Working up loads

[Woodrow]

I am new to reloading.  I have just reloaded my first batch and got to wondering how many to load of each for testing.  Do you load 10, then up the charge, load 10 more and so on?  I would think 10 would be sufficient for accuracy testing, but then again I've not done this.

I'm loading for a Ruger in .45 Colt with 250gr XTP's if that makes a difference.

Thank you for the input.

Woodrow

[Evil Dog]

Personally I load groups of 10 upping the charge level 0.2 grains with each group.  Will fire all 10 on paper at usually 25 yards from a solid bench rest.  Then which ever shows the better group size, will load 25 at that level plus 25 at 0.1 grains in either direction and go for group again.  Works for me but your experience may differ.  Just make sure to go by reliable published data.

[davem270win]

Depends on the caliber. For most "standard" rifle cartridges, I work up in 1 to 1/2 grain increments, shooting 5 of each weight. 5 is usually plenty to tell you what kind of accuracy to expect. When I've narrowed it down, I'll shoot 10 shot groups and compare loads. For smaller stuff, I'll work up in .2 or .3 grain increments. You have to be realistic, otherwise you can shoot hundreds of rounds just to find a load. I'm usually more methodical working up an older gun than a brand new one that I'm pretty sure will handle MAX loads, but I always work up from starting loads.

[stimpylu32]

Woodrow

Yes 10 rounds will work well , then up the load by .5 grains for the next 10 and so on till you hit the max load or till you start to see pressure signs , which will happen with some guns well before you hit max load .

Once you have fired the test loads look to see which did the best , then go up and down by .2 grains to find the sweet spot .

I shoot a bunch of 45 LC , what powder / primer combo are you using ? i may be able to help .

stimpy

[beemanbeme]

For a rifle, I load three and put them in a baggie along with a scrap of paper with the load data on it.  Then I load another batch of three with a higher charge.  And so forth until I am near max. 
Once I have reviewed the accuracy of the loads, I bracket the most accurate ones with loadings of 5 and repeat the baggie and paper thing.  When I am fine tuning the load, I will load 10.  The size of the cartridge kinda determines how big are the jumps I make in my roughing in loads.
For a pistol, it doesn't make a lot of difference. My main goal being to keep them on the target frame or at least on the backstop.   
 

[Woodrow]

Thank you for the replies everyone.  This really helps.

Stimpy,

I am using CCI 300 primers, IMR4227 with 250gr XTP's.  This is a load I found on realguns.com.  I also have H110 powder, CCI 350 primers and 300gr Cast Performance bullets on hand.  The H110 and the CCI 350 primers were initially purchased for my .475 Linebaugh.  I will start reloading for it once I get some experience with the .45Colt and more empty brass.

I am not looking for max loads just something good for whitetails.

Thanks again,

Woodrow