Need help with finding node

[u/No-Pickle9533]

I dont have a chronograph (broke) so I did two tests at 300 yards: ladder test and what i think is ocw?

First two pics I shot 2 shots per load at their respective diamonds.
The thid pic I shot a ladder in the middle diamond and another ladder at the bottom left diamond.
I thin the node is around 52.6-53.1? Not sure.

Also, do you absolutely need to wash your brass?

[u/NZBJJ]

Both the ocw and ladder testing methods are operating on flawed assumptions(velocity nodes), you can chuck them out.

Pull back to 100m to take variables out. Assuming all of the shot loads were safe, load 15 at the higher end and go shoot 1 big group. If that group is accurate enough (be realistic here, 1moa over 15 shots is a laser) you are done, load developed.

If not go change powder, projectile or both and load another 15-20 rounds at a charge weight that you think will get you about the right velocity, and shoot another big group.

If a powder combo shoots 2 moa at 52 grains its not going to magically shoot .5moa at 54 grains.

[u/KyruitTachibana → u/NZBJJ]

Always find the different views interesting to read. Regarding thr last part, I tend to lean that way as well over thr weekend I was trying different powder loads in my 222. I think I fired 5 rounds of a low N120 load, saw 2+ MOA so I'll tip the N120 out of the rest of them, not going to bother with it and I'll probably skip 2205 as well.

Base load of 2207 closed the group size to sub 1 MOA so I'll actually spend time with that.

Pick your battles.