Thread: Variables affecting precision

Originally Posted by earplay

Good to see some interest in the discussion and hearing some different points raised. I'm keen to hear others opinions.

I think my primary interest in this instance, is in how the information is communicated, or utility of the model, more so than the accuracy (precision!) of the model (which is obviously important).

I think that new players in the reloading space especially, are required to wade through a lot of information that often competes and conflicts at times. Maybe there is a better way to communicate the important stuff?

Personally, I spent a lot of time enamored with the OCW method of load development; however after learning more, I see that the variables I was manipulating were unlikely to be having the effect I thought they were. Not to say I didn't develop a good load, but that I probably wasted components unnecessarily for an outcome that I could have likely achieved by picking a random charge weight (RCW method?).

If I recall correctly, one of the famous Greek philosophers described wisdom as being able to see through the bullshit, to the true patterns of reality. Similarly with reloading, I think we want to be identifying the 'true' patterns, and not be fooled by the three-shot groups so to speak.

All this to say, like more learned folk have already suggested - a good platform, combined with a powder and projectile combo that plays nice, some decent fundamentals, and you're likely 90% (or more) of the way sorted.

I think you’re definitely onto a few things here.

Firstly being able to create a simple visual that ranks influential factors in order of influence is gold.

Secondly, and I think if the other thread proves anything, it is that in reloading, it is easy to confuse the noise for the signal and the signal for the noise.

Where your diagram gets difficult, and this is in no way trying to discredit the idea, because I personally do like it, but the difficult part is that accuracy is actually three main triangles in parallel.

One is the rifle
One is the shooter
One is the load

Some aspects of each are independent, others are interdependent, and it is the sum of all, that decides the tightness of the group.

To complicate it further, cost to isolate/manipulate a given variable, isn’t necessarily proportional to the amount of change.
Knowing what is the low hanging fruit helps, and I think in many ways, your diagram seeks to show it.

If the diagram could account for and accommodate all of this, it would really be useful. The hard part is getting it there.