I have used many different prescriptions to develop loads. Hell at one time early in my precision benchrest venture I was convinced fitted neck's were the way to load, and used cram for my seating. It worked, I won a lot of local matches, and thought I was using the best method. But then I finally realized to many times my results were not being consistent, especially as yardage changed. A chronograph showed why.
Back then in my early days many of the well known better shooters told me tips that explained why, and how important consistency is in precision shooting. I believe most al top competitive shooters use the methods Lou outlines, for the most part. I also know it is the best way to find the results I am looking for in the most efficient way.
Since them early days I have shot most disciplines in bench shooting, many in competition from format to format. Even in Silhouette shooting, those shooters that always finished at the top knew one thing, even offhand, their best chance at finishing on top was always more likely with ammunition that was as capable of same hole accuracy as they could get it!
So for those that think their need is in proving their ability, and work endless hours on their own shooting ability, and knowing their conditions, but don't put the same discipline in their reloading and ammunition, it will always open more doors for others to put them lower on the final list than they could be.
I am not the best teacher or giver of advice, but after decades of chasing precise accuracy, I find what Lou is saying as hard to beat and way I develop mine. All mine are 3 shot instead of two, but once I get to testing the most promising, always 5 shots, EXCEPT, for hunting rifles and the bigger boomers.
Then for hunting I start out the same, I choose a couple three shot groups over a five shot. I also test with a clean barrel for my Varmint and hunting rigs, as the first shot is my most important shot out of a cold barrel, as well as not having the option of a fouler shot when trying to be efficient hunting.
Don't get me wrong with the first shot in my target guns, that is also something I strive for, but in competition I rarely shoot a discipline that does not allow sighters, and when I can always use that to my benefit and for reference to my reading of the conditions presents.
But By all means possible this is as good of advice from Lou as I could suggest, and regardless how much accuracy I "need",, I will always strive for the "most" I can achieve, I welcome all the the help I can get masking my ability, and have found through years of short range competition, one will never have to much accuracy, but most often will be in need of more than they can get!
