Ammunition lot testing is a method of evaluating and selecting the best-performing ammunition for a specific firearm. A rimfire lot of ammunition refers to a specific batch or production run of rimfire cartridges. In the manufacturing process of rimfire ammunition, numerous rounds are produced at once, and they are typically grouped together into lots. These lots are essentially a collection of cartridges that share certain characteristics, such as the same manufacturing date, materials, and production equipment. Each lot will have a unique lot number or code to distinguish it from other lots.
Lot testing is important for quality control and consistency. It involves shooting multiple rounds from different types or lots of ammunition and measuring their accuracy and consistency on a target. Since rimfire ammunition can exhibit variations in performance, ammunition lot testing is crucial to identify the most accurate and reliable rounds for a specific rifle. Ammunition lot testing offers competitive advantages such as improved accuracy, greater consistency, cost savings by avoiding subpar ammunition purchases, increased confidence in equipment, and the ability to tailor ammunition to specific needs, making it a valuable practice for competitive shooters and those requiring precision in their shooting activities.
Lapua Ammuniction has rimfire performance testing centers in Mesa, AZ and Marengo OH (near Columbus) that allows shooters to test the company’s rimfire rounds under highly controlled conditions. I spoke recently with Geoff Esterline, director of marketing for Capstone Precision Group (which handles marketing for Lapua and SK reimfire ammo in the U.S), about the increased interest in rimfire lot testing. “We have a major uptick in interest now with PRS/NRL22 folks looking to maximize their platforms for longer distance shots. We offer this service where we take a dozen+ lots of Lapua rimfire and match this to your barreled action and determine what performs the best. We have acoustical targets at 50 and 100 meters where you can view groups in real time and then make an informed decision with what works best.”
Patterned after the world-renowned Lapua Test Center in Germany, both of the testing centers give shooters the opportunity to test not only various types, but also different lots of Lapua ammunition, in their firearms, under tightly controlled conditions. At the heart of each operation is the 100 meter test range shooting tunnel. Fully instrumented, with state of the art Meyton/Bollman electronic targeting systems, the centers offer the unique ability to test ammunition at both 50 and 100 meters, simultaneously with a single string. The system shows where each shot hits at both 50m and 100m. Both testing centers are open to competitive shooters and shooting teams.
Testing Procedure
Testing normally takes from two to four hours, depending on the number of lots being evaluated. Unless otherwise requested, they remove your barreled action from the stock then mount it into a precision machined bedding block that is custom made for your type of action (when available). This block is then put into a return to battery fixture. They take these steps to ensure that as many variables as possible are removed during the testing process. This helps to provide you with the most reliable testing data you can find.
Generally, they test eight lots per rifle. The number of rounds fired will vary from one lot to another, with the more promising lots being tested again to verify their superiority in your rifle. Those lots showing less than promising results will not be pursued. If you are present during the testing, they will go over the results with you in real time. If you mail in your rifle for testing, they will email you the results so that you can see the actual targets fired and select one or more lots based on the groups presented. Once you have selected your ammo lot, the Lapua Rimfire Performance Center staff will assist you in purchasing your ammunition. Testing cost is $50 per rifle and includes 8-16 lots of ammo tested.
Interested in getting your rifle tested? Find out how to schedule an appointment here.
