Sounds like your making some good progress now. I too couldn't give 2 shcitts about every last bit of velocity for the LR game. As longs as I'm getting reasonable velocity with good groups then who cares if I have to dial 6.5 mils or 8 mils to get to 1000yds as I'm still dialing anyways.
As long as my groups are good with low ES and SD then I'm happy as those 2 figures tell me my loads are consistent thus accuracy should be consistent.
I usually start at about .30 jump for a hunting bullet and chosen powder. Once I find a load with promise I will load 10 each at .20, .25, .35, and .40. If any show improvement I work that, if not I stay where I am.
