When I started reloading I previously used the five shot group, working up, SWAG method.  That took forever to find the right load, and wasted a whole bunch of bullets, powder, and primers! 
 
I have since found Dan Newberry's method of load development called Optimum Charge Weight.  This method is prefect for us on Oahu since we only have a 100 yard range to work loads.  So far it has been working very well for me.
 
Read up on it here...
http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspace.com/
 
Here is one of my targets that I have been working up in 6mmBR.

 
 
 
What are your thoughts on this method?  What methods do you use?
 

WAY beyond me dude.... hope to get to your level one day

Outstanding reference on OCW.   Don't agree with his opinions about federal but that's what makes for good discussions.  Also, doesn't the bullet try to straighten out the grooves causing a twist harminc to the barrel that goes beyond the simple first order sound wave bouncing from end to end?   I love the physics of ballistics

Outstanding reference on OCW.   Don't agree with his opinions about federal but that's what makes for good discussions.  Also, doesn't the bullet try to straighten out the grooves causing a twist harminc to the barrel that goes beyond the simple first order sound wave bouncing from end to end?   I love the physics of ballistics

Haha, you are way beyond me too!

However, It seems to work for me.  Out here on Oahu the public facility only has 100 yards easily accessable for load devolpment.  Thus Dan's method suits my purpose to a tee. 

I have also read much about the theory you are speeking of, in that there are many shock waves effecting the barrel as the bullet leaves the muzzle.  I am still on the fence as to relationship of bullets to the lands theory of tuning and the notion that it is actually the pressures that need to be 'just right' for the bullet to leave the muzzle at that certain point where vibration is null.

I do shoot a load with the bullet jammed a little ways, and I have a load where I have tuned using seating depth and jumping to the lands.  Both shoot equally well.

Here is some groups on the load I had settled on for the 95grain SMK's.
All groups shot at 100 yards prone with a bipod.

 





Hope this works out for the 300 yard line at Puuloa!     

Geez, that's beautiful. When is your next chance to get out to Puuloa for some competition?

Due to military matches and other factor our next F-class match has been pushed to May 21st. 
I was going to attend the next High power match for practice, but I see that the HRA meeting is on that day. 
I wish I could afford a service setup, or XTC but I having economic woes recently. 
    

At this rate I'll shoot out this barrel before I can get to a match!
 

Hey 2a,
Did you get to do any shooting up there? Longrange stuff? Other?
How bout any new toys? The kind that needs a tax stamp?
 

I've just been too busy getting settled. A bit north of me there is a 500 yard range that I have yet to check out. I did go to walmart and bought a box of 9mm WWB for $20. Looked at all the guns behind the counter.

I also stopped by Cheaper Than Dirt. Huge store. Tons of salesmen and customers.

I would like to get a silencer, but that is probably a long ways off.

2AH - Is the 500 yard range your are talking about near Mingus, Texas?

No, I'm a little further north. I was talking about Top Gun Shooting Club. I heard they are getting more popular and are often full, but I have yet to see for myself.

Sorry to bring this thread back from the dead but I was wondering what charge was settled upon. 29.5?

I would guess 29.4 from the intial post's pic and the follow up post with 29.4 penciled next to the one hole.

I tried Dan Newberry's OCW method after reading Heavies initial post (and the article).  Have to say that I am a believer as I worked up a load for my 55 gr Hornady FMJ in a quarter of the time and ammo used with the ladder method.  Granted that this is not a match bullet, but the method worked well.

Gotta anneal my .308 brass and try that out . . . soon . . .

I'm with you heavies. OCW is the only way to go here. The ladder is not happening. I also used to do probably what you call swag, and yes I wasted money. When tried OCW and I catually followed the instructions, I ended up with a load about 3 tenths of a grain wide for my 6br. Now I am blasting golf balls at 240 yards and anything metal hanging at the range. Oh yeah, quarter and less inch groups too at 100.

Sorry to bring this thread back from the dead but I was wondering what charge was settled upon. 29.5?

I believe it was.  I sold that rifle and gave my notes to the new owner.  The load is warm so work up if you try it.