OCW Article

Flint54 · Posted: Sat May 21, 2005 5:42 am Post subject: OCW Article

Just a note to all that may have not looked at the new "Articles" section. This should become a Great Reference area for everyone. I found the information on OCW (Optimum Charge Weight) for loading match ammo. This process is not only for "Match" ammunition but will work for all of your favorite Hunting bullets also. I have used this for the past few months or so and have been really impressed with it.
One of the things that it has verified for me is that optimum accuracy is found usually just a bit under most maximum charge weights for any cartridge. This is the "High Node" what many don't realize is that there is also a "Low Node" that will produce fantastic accuracy also. Those of you that load cast bullets at lower velocities may also want to take note about this and use the OCW method at the low end or with powders designed for the lower velocities used with cast bullets. Hope you all enjoy this article, I will hopefully have a few more coming in the near future dealing with a few of the other aspects of reloading. Smile

shrpshtrjoe · Posted: Sat May 21, 2005 7:05 am Post subject: Re: OCW Article

Howdy Flint54. Slightly below max seems to be the ticket. With this in mind i try and pick powders with a combination of highest velocity and high case volume that way i still get good speed with a under max load. I will sacrifice a little speed to get high case volume i like um full Smile

calsibley · Super Member Joined: Jan 28, 2005 Posts: 317

Over the years I've found that there appears to be an optimum speed for each caliber and bullet weight. For example, my .22-250 does best at 3500fps, my 6.5x55 gets its best accuracy at about 2700fps, less for heavy bullets. With a .222Rem. I stay around 3000fps. After a number of years of shooting a given caliber and checking your load sheets this sort of jumps out at you. Just one mans opinion, nothing more. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

Flint54 · Posted: Sat May 21, 2005 5:41 pm Post subject: Re: OCW Article

You stated a point that I forgot to put in my post, I also look for a powder that will give me a high loading density. This has also been one of my observations over the years. With the exception of IMR 48995, for some reason this powder had provided many excellent loads but seldom gives more than a 80 - 85% load density. IMO the Pressure band/curve must come in with the barrel harmonics easily. Wink

popgun · Posted: Tue May 24, 2005 7:23 pm Post subject: Re: OCW Article

'Usually' I find best accuracy slightly above the listed maximum in smaller calibers. No telling where you will find it with larger calibers. It's all gun specific anyhow. Published maximums are hugely conservative for most guns anyhow.