- I start at 7 yards with starting charges as I don't expect optimal accuracy but look for charges where the slide starts to reliably cycle and extract/eject spent cases, especially for compact/subcompacts with stiffer recoil springs.
- Once I have reliable slide cycling, extraction/ejection of spent cases, I then start monitoring accuracy trends at 10/15 yards using higher powder charges.
- As most accurate charges are identified, I verify consistency of accuracy on subsequent range sessions (I need at least 2-3 range trips to very a load most accurate).
- Once the most accurate charge is verified, I then shoot at 25 yards.
- For pistol loads in carbine testing, I start with known accurate loads at 25 yards and adjust charges to maintain supersonic loads above 1126 fps when bullets reach 50/100 yards (chrono placed at 50 yards with wooden dowels for diffusers and metal deflector to protect chrono) to eliminate transonic effect. Subsonic loads are tested normal but adjusted for bullet drop.