OCW Reloading
Dan Newberry's OCW Load Development System
"Optimal Charge Weight" (OCW) is a term associated with handload development and reloading techniques for metallic firearm cartridges, and it is the intellectual property of Dan Newberry. If you choose to use these terms in your own writing, please direct your readers to this webpage for further clarification of the concept. Thank you!
What is the Optimal Charge Weight (OCW) load?
In any given bullet and powder combination used for handload development, there exists a specific powder amount that enables the bullet to exit the muzzle at the 'friendliest' part of the vibration cycle. This optimal charge weight does not necessarily correlate with the tightest velocity figures. Over the years, many load recipes have emerged as preferred choices when trying out a new rifle. If your rifle struggles with these 'tried and true' recipes, there may be integrity issues with the rifle itself. Consider, for example, the Federal Gold Medal Match .308 Winchester ammo. How can one particular recipe perform so exceptionally across different rifles? This inquiry is at the heart of the OCW load—seeking a load recipe that is stable and predictable enough to challenge the adage that 'all rifles are different.'
For those who believe that 'all rifles are different' and require tailored loads to address their quirks, it's worth asking how one can explain the near-universal MOA performance of factory loads like the Federal GMM.
Recipes with universal efficacy do exist. Recognizing this has led me to ponder two key questions: 'How do such recipes function?' and 'How can I identify a compatible recipe?'
Theories explaining why the OCW load works vary, but Chris Long, an engineer and friend, presents the most plausible explanation. He suggests that the acoustic shock wave traveling down the barrel at approximately 18,000 feet per second can disturb accuracy when nearing the muzzle. Thus, the goal is to have the bullet exit the muzzle when this shock wave is positioned further back toward the chamber. Locating a specific powder charge accommodating this concept is the essence of effective reloading techniques like OCW reloading.
For instance, during my OCW load development, I utilized my old Remington 788 chambered in .243 Winchester, with Sierra 60 grain HP bullets and IMR 3031 powder. Notably, IMR 3031 is an excellent choice for the .243 Winchester with lighter bullets, although it often goes unrecognized in most load data manuals. I used CCI 200 primers and twice-fired Winchester brass.
Upon reviewing available load data, I found that 39 to 41 grains of IMR 3031 represented the suggested maximum charge zone for 60 grain bullets in .243. My experience shows that optimal loads for my rifles tend to be close to these listed maximums, so I typically start testing around 5 percent lower to check for pressure signs, then work up from there.
I proceeded with three rounds each of five varying charges, increasing by .3 grains, testing 39.2, 39.5, 39.8, 40.1, and 40.4 grains. After cleaning the rifle, I shot two fouling shots with the 39.2 grain load, allowing it to cool for two minutes. Each target was set at 100 yards, with one target designated for each charge variation.
By adopting a 'round robin' approach for grouping each charge, I ensured no disadvantages from fouling or heat build-up would affect late groups. Upon completion, I had three shots situated on each of the five targets; however, I don’t select simply the tightest group as my load.
Instead, I search for the three groups from my five that align most closely at the same point of impact (POI). In this instance, the three center groups shared a common POI (within about 3/4”), while the 39.2 grain group was slightly low and left, and the 40.4 grain charge moved high and right with a larger group size approaching 7/8”. The 39.2 grain shot wasn't poor, but as noted, didn't align with the common POI shared by the 39.5, 39.8, and 40.1 grain charges.
Ultimately, I concluded that the optimal charge for this application was 39.8 grains of IMR 3031. This charge would maintain consistency with both the 39.5 and 40.1 grain loads.
Why is this significant? Variability in brass cases, powder lots, and external temperatures can influence pressure levels. The OCW load method provides a buffer for these potential pressure variations. For instance, had I chosen the 39.2 grain charge, even a minor rise in pressure due to a different brass case or warmer weather could have resulted in a 1 MOA deviation away from my point of aim (POA). Such issues can explain the occasional flyers experienced with handloads not situated on an OCW node.
