Work is continuing on TDS (the OnTarget Target Data System program). I've been concentrating on the Optimal Charge Weight calculations and display. Following are images of a test target along with the OCW test dialog.




The first image is the target with nine three shot groups. The second is the OCW test dialog. The red circles represent the average distance to center (mean radius) of group and are positioned using a common point of aim. The red line helps visualize the order of the groups. The small list box shows the calculated ADC and string length for each group. The string length for each group is the sum of the distances to the previous and following group centers (for the first and last group it's 2 times the single distance). In the list the smallest group size is indicated by the '*' and shortest string by the '#' characters.

When analyzing OCW test results the shooter is looking for adjacent groups that have the smallest group size and the group centers closest together. The loads for those groups will produce the most accurate and consistent groups. By looking at the group display we see that groups 4 and 5 meet these criteria. TDS allows the user to quickly generate and visualize these test results without the need for tedious manual measurements and calculations.

Please visit Dan Newberry's OCW website for the definitive description of Optimal Charge Weight calculations and analysis.

- Jeff