Q&A - Top 10 Things to Make Your Shooting More Accurate

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[@danflowers8584]

That was so AWESOME. It took me decades to figure out what you just gave away in minutes. I even learned one thing I never learned. Thank you so much. You are a wonderful human being. I wish I could shake your hand and thank you personally. Be blessed Sir.

[@chunglow7646]

Awesomeness sir! America Citizens First

[@hrbricker]

It's not as easy to pass on your knowledge as one might think. Some people need different words to understand the same concept.

[@pietersmit4775]

😊

[@randytidwell8582]

I mostly shoot short range BR, I always laugh when guys make the comment "With that set up, anyone can shoot one hole!" I just tell them, there is the rifle and ammo, have at it. Knowing how to steer the rifle is the most important part of the equation! Best equipment in the world and best components will not win a match if you can't handle the rifle the same every shot. JMHO Love this guys videos!

[@stephenbaker7499]

I totally agree with what you just said... PS... Keith is the absolute best I'll sit at my reloading bench with his videos playing in the background very pleasant.

[@beestoe993]

I did some fooling around with seating depth and came to the conclusion that it didn't matter. But I am not a competition shooter. This video convinced me that my process just isn't developed enough to recognize the difference...yet. Fantastic video! It is such a privilege to learn from the pro's.

[@rayzar6720]

Seating depth does matter

[@honcho714]

You could not be more wrong , seating depth matters a lot .

[@Econolinebus]

I dug the 1 to 10 format. Priorities are the genesis of this post. Saved me a lot of trial and error. I know I'll still work hard, but this was golden. I knew most of the topics, but not their hierarchy of importance. I subscribed to your channel, Keith

[@steveswain3114]

A brilliant video Keith, extremely insightful and well presented. Anyone who's thinking of starting out in precision rifle shooting should watch this. Appreciate all the work and effort that goes into your fabulous content. Thank you.

[@pstewart5443]

I want to thank you first off. The #10 pick. I recently purchased some Berger LRHT and they're so good, I don't need to touch the points. This US mil contract they recently won, must've allowed them to purchase a buncha new equipment. I've never seen more consistent and just out of the box bullets shoot so well. 27 shots of varying powder charges from min to max all hit in a 1.7" circle. Zero flyers. I was blown away. I've now looked at 130 of the lot of 1000 I purchased and the most variance I've seen is 0.16 grains in weight and nothing wrong with the tips. The tiny hole in the tip is so small they look pointed. Worth every penny thus far. I can say that Berger must be using something in their formula to give them a better, more honest result of standard than other makers. Oher makers need to be more honest in their BC marketing as well. Ive noticed Hday has made some mods to their online reloading manual where they put a little exclamation point beside the ELD-M series to denote they used a certain bullet speed to achieve the BC calculation. I have seen 223 shooters destroy my scores. The 90 grain VLD theyre shooting is crazy accurate, but it definitely has more issues in the wind. Great list & I agree with you.

[@hardball107]

I love this video, all you've said is completely true even in my selected discipline. I was a National Match High Power shooter for over 35 years back when we shot Garands and M1a's. I sweated brass prep and developed all my loads with a heavy barrel Savage 110 in 30/06. I tested and retested all the components with that rifle and when I was shooting little 5 shot bug holes with it I turned to my favorite Garand. I doted over that rifle, bought 9 barrels for it from a competitor, all the same Danish VAR manufacture and I changed them out when needed. I had a shop in downstate NY doing all my work when needed like NM 1/2 minute sights and when my handloads went in that rifle it shot sub moa and the loads were very mid power. I shot well with it and people still looked sideways at me on some scores, an accurate rifle and load made it easy. M2 Ball just wasn't going to cut it but when I had to the rifle made all the difference. I still spend hours on brass and testing now for my 6.5 Creedmoor. When your looking for accurate rounds you need to test, the most expansive components don't guarantee the smallest groups.

[@PoliticallyIncorrect14u]

Liked and subbed ! As a recent, late to the game shooter, I am on such a massive learning curve it's insane with the amount of knowledge I have gained from people such as yourself. I find that every day I am learning something new, and while a small portion of what you said went a bit over my head, my OCD brain was able to sort of wrap around what you were saying, and so much of it does make good common sense. I never thought much about the concept of finding what ammo your gun likes, but I am understanding it more and more, and I'm now really starting to understand why exactly a lot of shooters do their own reloads. Your knowledge and how you present it all is refreshing and certainly now boring. I like the run-down format of this video, 1 to 10 to me makes more sense. Thank you for a great video !!

[@dmalcolm24]

Keith if you were wanting to make a video that would gather congratulations, then congratulations. No tongue in cheek here either. You've done it. It's a well deserved pat on the back too. Specifically I like the fact that what you said is great guidance without being burdened with too many specifics. Since I no longer fly, it's an outlet for my desire to learn (and purchase gadgets). Once again, well done. Keep up the excellent work.

[@michaelpope7642]

I'm amazed at how you make it sound so simple.. haha. Please put out a video on "the right powder charge", I've tried a few of your described methods and have found varying results. Can't wait for the next one. Thank you

[@psmith535]

You are a great instructor! Thank you for being clear and concise…

[@d.j.9961]

Living within the rustbelt of the Ohio Valley surrounded by hills, I am only exposed to long range shooting online & I definitely want to try my hand at it! I am very pro 2a however, I don't shoot that often & That will be changing very soon!!! I will be acquiring a range membership so that I can start practicing though, I am sure it is only 200-500 yards. Seeing your videos & how precise, decisive, & knowledgeable you are, You Sir, Earned a new subscriber! I am sure there is a good bit that I can learn from you!

