I Tested Every Load Development Method – Do Any Actually Work?

Is Load Development just FUDD lore? Some say yes — including Hornady in Episodes 50 and 52 of their podcast. So, let’s put it to the test.
In this video, I run six different load development strategies head-to-head, including OCW, Ladder Testing, Velocity Nodes, Standard Deviation tuning, Group Size, and even just picking a charge with no real method.
Each method was first tested with 10-shot groups at 100 yards, and then I took the two best performers to 25-shot groups at 600 yards — to find out what actually works… and what might just be a waste of time.
🔍 Methods tested:
– OCW
– Ladder Test
– Velocity Nodes
– Standard Deviation (SD)
– Group Size
– "Just Pick a Charge"

🧪 Load Tested: .308 169 Sierra Match King over Vihtavuori N140, Lapua brass and CCI 200 primers.
📊 Metrics Analyzed: Group size in MOA and Mean Radus, Velocity, Velocity SD, Ladder elevation and OCW grouping.
🎯 Target Distance: 100 and 600 Yards

Let me know in the comments: Do you use a different method of load development?
Hornady Ep 50:    • Ep. 050 - Your Groups Are Too Small | SAMP...  
Hornady Ep 52:    • Ep. 052 - Your Groups Are Still Too Small ...  
#Reloading #PrecisionShooting #LoadDevelopment #Handloading
Chapters:
00:00 – 00:21 - Joke
00:15 – 14:45 – Intro and the plan
14:46–18:18 – Range OCW/Ladder
18:19 –30:15 – Load Development Analysis
30:16 – 33:25– Range 10 Shot Confirmation Groups
33:25 – 41:52 – Best 6 Load Analysis (and Seating Depth)
41:53 – 48:04 – Range 25 Shot Groups at the 600
48:05 - 56:48 - Conclusions

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