I played with the OCW/Ladder process several years ago and never could get it to make sense for me and my needs...
It is much faster for me to find really accurate loads in both a bolt action and an AR (.223) by loading in .1gr increments, starting at one full grain below reputable published max loads and working up to max +/- depending on pressure signs...In most cases, my best accuracy nodes fall between .4 and .7gr below max...
I've never been one to push envelops on speed, preferring repeatable accuracy over speed...
While my process may seem a little component heavy by some, I load ten rounds of each powder charge and fire the first five for groups, looking for those that show the most promise...If I find one or two groups, I will use the second five for verification of the first five...The rest I take back and tear down to reuse the components...The following targets are what I consider 'acceptable' groups at 100 yards...These were both in .223 AR, building loads for a Prairie Dog shoot...
The "Hot Case" note on the bottom target was when the brass from round #3 landed in the crook of my elbow just as I was tripping the trigger on shot #4 and I 'flinched' slightly...
