I have been doing some load development for my model 12 FCV in 223. I have been using H335 and 52 gr SMKs and I have found a few promising loads (averaging about .7" 5 shot groups @ 100 yds) in the 25.0gr - 25.5gr range. I am trying to decide whether or not to keep going incrementally all the way up to 26.9 (which is the accuracy load for this bullet/powder combo in a 1/14 twist in the sierra manual) or if I should stick with what I have found and start fine tuning the charge and play with seating depths.

For those of you who have been using this bullet/powder combo, have you generally seen better loads in the <25.6 gr range or in the > 25.5 gr range?