Load testing

When load testing, do you fire a round into the berm, or wherever, before shooting for your group?

Interesting. I usually fire a "known" round before going to the new load. That way I'm sure my rifle/pistol is functioning.

I'm just asking about load development for maximum possible accuracy.

As an aside, I did zero my deer rifl differently this year. I fired one cold bore shot t a 200 yard target. I took the target down and fired at the same target the next time at the range. The bullets impacted about an inch apart. There was probably 15-20 degrees difference in the temperature. I like that kind of performance!

Lots of debate on cold bore shots...I've never noticed a lot of difference either way

Personally I'll do a couple foulers after cleaning then its hammer time...But I'm sure some better shooters than I have a better process

Depends on the outside temp...whether its 100 in July or 40 in Dec.

Whether its a pencil dick hunting barrel or a FAT BRUX....That BRUX probably won't even get warm till summer...lots more metal to heat

I've only done the ladder tests and breaking in, so I'm not sure if I will have an impact shift on a cold bore or not. My hunting .308 has 1-1.5" shift. I will find out when I load test.