'll shoot at longer ranges.

I'm sure I could have made other bullets work, but I didn't want to mess around that much.

I've shot SGKs, accubonds, interlocks, and partitions of various weights with good powder (shooting 30-06).  By far the SGKs and partitions perform best.  Accubonds are finicky.  I just don't care for the groups.  Partitions and SGKs shoot vertical strings almost touching.

To circle back, I see the value in standard dev and finding the flat spot -- but my short experience has shown me that finding a working seating depth first has been a faster approach to getting something dialed.

[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

[wooltie]

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

 

Yup, thanks!  That's what I did this time; it's been easier and fewer rounds.  I do have a magneto speed too.

[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

 

Yup, thanks!  That's what I did this time; it's been easier and fewer rounds.  I do have a magneto speed too.

hope it works well for you