I don't consider myself a "smart" loader - as a matter of fact, the opposite. So have had to try stuff and see what I get. A single 3 shot group proves nothing, statistically. 2 x 5 shot groups compared to 2 x 5 shot groups is starting to reveal truth about your rifle and load(s). From somewhere on Internet - perhaps the OCW directions - I lean towards the "A" and "B" round robin shooting to compare two loads - one shot of Load A at Target A, next load fired is Load B at Target B, third load fired is Load A at Target A, and so on. No one else has your rifle, your chamber, your bore condition, your scope - only you can work out which things make a difference, that matters for you.
I have never competed at target shooting, but have taken a lot of deer and a few elk. You want to be able to hit an 8 to 10" diameter area, first shot, every time. I believe 90% or more is the shooter, and 10% or less is the gear that he uses. I have seen really embarrassing "misses" and heard a thousand excuses from guys with $2000 rigs; and know fellows who take their deer and/or moose with cartridges left from their only box of ammo purchased 8 or 10 years previous.
Just for reference, the ZG 47 needs col of 3.45 to fit mag, and 3.6 to hit lands with a 180 Sierra sp. So hitting lands isn't really a good option.
