What is most important?

[Mousegun]

When it comes to rifle shooting, what is generally the most important factor in accurate shooting when it comes to the bullet?

Is it the exact amount of powder in the case. Is it the case dimensions? Is it the weight of the bullet from round to round?

I know everything matters but I am asking if anyone has determined what singular thing is the most important phase.

 

[chbrow10]

the nut on the trigger

 

[Detritus]

the nut on the trigger

Exactly

You can pour all the time, money, obsession, etc. that you want toward any and every other aspect of precision shooting. But If you don't take the time to make you as the shooter proficient with your gear, someone who did take the time to be proficient will come out ahead.

Personally I've used a rifle (savage 110FP), scope and rests/bipod that cost me under $700 (in '96 $). to how shall we say, embarrass, guys who spent more than that on their scope, and were talking trash about my "cheap POS rifle"


BTW the rule of "the shooter is most important" is true no matter what type of firearm or discipline being shot.

 

[wanderinwalker]

Consistency of the projectiles, then the consistency of the nut on the trigger.

For point: I used to think practicing with 55gr FMJ was adequate for standing and sitting at 200 yards. It wasn't until I tried shooting the 200 yard target prone one day that I realized what a waste of barrel life that was. Yes, cheap 55gr FMJ bullets CAN clean a 200 yard SR target, but it isn't a sure-thing and you're going to need a good chunk of 10-ring to do it. But any reasonably assembled load with a proper match (or probably any varmint) bullet will hold the X-ring.

After that the trigger nut is generally responsible for any fliers.

 

[SilentScream]

Consistency of the projectiles, then the consistency of the nut on the trigger.

For point: I used to think practicing with 55gr FMJ was adequate for standing and sitting at 200 yards. It wasn't until I tried shooting the 200 yard target prone one day that I realized what a waste of barrel life that was. Yes, cheap 55gr FMJ bullets CAN clean a 200 yard SR target, but it isn't a sure-thing and you're going to need a good chunk of 10-ring to do it. But any reasonably assembled load with a proper match (or probably any varmint) bullet will hold the X-ring.

After that the trigger nut is generally responsible for any fliers.

I think you have that backward. The most consistent projectiles on the planet won't help a person that can't shoot or doesn't take time to master the fundamentals.

 

[243winxb]

Match grade brass of the same lot &weight.

 

[ericbc7]

If you really want to explore the elements of accurate rifle shooting you need to read the stuff by Salizar
http://riflemansjournal.blogspot.com/

A significant diagnosis of OCD is helpful, since consistency and repeat ability are very helpful.

 

[jcwit]

Consistency in all facts of the sport.

Consistency in the components!
Consistency in the reloading operation!
Consistency in how the shooter places and holds the rifle!
Consistency in all things!

Then of course, Top Notch Equipment.

 

[wanderinwalker]

I think you have that backward. The most consistent projectiles on the planet won't help a person that can't shoot or doesn't take time to master the fundamentals.

Perhaps. But how can you tell you have the fundamentals down when you're not getting reliable feedback from your targets because of your bullets?

Take my example of tossing 55gr FMJ at a 200-yard Highpower target. Yes, it is good enough to clean the target. Yet if I throw a shot and call it "9 o'clock, mid-ring 9" and it comes back a mid-ring 8 at 10 o'clock. Did I miss the call? Was that the out-of-spec bullet in that batch? How do you know for sure if you're a 3-MOA shooter or a 2-MOA shooter prone when you're tossing ammo that is only 2-MOA on a good day? (A good prone shooter will see the difference between a 1-MOA load and a 2-MOA load really fast. I know I could before my hiatus, but I can't now.)

Maybe I'm misinterpreting the question from the OP or reading a different question. I always used to abide by the idea of "get the load right" and then take it out and practice. Basically, there should be no question in your mind when you step up to the line that your ammo is good enough to shoot a perfect target. Then when the 8s and 9s start coming up, you know those are all your fault.

An accurate, properly sorted set-up can make even a mediocre shooter pretty good, but junk ammo will frustrate even the hardest holding High Master.

 

[rskent]

Mouse gun, I think that the most important thing to worry about with ammunition is consistency. Find a load that shoots well in your rifle, Then try to do everything you can do to reproduce it exactly every time. My trimmer,sizing die, seating die are all set and never move. They get checked every loading session. If they are good, I start loading. If not, I find out why. As far as powder, I check weigh each powder drop. If the scale says its good the powder goes in the case. If not it goes back into the hopper. For bullets I just buy match kings. I have tried others with mixed results. So I just went back to match kings. When it comes down to ammo consistency is the key. If I look up from the sights and see an eight I have no one to blame it on but myself. There is a lot of value in knowing that. It lets me work on what I can do something about and that really matters.

the nut on the trigger

Practicing and finding out why I shot that damn eight. If you cant see what you are doing wrong, I'm not sure you can fix it. Anyway, just my thoughts.

If you are a high master please disregard anything you disagree with in this post.

 

[Walkalong]

When it comes to rifle shooting, what is generally the most important factor in accurate shooting when it comes to the bullet?

The quality of the bullet, the quality of the barrel, the quality of the action, whether that barrel likes that bullet, the load, the stock, the "nut behind the trigger". And of course the last one can negate the best of the rest. I know I sure can. I am surprised my Benchrest gun didn't stand up and slap me a time or two.