Wow, there could really be some great replies here! Where does a person start?
For me, my optimized load development begins with my choice of bullet. Because of the great selection offered by Missouri Bullet I have so many options. I tend to keep the same bullet in my inventory, cast at different hardnesses. I like to keep the 255gr LSWC for my 45 colt in both 12BHN and 18BHN. Same goes for some of the .38/.357 options. My first step in optimization would be to decide what the goals for the load are, then pick the bullet hardness appropriately.
From there comes powder selection. I have found that in my softer target loads in all calibers I shoot I really like AA#2. I get no leading when velocities are kept within proper range with this powder in all of my target loads in 45acp, 45 colt, and 38 special. My go to powder for the harder bullets in my magnum cartridges is usually 2400. Its a great max effort powder for an 18BHN bullet.
With powder decided its time to look at charge weight. I generally start somewhere in the middle of the load data for both revolvers and autoloaders. I find beginning loads do not cycle the action of an autoloader reliably, and generally are not the best performers in revolver loads either. For me it depends on the loading range. Say the beginning load is 4.8gr of AA#2 and the max is 5.6gr of AA#2. I would begin at 5.1 and load in .1gr increments to 5.5gr for my first outing, staying below max by .1gr. I load 10 rounds of each and shoot two five round groups, from a rest, at 15 yards. I make my notes appropriately, and load more of usually two of the loads, and possibly some at max, if I feel it prudent. The next outing is usually 20 of each, and shot from a rest at 25 yards. This are pistol rounds of course.
As far as OAL goes, I usually set it to whatever functions well in my autoloaders, across the whole spectrum that I shoot. I find that in 45acp, with the 230 gr LRN "SoftBall" that I can load to about 1.245 to 1.250". I find my best feeding there. A matter of interest also--that length was came upon by experiment. I had a very good shooting load and shortened it just a bit, to see what would happen. The groups just slightly tightened up and I saw a reduction in SD and ES.
I have found that my load development strategy is the same mostly as for any other bullet, however, I have found some of my most accurate loads ever with Missouri Bullet. My most accurate 45 colt, 45acp, 38 special, and 357 magnum loads are all based on a Missouri Bullet.
I have played around with all kinds of powders, I find that most work well, some better than others. Alliant powders have been great for me with any Missouri Bullet I have tried them with.
I have also spent some real time working at longer distances with some Missouri Bullet loads. The 300gr LTC in 45 colt is a spectacular long distance bullet. I have been shooting steels at 150 and 200 yards with it from a 7.5" barreled Ruger Blackhawk. The load is warm, I like to use 18.5gr of 2400 under it, which is well above SAAMI spec. This load should only be attempted in a TC or Ruger heavy fram pistol(not the new vaquero).
I find that I have more options available to me with the ability to get bullets in different hardnesses, and having them reliably be that hardness. I do not have to take as much time trying to find a load with a bullet that is just too hard for my application.
