In Tony Boyers book, he (or Larry Costa) described the best method I've seen. I call it a load grid-matrix method.
He uses targets that have 5-6 targets across and 5-6 down. I use the Skip Otto targets sold by Bud Mundey.
Starting with the bullet at a medium jam (a square mark) then lets say you have a 5x5 target.
This example would be for a cartridge (like the 6PPC) where you know a popular starting load (for example 29 grains V133 and bullet at medium jam)
Start in the middle of that grid with a popular or suspected load. Going right and left from that load in the center of the grid, moving to the left 28.7 g and then 28.4g. Moving to the right on that line 29.3g then 29.6g.
Move up one line and from the center move the bullet out 0.003" then 28.4, 28.7g 29g (center load) 29.3 then 29.6.
Move down one line from the starting line and move the bullet in 0.003" Then 28.4, 28.7. 29. 29.3 and 29.6g grains.
And then up 2 lines from the starting point and finally 2 lines down from the starting point.
OR if you want to be a tight bastard only do a 3x3 grid, use this if you are starting from a fairly confident load.
Doing a symmetric grid like this and shooting the targets in a grid gives you the ability to easily detect what that bullet/powder/barrel is going to like. So, if it looks like the barrel is wanting less jam and more powder make the center of the next grid-matrix where that best load was and start from there using the same steps of bullet movement and powder quanity.
I think you know all about widn flags and the importance of using them, etc.
Cleaning? fire a line of loads, then clean, then foul the barrel then start the next line, etc., etc.
This sounds like a lot of shooting but it gives you a visual plan where just randomally changing loads you will fire this much and still not be able to see any pattern A 5x5 matrix uses 75 loads, plus foulers, a 3x3 is 27 loads. It usually takes about 50-100 shots ot really break a barrel in anyway.
