Depends…

by Gunner , St Louis, Thursday, September 07, 2023, 09:52 (378 days ago) @ Slow Hand

On several factors......first off hunting rifles I do 3 shot groups, handguns normally 5 shot groups, same with AR rifles.

Hunting rifle 9-12 rounds per load for testing, handgun/AR 20-25 rounds per load. Now comes the factoring......been shooting a lot recently??? Then you can limit the amount safely. Only handguns recently but now testing a rifle, make more. Driving a long distance to shoot, make a LOT more, don't want to waste the trip.

Example.....years back I bought a Ruger 77 MKII RL in .243, read John Barsness article on his favorite rifle loads, his 243 loads was max but shot lights out. I loaded 12 rounds each of 3,2,1 grains less than his favorite, which shot great. I set up a solid bench and rest with a sandbag, took my time and took breaks between groups to cool the barrel and rest myself so I didn't get crappy results and tried to be smooth and fresh for each grouping. Have seen too many people over the years rush during group shooting to only have to load more and go back the next weekend.

Bonus for extra rounds for testing is extra rounds for shooting, gotta keep it fun and interesting or it becomes work.

Gunner

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