Now we're starting to make some money. I'm going to address each comment, may not refer to the commenter by name. If I missed a point, let me know.
What we're doing applies to bolt action and single shot rifles with adequate sights. I categorize accuracy here as >2", 2"-1.5", 1.5"-1" and <1". These guns will operate in (some of) these ranges under the conditions stated. I don't know about lever, pump or autoload guns. I don't know how to deal with military rifles with issue sights. The 03A3 is about the only military rifle with a peep near the shooter's eye, and has a blade front. Old people in particular can't shoot 03 Springfield or Mauser guns accurately enough to operate in the >1.5" range even if the rifle is capable.
The objective is a rational accuracy search procedure.
Cookbook loads. The original name of the book included the word "cookbook", and the book has a part called "Cookbook loads that work in any gun". I believe that these loads may not be the most accurate, but will be pretty accurate, and if they ain't accurate there could very well be trouble with the rifle. I also believe that this load development business is not witchcraft, it isn't that hard.
Starting point. Yes, the bullet should fit the gun. We should start with a recognized or cookbook load. Research will help find a starting point.
Chargar has a favorite powder and primer. This is in the cookbook area. He wants the rifle "right". WE NEED more on getting the rifle right, screws, bedding, etc. He wants ctgs straight and concentric. Nice if you've got the setup, but not needed at first??
Then he's linear, one change at a time.
MTGiannji is linear, one change at a time
KYcaster describes "ladder testing", there's an article in the book. It works for me, but doesn't address THE question, does address A question. The practical problem is that half grain changes in powder charges over a ~6 step range don't change elevation much at 100 yards, hence the need for greater range.
That that I wrote doesn't make sense. Another try.
If, after getting rifle and equipment right and powder/bullet/primer/OAL/powder selected; we could ladder test the powder-in half grain increments. Ex: 30/30, 31141, WLP, 2.840", IMR4198. Load one each at 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5. Shoot and watch them march up the paper, see where elevation doesn't change much, that's about where the best charge is.
I THINK that at 100 yards the elevation doesn't change enough to show up, but I may be wrong. I'll try it Wednesday. This could be a breakthrough!! I hope so.
So, where are we?
We need something on getting the rifle, scope, bench rest and bench "right", the conditions required.
We don't have disagreement about "change powder, charge, bullet and get from 2" to 1 1/2", except for Chargar's "straight and concentric", which I think comes later.
And we've got the "linear, one change at a time" approach. That's where I started, and I want to find a better = less time and component consuming method. Maybe that ladder testing.
I'm working on it. Anyone else willing to do the "ladder testing" test with a known accurate load at 100 yards? Or even/both 200 yards?
Thanks, keep it coming;
joe b.