Minimum reliable range for testing rifle loads?

[Pond James Pond]

So far I have developed all my loads using the OCW method and it has largely worked out for me.

I have always shot them at targets 100m away.

I'd like to do the latest lot tomorrow but it is a bit windy and my range's design means the 100m range is quite exposed to cross-winds. In the same area but far more protected by high walls close to the target area is the 50m range.

Obviously the variation between groups will be less pronounced but is there any reason I could not use the 50m range, sheltered from the breeze to find my new charge weight?

 

[Limnophile]

I don't see why not. Given stable bullet trajectories over at least 100 m, the groups should be identical at 50 m and 100 m in terms of minutes of angle, so if your group sizes between loads vary enough to reliably measure at 50 m it will work. Eliminating the influence of the wind, especially if it is gusting and not consistent from group to group, is helpful.

 

[4runnerman]

I do all my load testing at 300 yards min. I have seen to many loads that shoot one hole at 100 yards go south at 300.

 

[Bart B.]

Accuracy in MOA typicaly gets bigger as range gets longer; typically 10 to 20 percent more for each 100 yards/meters past the first one. With one exception.

Some barrels whip such that slower bullets leave at a slightly higher muzzle axis angle than faster ones. That compensates for their down-range drop. Longer ranges will show better accuracy than shorter ones.

 

[skizzums]

I honestly feel like 100 yards is a minimum. I have lots of loads that will shoot one hole at 50 yards only to end up being 2 moa at 100 yards. especially with PCC's, obviously, but also things like 300BLK etc. I can get less than half inch groups with lightweight .223 only to end up past MOA at 100. my 54R is anther example of that. hell, I guess that I think about it, theres not really any of my caliber that can give me a reliable reading at fifty that will transition to doubl at 100yard, then 200 yards etc. but I will say, with my .223 anyway, if I am at 1.5MOA at 100, that will usually stay true out to 300. but at 50, I can actually put them through the same general hole, so not a good indicator......that's my experience anyway

 

[monk d]

I agree with the 100yd minimum too, but if you have the place to shoot out to 2, 3, 400 or more, then you would really be able to get a better read. Keep in mind that 4 inch groups at 400 yds is 1 MOA

 

[Jim Watson]

As the spaceship designer said, scale models are useful. 100 centimeters to the meter is best.

I have shot at 25 yards and at 600. It depends on what is being tested.

 

[hdbiker]

zeroing rifles

Back in 1963 in US ARMY basic training,we were zeroing our M1's at 25 meters. hdbiker

 

[tobnpr]

If you have minimum 300 yards available, the ladder test is widely used here.
Makes vertical dispersion you'd never see at 100 yards apparent.

http://www.6mmbr.com/laddertest.html

 

[rtpzwms]

if the wind is consistent you can make adjustments for it easily. The wind in the desert is often 35+ mph and I still shoot 100 yard minimum with a rifle. I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt and say you're doing bench rest testing. If so you should just wait for a better day. Other wise just go and shoot.

If you want to get an idea of how much it will change your targeting you may find this helpful.

http://www.hornady.com/ballistics-resource/ballistics-calculator

 

[Pond James Pond]

If you have minimum 300 yards available, the ladder test is widely used here.

300m is my max range here, not minimum!!

I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt and say you're doing bench rest testing.

Nope!!
Prone rifle shooting only. Now that I have some loads worthy of further testing I will probably take them out to 300m and see how they perform.

 

[tobnpr]

300m is my max range here, not minimum!!

300 is fine for ladder testing. Give it a "shot"....

 

[Snyper]

Nope!!
Prone rifle shooting only.

When working up loads, it's preferable to use a bench to eliminate as much human error as possible

 

[Pond James Pond]

I could ask them if they'd allow me to shoot seated, but then I've shot all my test loads prone so far, so at least it would be consistent.

 

[COSteve]

First, let me say that I'm no bullseye shooter and never have been. That said, I like to test my loads at 200 yds off the bench with bags (don't have a sled). When I find a promising combo, I like to confirm them at 300 yds as I've also been fooled by 100yd performance before. However, my 'long range' shooting is limited to 400-450 or so yds by my skill level and eyesight.

 

[Husqvarn]

Why change what works for you?
I´ll sight in my 308 with the hunting round I´ll be useing at 50m then out at 100m for Point of aim. Most shots are not going too be much over that distance and if they are I know the drop is not going to be that much.

 

[wizrd]

Spend some time shooting in those 35 mph crosswinds. At 200 yards the drift will surprise you. Could mean the difference between a lifetime trophy or a shot 'AT' - a lifetime trophy.

 

[Mobuck]

Are you looking for your maximum load or for the most accurate load? Max loads only need a safe direct of flight and space to set up the Chronograph.

 

[Roadkill2228]

Bart B....is the phenomenon you speak of the same thing some people talk about when the refer to some bullets "going to sleep"?

 

[Pond James Pond]

the most accurate load

This was an accuracy test. I did it at 100m in the end.