ME: < I used to do load development and accuracy verification using 5 round groups at 10-15 yards. >
THR peanut gallery: Oh no, 10-15 yards are too close to determine true accuracy, need to test loads at 25 yards.
ME: OK, I will test 5 round groups at 25 yards.
THR peanut gallery: Oh no, one powder work up is not enough to determine true accuracy trend.
ME: OK, I will repeat my range test several times to verify accuracy trend.
THR peanut gallery: Oh no, 5 round groups don't provide enough information, need 10 round groups.
ME: OK, I will test 10 round groups at 25 yards.
THR peanut gallery: Oh no, you need to remove the shooter input at 25 yards.
ME: OK, I will test at 25 yards using scope and bipod (I even tried going prone).
THR peanut gallery: Oh no, your reloading variables are not consistent enough.
ME: OK, I will isolate reloading variables and work to increase consistency.
ME: I have isolated various reloading variables (Projectile ogive/diameter consistency, Powder metering variance, Finished OAL, Neck tension/case wall thickness/bullet setback, Chambered OAL, Residual lube affect on neck tension/bullet setback, etc.) and myth busted/confirmed them using ASTM Class 6 check weight verified scales and Class ZZ plus/minus pin gage verified calipers.
THR peanut gallery: < Silence >
THR peanut gallery: Oh no, 25 yards is too close to test carbine loads, need to test at 50-100 yards.
ME: OK, I will test carbine loads at 50-100 yards.
THR peanut gallery: Oh no, 10 round groups are not the final judge of accuracy trend, need 20 or more round groups. And you really need to isolate out shooter input.
ME: OK, I will test 20-50 round groups. And I will build a machine rest so I won't even be touching the pistol/carbine when they go bang.
THR peanut gallery: < I can almost feel it coming ... "You need to hold your mouth open just right when activating the remote trigger"
>
Thank goodness I am retiring ...