When I'm building test loads for my smaller calibers, I develop loads in .1gr increments,starting about one full grain below published max load...When I'm building test loads for larger calibers (.308) I build sets in .3gr increments...All bullets seated at published lengths with standard primers...
I know that others will use larger increments, but I worry about missing that 'one' that gives me a really good group (3/4" @ 100) since accuracy is my primary goal...
When I find that 'good' group, I generally quit, break down any other rounds and then start refining the load with work on seating depth, and then possibly trying a different level primer...
If, after the first round, I don't have a decent group in the .308, I'll play with powder charges on either side of my best group, or pair of groups...
Generally speaking, my really good groups usually fall in the .4-.7gr below published max loads, but that may just be my luck....
My process may be a little component heavy, but once I find a great load, I don't waste components on more experimentation....I'm ready to load and shoot...
I've used the same .204 and .223 loads since 2007...