I by preference would initially use a dc shunt to test for a parasitic battery drain, once fitted there is no need to disconnect/reconnect until testing is completed, the car can be started and run with it fitted and there is no risk to your meter (connect it to the shunt, set to mV and read display as amps - i.e a reading of 1mV = 1 amp).
With the shunt fitted you can also accurately measure starter motor draw and alternator output etc.
If the parasitic draw measured is very small, then you can connect your meter conventially and measure a ampage directly knowing there is no risk of meter damage.
The shunt I use is a Briggs and Stratton item as below and is a valuable part of my toolkit.
(Sorry about the quality of the picture, I can't get it to upload any clearer than that)
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