Thread: A superb article on why "node load deveopment" is toast

Originally Posted by veitnamcam

So to summerise after watching the hornady podcast a couple of times and reading the link at the start of this thread then load development should go like this.
Correct me if I have this wrong please.

Select a bullet and powder you want to use and load enough to get the speed you want at some random distance from the lands.
Load up 20 rounds and shoot at one target,this may have to be slowly for barrel heat/suppressor heat.
If the dispersion is not to your liking don't bother changing powder weights or seating depths.
Change the powder type and re test.
If after trying a few types of powder dispersion is still not to your liking change the projectile and re test.
If after testing a few different projectile and powder combinations you cannot get dispersion you are happy with you may as well change the barrel because no amount of fafing around with seating depths or powder charges will turn a 2moa shooter into a 1moa shooter (for 20 round+ groups) ?

More or less. Some additional steps

Adjust expectations of what "good precision" is
Consider using a better measure for your precision (not entirely necessary if you shoot 10+ round groups)
If you want good precision, stack the odds in your favour and get a good system (rifle/scope) to begin with
If you want good precision, use the best components.