ORIGINAL: Wayspr
Let me get this right.
2) I felt that 7 was excessive, but also feel that 3 is not a large enough sample. 5 it is. Do you normally start by loading lots of 3-5 with 1/2 grain increases of powder? Then determine which loads show promise and proceed to do more extensive testing.
3) The only way to determine the C.O.L. for my rifle is to measure the distance to the lands with a gauge? Is their any other way?
Trial and error. Best way is with a cartridge over all case length gauge. You pull the bolt and place a dummy round on the end of the gauge and the bullet you intend to use. Then lock the gauge when inserted and you back off 5 or 10 thousands and work with that.
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