I achieved a 1.5” group at 300 yards using my .308 load with the 168 grain Sierra Matchking, firing one shot at 43.3 grains IMR 4895, another at 43.6 grains, and the third shot within the same group at 43.9 grains. Notably, the OCW charge for this load was 43.6 grains, highlighting its reliability.
Interpreting the results is essential to establishing the right load recipe. Typically, we require fewer than 20 shots from inception to completion. This system conserves time and resources while aiding you in finding the best load for your rifle. For a comprehensive look at the process, be sure to watch the video linked below.
If you would like assistance developing your OCW handload, I offer tailored consultations for a fee of $50 (which is considerably less than a pound of powder these days). I’ll guide you via phone and email until we achieve 'the load' that's perfect for your rifle. To book a consultation, click on the button below.
OCW CONSULTATION
Schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dan Newberry for expert guidance on handload development and finding your Optimal Charge Weight. After purchasing the consultation, please email me at danielnewberry@gmail.com, and we'll arrange your first phone call to discuss effective reloading techniques.
Additional Info...
Please read...
I'm Dan Newberry, the creator of the Optimal Charge Weight (OCW) method for handload development. If you're not familiar with my work, a quick search for my name alongside "OCW" or "reloading techniques" will yield hundreds of articles and forum discussions about my innovative reloading system. This method enables you to discover the ideal load you're searching for in as few as 20 shots. Unlike traditional ladder tests, the OCW system reveals nodes of inaccuracy along the powder charge continuum, identifying the root cause of those pesky "flyers."
In response to increasing demand—likely due to the rising costs of reloading components—I'm now offering one-on-one consulting services to assist you personally throughout your OCW load development journey. Are you frustrated by those mysterious "flyers" disrupting your groups despite your best efforts? Have you conducted ladder tests to no avail, failing to pinpoint a consistent load recipe? Is your load recipe overly sensitive to minor adjustments, such that simply swapping a primer affects your accuracy? Would you like to ensure that your cold, clean bore shot aligns perfectly with your other shots? Then keep reading...
Over the years, I’ve advised hundreds of shooters via email and internet forums, helping them find the perfect load for their rifles and specific applications. While these written interactions have proven successful (don’t just take my word for it—google my name and "OCW" for verification), they come with their limitations. In many instances, handloaders have missed crucial factors affecting accuracy—issues we sometimes only uncover after they've spent considerable money on components and range fees. Many shooters have become adept at interpreting OCW targets, but numerous others still struggle. Thus, executing an OCW test is only part of the accuracy puzzle; it’s equally essential to understand how to analyze the data correctly. Additionally, I often see individuals modifying the OCW approach—perhaps by shooting at longer ranges or by not following the prescribed round-robin method—steps that can ultimately hinder your success.
So, why should you consider hiring a consultant?
First and foremost, you’ll save money. Likely, a substantial amount of it. If you take a moment to assess the expenses related to bullets, powder, primers, worn-out brass, and range trips, you might be astonished at the overall cost of that "perfect load" you finally managed to create. For instance, a recent client spent over $300 attempting to refine his .243 Winchester load, only to find a sub-MOA load recipe in less than 20 shots through my guidance.
I have a vast database of handload development information that will help direct you towards effective combinations suited for your needs while steering you away from ineffective ones. This alone can save you a considerable amount right out of the gate. Ballistics technicians from major bullet and powder manufacturers don’t always have insight into the most effective combinations. Like many handloaders, they often rely on the old "hunt and peck" approach to development, and what advice you do get might stem from that method.
There are fundamental aspects of accuracy that some individuals tend to overlook. When communicating solely via email or forum posts, it's too time-consuming to cover each one in detail. Phone consultations often become necessary to dig deeper into the issues at hand.
If you choose to engage my services for your load development process, here’s what you can expect:
Absolute privacy. Your personal information will remain confidential unless you explicitly grant me permission to share your target photos or testimonials.
