Load Development: Where to Start?

[McGrew]

One of my standard service rifle loads is 23.5 N135 SMK 69 at 2.250 oal. You have a rifle that looks great but has a reputation of poor accuracy and is difficult to shoot. Load developement will be a very frustrating experience as one good group will give you hope, but then shoot like crap on your next trip to the range.

@Walt Krafft, I researched the No 1 before I bought it and was aware of its reputation for accuracy, or lack thereof... I have been pleasantly pleased with this rifle. I do not have a ton of experience chasing accuracy, but do have a Remington 700 Varmint rifle in 22-250 I bought in 1980. This Ruger has been no more finicky with loads than than the Remington. Maybe I got lucky, but most of the accuracy issues I read about in No 1's are in the lighter rifles, not in the heavy barreled varmint rifles. With just power charge adjustments the Ruger is shooting just over a half inch at 100 meters. That is with 4064 and 55 grain Hornady SP bullets.
@Dennis22, My rifle is shooting just over a half MOA at 100 meters. Is that repeatable? Time will tell! I just tested my last loads on Friday and now plan to load up 20 with the same powder charge to see if I can repeat that group. Wish me luck! Danny