Are there things that I can to do as a newbie loader to ensure that I have consistency in my reloads.

[ 04-22-2003, 23:49: Message edited by: SEALDOGGY ]

you are not looking for AN ACCURATE "BULLET"!! You are looking for accurate cartridges or ammo!! I realize this is a little picky, but us old-timers really get pissed when some news reporter idiot calls cartridges "bullets", or, worse, when some police officer does this!!

[ 04-22-2003, 20:53: Message edited by: eldeguello ]

Consistancy, Consistancy, Consistancy.
The cartridge has to load to the same centerline as the chamber and barrel, the bullet has to be in the same relationship to the case and barrel, the bullet has to be accelerated to the same velocity each and every shot so the bullet will follow the same trajectory to the target.
So people sort cases by weight (so hopefully the internal volume will be the same), use match primers that are supposed to be more consistant, weigh powder charges so the same amount of powder is in each case, turn necks and neck size only so the case loads into the chamber preceisly the same each time, use micrometer seating dies so the bullet is in the same place each time. etc etc etc

Assuming you meant bullet, a bullet that is "concentric", i.e., has no voids in it which make it "un-concentric." There is a device which measures this. It is fairly expensive. I understand that several manufacturers have purchased these devices. Some target bullets are subjec to this testing. Nosler BT's are suppose to be subjected to measurement by this device. The Hornady "bt" is also subject to this, as I understand this.

Obviously, if you eleminate the voids, you have extremely consistent bullets. Ku-dude

SEALDOGGY
It pays to be aware of all potential vectors that may or may not have an effect on your ammo's accuracy.
What I've found that works for me.
Pray every night before bed.
Leave a few pieces of brass on the ground for the Range Goddess. Sacrificial offerings may work. The Range Goddess does not conside Berdan primed cases as worthy offerings.
Pray facing Mecca, who knows, several billion Moslems can't be wrong.
Always store bullets and ammo alined with the poles. Who knows, this will magnatize iron. Can't hurt.
Take bullets to the neighborhood's psycic (sp)
and have the bullets 'will to accuracy' read.
Inroll loaded ammo in yoga classes to releive stress, focus energies.
Form a relationship with the bullets, let them know how important they are to you. The bullets would not want to disappoint you.
Never, ever, say anything that the bullets, ammo would consider as disrepectful. This will generate resentments.
In other words treat the bullets and ammo like a wife and you'll be fine.
Jim

Hey SEALDOGGY, I agree with "CMcDermott's" post about being as Consistent as possible.

Only other thing I'd add is lots and lots of Trigger Time. Many folks seem to think there is really nothing at all to the actual "shooting" process -just line it up and squeeze the trigger. But there is a whole lot more to it than that. The subtle environmental and mental influences the shooter responds to due to lots of Trigger Time just don't come quickly.

So, I'd add to "Consistency" lots of Trigger Time. Wear out a couple of barrels and you will be on the right track to attaining the accuracy you desire.

What I meant to say was handloads not bullet DA!!Got tons of trigger time, prayed a lot, left brass for the range gods, treat my guns better than my wife........not true I would say it's pretty equal though, but in all seriousness What I see in my groups is that occasional flyer, I have done all of the above except neck turning my loads,most of the loads are within .003 total indicator runout at the bullet in relationship to the O.D. of the case and most of them less than .0015. Guess I better start leaving more brass at the range, maybe new stuff instead of worn out stuff, maybe the range Gods are pissed that I'm leaving them junk. What else do they like, I'm not leaving any guns so don't even go there flyers or no friggin flyers.

SEALDOGGY -- You can reload for ages, worry about all the aspects of it, bullets, brass, powder, primers, chamberings, and still have those fliers. You, yourself have a lot to do with that grouping you worry about so much. I have good days and bad. I have to watch my caffeine intake on shooting days, prior to the shooting session. Somedays I am simply anxious with the trigger, somedays calm as a deadman. It is nice when a good load, and a good shooting day, come together on the same day and those one holers happen. Good shooting.