RE: Target loads vs.Hunting loads?
There is nothing wrong with working up a "hunting" load for a rifle. Make note of it and all aspects of how you achieve it. After that you are free to experiment with any kind of load you like be they a light target load or a heavy load.
I have a set load or two for every rifle I own. Once I have that fall back on load, I will and do experiment with a lot of different loads just to see what the rifle can do and if by chance I happen on an ever better or different load...