Finding the Node: A Practical Guide Using Bryan Blake’s 7 BSM Ladder Test

Well, I was going to have to announce it one way or another, so this is as good a time as any: I’ve officially decided to invest in a dedicated F-Class Open build. I know, I know—I love my hybrid build, and I still believe it has a lot of potential. But the truth is, if you want to accelerate in this game, the fastest and most effective path is to do what the top shooters have already done: pick a system, learn the system, work the system, perfect the system—and only then maybe improve the system.

As part of that approach, I’ve settled on Blake Barrels and Rifles' 7 BSM cartridge, developed by Bryan Blake. There will be a whole separate article and video going into why I chose it, but for now, here’s what you need to know: the 7 BSM is a new cartridge being tested at the highest levels of F-Class, and because of that, it’s still in active development.

When I saw Bryan post in the Facebook group “7 FCP, 7 BSM and all other F-Class Products and BBR developed cartridges,” sharing 7 BSM velocity data using N565 powder I knew it was the perfect time to talk about shooting nodes. This article uses that real-world data from one of the top shooters and most innovative companies in the game to explain what a node is, how to find one, and why it matters.

What is a Shooting Node?

If you've been following long-range precision shooting for a while, you've certainly heard the word "NODE" thrown around. It's a term that comes up often in discussions, yet rarely gets a clear explanation. It’s obviously important—everyone focuses on it—but what exactly is it? More importantly, how do you find it? Well, here’s your guide to understanding and dialing into a shooting node.

A shooting node refers to a specific speed range where a rifle and its ammunition produce the smallest and most consistent groups. These nodes occur when slight variations in powder charge or bullet seating depth do not cause major changes in group size. In simpler terms, a node is a "sweet spot" where your rifle delivers tight, repeatable groups, even if there are minor inconsistencies in load development. That single point is your node—but what reloaders often seek is the accuracy window around that node: a small range of charge weights where the system remains stable and consistent.

In the case of Bryan's testing with the 7 BSM cartridge, the data reflects a search that blends both powder charge and speed node concepts. Using N565 powder and 180gr Berger Hybrid bullets, his single-shot ladder test charted how velocity shifted with each incremental charge increase. What stood out were the areas where velocity gains began to flatten—indicating not only a speed node but also a powder charge node. These plateaus signal regions where the system is naturally more stable, making them ideal for further load development and precision shooting.

Why Shooting Nodes Matter

• Consistency Under Real-World Conditions – Nodes help maintain accuracy even with slight charge or seating depth variations.

• More Forgiving Load Development – You don’t need perfection in every round to stay within a node.

• Tighter Groups & Long-Range Stability – Especially important as distance magnifies inconsistencies.

Single-Shot Ladder Test

This exploratory test involves firing one round per charge weight and recording the velocity. It maps the overall trend and helps identify potential nodes quickly and efficiently.

• Raw Data from the 7 BSM Single-Shot Ladder Test

  
  

Charge Weight (gr)	Velocity (fps)	Velocity Jump (fps)
60.0	2934	-
60.2	2933	-1
60.4	2948	+15
60.6	2952	+4
60.8	2949	-3
61.0	2959	+10
61.2	2959	0
61.4	2976	+17
61.6	2977	+1
61.8	2988	+11
62.0	2999	+11
62.2	3001	+2
62.4	3012	+11
62.6	3013	+1
62.8	3014	+1
63.0	3030	+16
63.2	3032	+2
63.4	3041	+9
63.6	3059	+18
63.8	3060	+1
64.0	3064	+4

Identifying a Node

Identifying a node is actually far easier than it looks. As you move up in charge weight during a ladder test, you normally see a steady increase in velocity. But when you hit a charge weight that doesn’t cause much of a velocity jump—that’s a signal. That flat spot tells you the cartridge is behaving more predictably, despite small changes in powder. In other words, it's a more stable range to work within.

