Train
Ladder / OCW Test
advancedSupported — most stable position availableFind your rifle's optimal charge weight (OCW) node — the powder charge where groups tighten and velocity spread drops. Requires reloaded ammunition at multiple charges.
Fire ROUND-ROBIN — one round at each charge weight, then repeat the cycle — rather than emptying one charge before starting the next. ⚠️ That ordering is what separates an OCW test from a naive ladder: it spreads barrel heat, fatigue and shifting wind across every charge instead of concentrating them on whichever step you happened to shoot last. Record exact POI for each aim point. The node shows as consecutive charges printing at the same POI despite the increasing charge.
Prepare 3–5 rounds at each of 5–7 charge weights, in 0.2–0.3gr increments, spanning ±0.5gr around your expected OCW. Label each group. Use a calm-wind day. 100-yard target with separate aim points per charge weight. Cold barrel for first string; let cool between strings.
Identify the charge range where 2–3 consecutive charges share the same vertical POI (within ½"). ⛔ That is a CANDIDATE BAND, not a result, and this drill does not pass on finding one. Three-shot groups are noisy enough that random variation alone produces an apparent node, so the standard here is the confirmation: load a larger batch at the middle of the band, shoot it on a different day in different conditions, and pass only if it repeats. Velocity ES/SD from a chronograph is supporting evidence, not proof. Fail = no convergence, or a band that did not hold up on confirmation.
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