I mentioned this point because of some of the people on this forum. I also feel the design of the bullet comes into play. If we push a bullet to its max accurate level, that should be the correct powder charge. But now the concern comes to what is considered acceptable accurate level. Also, should we factor in such things as recoil, barrel fouling, and hunter confidence.

Lets take a for instance. At 100 yards Johnny can shot a 2 inch group using a Speer Deep Curl and 85 grains of powder. When Johnny kicks the powder charge up to 110 grains of the same powder, and with the same bullet, his group opens up to 2-1/2 inches. Is the additional 25 grains of powder worth the extra 1/2 inch difference?

Now take into consideration.. if the groups opens 1/2 inch at 100 yards, what might the expected results of those same groups be at 200 yards? Next, Johnny knows that the deer shot with 85 grains of powder will almost certainly be a pass through type wound. Also recoil is brutal to Johnny with 110 grains of powder because he's old and don't like to be pushed around.

What if Johnny was shooting a 495 grains conical. With 85 grains he got excellent accuracy. With 110 grains of powder, he got black and blue. What would you shoot?