I have 2 sets of targets set up at all times. 25 & 50yds. I currently only shoot in my backyard and 50yds is the longest shot I can do safely. Once I've determined POI, I typically try to shoot 1 full magazine so an average of 15 shots with each pellet, considering all my guns. I may shoot several different weights and brands so I may not zero the scope in between as long as I can make a decent guestimate on where to aim.
If the pellet performs well at 50yds, in my limited experience, they have also performed equally well, if not better, at 25yds.
If a pellet consistently hits a 2" steel target at 50yds then I'll see how well it goes with a 1" target at 50 also.
Some may group poorly at 50 but then group just fine at 25.
If a pellet can't consistently hit a 1" target at 25yds then it's trash. I may try cleaning the barrel and give the pellet another try especially if it's a higher end pellet like JSB, AA, FX, etc. My guns ( FX, AGT & Kalibrgun ) don't care for most H&N pellets except for the Baracuda
Sometimes I'll waste 3 or 4 shots when I change to a different pellet just to make sure the barrel is primed. I have noticed in the past that the first few shots, after a pellet change, were consistently inconsistent.
