Working up a load

I sort of start backwards.  I pick a bullet weight for the game/purpose, then get a cartridge that was the best BC for that bullet weight.

I first pick bullet, I want to use, (and it's purpose IE hunting, LR, ect)
I then start with powder, I'm familiar with, that will fill case or be slightly compressed, at max load. I'll have second powder choices, just in case.
Unless there's a reason not to, I start with mag or BR primers.

So for hunting at extended range, in cold country, and 6.5 straight swede.
I'd start with 142gr LRAB, H1000 powder, Fed GM215M or CCI250 primer, prepped Lapua brass. My 2nd powder would be 4831

I start at mid-level charge (it's safest to start @start load) bullet seated as long as it will fit in magazine or .010" jump. I will load a ladder, four each, 1 grain steps (half grain, if I started in middle, stopping at book max (for now)).
I sit up two targets @200yds, each with five bullseyes. The first one gets one shot, on each bulleye, from each step, second one gets three shot group, on each bull, from each step. I watch for signs of pressure and if I see them, list MAX as 1/2gr lower, for that rifle.

I look at single shot targets, watching for where shots stop climbing with each charge increase or start to drop, with increase. I then look at groups, if groups, show promise, I then continue workup, if not, I try another powder. If 2nd powder doesn't help, I look at changing bullet, brand or profile.

I try to pick load that's on either side of accuracy and velocity node. I'll then split that, 1/2 step lower, higher, and in between and shoot groups and see where center of best load is.

Once I get load, I'm happy with, I'll play with seating depth, stepping back in .010" steps, to see trend, some bullets prefer more jump. For target, I'll try jammed .010" and step back from there. I never jump less than .005" or jam less than .005", thousandth variances really mess with accuracy, that close to throat.

No idea what the boy and DIL use for a load but they have taken coyote, antelope, deer of all brands, elk, and bear , and even a moose , with theirs .

YES.

Yes D, It's a really nice gun to shoot.