I"ve just completed some test loads for my 7mm-08 & .243. I'm planning on going to the range in the next few days and was wondering what range would yeild the best results. 25yd, 50yd, or 100yd? Any input would be most appreciated.

First, when working up loads, I test at 100 yards and only on a calm wind day. I usually load up 6-8 of each load. 3 at 100, and 3 at 200 yards. If both look good, I know that load has promise and never time will load up 12-20, and shoot several groups. I do the 100 yard/200 yard work up only with scoped guns. Iron sites, get tested at 50 yards. Pistol loads get tested at 25 yards unless thats scoped too.

Knowing that the rifle is sighted in at 100 yards , I test my loads at 100 yards on a calm day as previously mentioned. I shoot for groups and will not change my P.O.I. until I know this will be the load I intend on using for this particular rifle...

I just use the Audette/ladder method at 200 yards. Kills a lot of birds with one stone and is a lot cheaper and faster than incremental group testing. You probably won't see this in any reloading manuals, its in their best interest that you burn up a pound of powder and/or a box of bullets trying to find the perfect load



http://www.washtenawsportsmansclub.org/groups/cba/downloads/incredload.pdf

I develop loads at 100 yards,then try them at 200 yards,300 yards,400 yards and 500 yards,as a load that groups sub moa at 100 yards may not be nearly as good at longer ranges.

X1

I do the same thing bigcountry does only I shoot 3 each 5 shot groups at 100 then 200 yds. I set up targets for each load and each group for that load and mark each group/target with the load info and range. This takes a good deal of time especially at the 200 yd targets but it give the barrel a chance to cool down.
Also, to allow for consistancy, I start with a clean barrel and clean between each group. Some may say that's crazy but that's my method. I figure if I'm going to be hunting with a clean barrel I want to know where my first shot is going to go, especially if I have to shoot at 300+ yds.