After that first session I'll load up more. Sometimes 25 each of the two best grouping charge levels and head to the range again and let the pistols tell me which one to go with. It's usually not the max charge level batch but one a level or two below that. 0.2 to 0.3, some times a bit more that gives me the best groups.
Good luck with it. It can be fun.
You were right on all counts; it sure is nice to get advice from someone who's been there and done that. Thank you!
Good to hear you're getting satisfactory groups.
I know people regularly say you don't need a nice tight group to get the job done. Okay. Doesn't change my standards for what I want to shoot in my guns and how I want them to shoot. I've got a safe of Browning, XD/XDM, Glock, FN, SIG pistols and others that just would not shoot like my CZ pistols. I've found I can get pretty decent groups with a big M&P if I buy a good aftermarket barrel for it. For some reason the Shield and Shield Plus pistols from S&W outshot the sub compact, compact and full sized M&Ps in my hands.
But the M&Ps won't shoot well with the same ammo the CZ's do so well with and the CZ's don't do well with the ammo the M&Ps like. Guns are funny.
Yeah, you get less rounds with Blue Dot or other slow moving powders but for me the groups are visibly smaller.
Continued good luck with your load development. Only other thing I can say is don't stop with that great load. Keep looking for other bullets and powders that your pistols/rifles will shoot well. That way you've already got info on what to look for if you current favorite becomes hard to find.