That’s exactly what we see in the chart above. The graph plots charge weight (x-axis) against velocity (blue line, left y-axis) and rolling standard deviation (red dashed line, right y-axis). These flat spots often indicate an accuracy window—a zone surrounding a node where velocity and SD remain stable.

Remember, the true node is just a single charge-weight value, but the broader accuracy window gives you more flexibility. You pick the point (the node) because it’s where performance is most predictable. The charges just above and below it form the accuracy window, where you still get excellent results. That’s the area where your load is most forgiving—small variations in powder charge won’t throw off your groups or shift your point of impact.

• Best Node: 61.2 gr / 2959 fps

• 2nd Node: 62.2 gr / 3001 fps

• 3rd Node: 64.0 gr / 3064 fps

  
  

These are areas where the velocity flattens out—indicating stability—and where SD often drops as well. These are ideal candidates for further testing.

Node Confirmation Test

Although this hasn’t been done yet, Bryan mentioned that future testing will include 20-round groups shot at 1,000 yards. That kind of validation would go beyond velocity and start revealing how well a potential node holds up in real-world precision conditions. The purpose of a node confirmation test is to move from prediction to proof. You’re not just watching for flat velocity anymore—you’re verifying consistency with low standard deviation (SD), minimal extreme spread (ES), and tight groups on target. That data shows whether the node is truly stable.

Example: A follow-up test on the 7 BSM could involve loading twenty rounds each at 61.2, 62.2, and 64.0 grains. If one of those charge weights delivers a tight group and an SD under 10 fps, that confirms a true and usable node.

Final Thoughts

Finding and confirming a shooting node is one of the best ways to improve consistency and precision in long-range shooting. The single-shot ladder test gives you the roadmap; the node confirmation test gives you the confidence. Together, they form a repeatable process that balances efficiency and performance.

But here's the real-world truth: this kind of testing—especially when it’s shared openly—can save you an incredible amount of time, money, and frustration. Bryan's work with the 7 BSM essentially gave us a head start. As a newer reloader, or even someone starting a new load, having something reliable to reference can dramatically shorten your learning curve. Instead of blindly working through every powder charge from scratch, you're building from a proven starting point and and once you identify a node, testing the surrounding charges can help reveal the size of your accuracy window. That flexibility is critical for real-world performance, especially when loading at scale or under match conditions.

Even more valuable is knowing that the data comes from a source you can trust. Bryan and the team at Blake Barrels and Rifles know what they’re doing, and the work they’ve shared here is the kind of foundation precision shooters dream about having. If not for this testing, I’d be in a much harder spot trying to figure out where to begin. Now, I have a trajectory. A clear place to focus. A way to build with intention.

So here’s my advice: use your resources. Leverage the community. Learn from those ahead of you. Cut the curve—then win with it.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Support Black Plague Precision

If you’d like to support us, you can:

• Follow, like, and comment on our socials: Instagram, YouTube, and Rumble.

• Become a Sponsor  by reaching out to us via email at blackplagueprecision.com.

  
  

Lastly, A big thank you to all the supporters of Black Plague Precision: SUPPORTERS . Your support helps us continue to bring the best content in long-range precision shooting, reloading, and lifestyle.

Thank you for being a part of the Black Plague Precision community!

-----------------------------------------

Black Plague Precision Disclaimer

By accessing this website, reading articles, or viewing video content, you acknowledge and accept the following terms:

The content provided on this website (including but not limited to videos, articles, reloading data, technical guides, and other information) is intended for informational and demonstration purposes only. Do not attempt any of the processes, procedures, or techniques shown or described without proper training, experience, and appropriate safety measures.

All gunsmithing, ammunition reloading, and firearm modifications should be conducted by qualified and licensed professionals. Black Plague Precision is not responsible for any harm, injury, property damage, or other consequences resulting from individuals attempting any activities or procedures based on the information provided on this website.

By engaging with this content, you agree that you are solely responsible for your own safety, actions, and property. Black Plague Precision disclaims all liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided herein.

Stay safe, use caution, and consult professionals when in doubt.