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 RCBS Components below. By following these links, I earn a small commission, thank you for support! RCBS Ammomaster: https://alnk.to/aWGTn4D RCBS Rock Chucker: https://alnk.to/7BiuJAl RCBS Autoprime: https://shop.rcbs.com/rock-chucker-su... RCBS ChargeMaster Link: https://alnk.to/e7ax1O1 RCBS .223 Matchmaster Seating Die: https://alnk.to/3nkjc5u RCBS .308 Matchmaster Seating Die: https://alnk.to/7X80HjP RCBS Check Weights: https://alnk.to/9IhAvvm RCBS Primer Tray: https://alnk.to/44Zl7Gp RCBS Chamfer/Debur tool: https://alnk.to/9bxjznE RCBS Uniflow: https://alnk.to/aARnpV3 RCBS Case Master Gauging Tool: https://alnk.to/7qnJLfV