Personalized communication by phone (if desired) for the initial consultation, as well as for necessary follow-ups. During our first conversation, we will discuss your rifle and scope setup, the intended purpose for your load, available components you might have already, and a realistic accuracy goal. Following this, we’ll analyze your targets and interpret the data together, exploring possible seating depth adjustments that could further enhance your accuracy.
A working load. We won’t stop until you are completely satisfied with the load we develop together. Along the way, you will learn valuable information that can benefit you with various future loads.
The fee for my services is a nominal $50, which you can pay via credit card or PayPal. This is less than the cost of a pound of powder or a box of bullets. If you value your time, be sure to factor that into the equation, too. I assure you that you will save both time and money while arriving at a load recipe that unlocks your rifle's full potential.
For any inquiries or if you're interested in my services, feel free to email me at danielnewberry@gmail.com, or alternatively reach out to bangsteel@gmail.com.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: I cannot teach proper rifle handling techniques over the phone. If you’re not confident in your ability to shoot tight groups (assuming all other factors are in order), I'd recommend postponing a consulting session until your shooting technique is solidified. We frequently encounter clients whose targets demonstrate issues like poor recoil control or trigger jerking (resulting in lateral and diagonal flyers), and unfortunately, those problems can’t be resolved through a phone call. You'll need to focus on mastering proper shooting techniques first. Achieving accuracy with a high-powered rifle is more challenging than many may realize, and countless shooters spend years without getting it right.
Before scheduling a consultation, test your rifle with a box of quality ammunition to ensure both you and the firearm are up to the accuracy challenge. Recommended loads include Hornady American Whitetail, Fusion (Federal), and Federal Power-Shok. Typically, Winchester Super-X (silver box) also provides decent accuracy. Hornady’s Superformance ammunition has shown excellent performance as well. If you're obtaining respectable results from such ammunition, it's likely you and your rifle are functioning properly, allowing us to initiate your handload consultation.
Please keep in mind the following common issues that can hinder an effective OCW load test:
1) Low-quality electronic scales may drift during the loading process, especially near cell phones. Opt for a quality beam scale or a trusted electronic scale.
2) Testing from unstable portable shooting tables. For best results, shoot in a prone position off a bipod with a solid rear sandbag, or use a stable concrete shooting bench. Portable tables can significantly increase group size.
3) Lack of understanding regarding scope parallax adjustment, sight picture consistency, cheek weld, trigger pull, and recoil control—all of which can negatively impact group performance.
4) Using bullets that are sensitive to seating depth is generally unwise. Brands that have produced depth-sensitive bullets are improving their offerings as they lose market share.
5) Clients should recognize that groups exceeding 2 MOA at 100 yards are typically *not* caused by a recipe utilizing quality, well-designed bullets. Even the least accurate 100-yard "scatter node" groups shouldn't exceed 1.5 MOA with a properly handled rifle.
6) Light neck tension from bushing dies (less than .003" tension) rarely outperforms full-length sized brass in the same recipe.
7) Poor target design. Use targets that allow you to center your crosshairs precisely. An OCW target designed by AC Lakey, which we've been utilizing for years, would be an effective choice. CLICK HERE.
The procedure for submitting your target photos during the consultation is as follows:
--> PLEASE RE-READ the seven points above!
--> Keep all groups on the SAME target page. Separate files per charge weight hinder evaluating the POI shifts. If needed, you may use a separate page for sighting shots, but for OCW test charges, they must be on the same page.
--> Clearly label the targets with a dark marker (like a Sharpie) indicating the powder charges for each respective group. Include any pertinent notes on the target (e.g., flyers, signs of pressure, etc.), and mark the sequence of shots clearly.
--> I don’t require any Excel spreadsheets or fancy graphical representations; just the target with the data written on it will suffice.
--> You can either scan the target page or take a well-lit photo to attach to your email. Adding any relevant comments regarding your results would be helpful.
To engage my OCW handload consultation service, please visit the OCW Reloading page on our BangSteel website at BangSteel.com. Thank you!