[@alchampion340]

I’m not a precision shooter, but I’ve been around reloading all my life shotgun first in Rifle. My rifle are for hunting. I will take an accurate load over a fast load if it’s fast and accurate that’s that’s a plus. I’d rather hit where I aim and put my game down. I tried to keep everything the same cases measurements the whole 9 yards to my best ability. Thank you for the video you have taught me a lot as another fellow commented . Some of this stuff took me a long time to learn.God Bless, have a good day.

[@wlbrobinson]

I raced for a long time, the things you just passed along are key to winning and most would never give it up. My son started in Karts and placed in the worlds several times and just walked everyone at the local tracks because a good racer made a simple carb adjustment for us and the whole world opened up, get the big things first then keep drilling down until you are looking for tenths of tenths of seconds. Before we moved to Formula type cars a young girl came up to me holding her carburetor in hand asking me to set it up. I watched her win several races, you have shared this path to winning, thanks.

[@Longshothawk]

I think a mentor might be high on the list. I live in a place where f class and long range are not common at all. It's basically me and my brother stumbling in the dark trying to find our way. These videos on KZbin are a huge help, but to be able to sit down and talk, or have a direct demonstration, or someone to watch shooting position setup, or give wind pointers live in your own environment, this would change everything I do in shooting I think.

[@adrianrobertson6877]

Fantastic top 10. If every new shooter reviewed this and worked on them in order, there time and money would be optimally used. Thanks Kieth

[@kdsell2717]

Thanks, Keith! I’m currently working on developing a load for a 7mm RSAUM and am experiencing some slight issues in accuracy. Your comments about using the right primer might have saved me a headache down the road. I once had to switch primers on a 280 AI to convince it to shoot. I had completely forgotten about it until I watched this video. Thanks again for all of the insight and for taking the time to put together such a great video.

[@jcarry5214]

I hope you got your issues worked out by now but Me and other folks get great results with non-mag primers. Fed 210m gets some folks including me eye-watering accuracy, some guns need cci. But I'm kinda curious how it went for you, I haven't talked to anyone who ever made an inaccurate load, I've found it to be incredibly forgiving.

[@brentfrank7012]

Hi Keith, I just discovered you tonight. I’ve been shooting for a long long time but am just now considering reloading for all my ammo. I live in California and so, yea!!! I’ve watched video after video and it appears that my first step is choosing a reload machine, opinions vary. I’ll be loading hand gun loads of all sizes and long range out to 1,000 yrds 6.5. I might even reload my shotgun shells, did that decades ago with my dad. Thank you for the concise video. Very fun. I’m now a subscriber.

[@redrock425]

Definitely the way forward. Tailoring the ammunition to each gun gives you so many more options. I'd say here in the UK pretty much 100% of target shooters reload. You can't buy ammunition of equivalent accuracy and it would be much more expensive.

[@markthegunplumber8376]

Primers, Bullets and Powder and Barrels and Brass. See what everyone else is shooting and use that. If everyone is shooting H-4831sc don't show up with ammo loaded with AA powder and expect to shoot well. Don't come to the line with RDF bullets and expect to shoot with the big boys. The saying is "you either shoot Berger (or some equivalent) or lose to the guy who did" sad but true. Brass, i use either Lapua or Peterson and the latter of the 2. has superior quality, don't cheap out on brass. Primers, there is a lot to learn here, use what others are using generally Federals or CCIs. Federals have softer cups and CCIs have harder cups. Barrels, don't show up with a Factory or quality hunting barrel like Douglas etc. and expect to do well against cut rifled and hand lapped premium barrels for F-Class or BR. I tell my customers "i charge the same to put on a cheap barrel or a Premium barrel buy the good one" the price difference between the 2. is probably less than $100. Lots of barrels out there, i'm partial to Brux and Bartlein and Benchmark. The number one thing i hear from my customers and people i compete against is " Well, no one ever said this is a cheap sport to get into" and it's not.

[@chrismurphy3317]

Hey chap you don’t talk about bullet run out/concentricity. With a lot of the trouble shooting I do on clients rifle often run out is the issue due to inconsistent necks and or dud dies. But most of the rifles I am fixing are factory hunting rifles with lower cost brass and dies used. But still worth a mention. Neck turning in these cases fixes the problem. FYI Norma brass is usually the worst for neck inconsistencies. Love your work 👌🏻

[@lovetoflylovetofly3843]

That all sounds like sound advice to me! Thanks Keith for sharing your hard earned wisdom.

[@Jeff_Seely]

I watched this video twice because the first time I watched it it felt like somebody handed me a fistful of a $100 bills! Really, I take it as some of the most valuable advice I have ever received regarding match shooting. Thank you very much Keith. I really do appreciate your knowledge, experience, and wisdom. And a sincere, heartfelt thanks to the person who asked you this!

[@ptm4view]

Thanks! Good video. I'm definitely looking forward to more on the seating depth process.

[@coreystock5361]

Love it. Enjoy listening and learning.

[@264Win1]

Just started in f-class can use all the info there is using a 223 for present time . Need a lot of decent money to advance have been reloading for60yrs and still learning all over again.. Thanks still waiting for barrel for now practicing to be the best I can on a budget!!! Have a Blessed day Thanks

[@misterlewgee8874]

Thanks for putting all those aspects into perspective. It's appreciated and enjoyed. Fantastic Keith....looking forward to more videos....thanks.

[@James-cv5tx]

Truly brilliant video. Thank you for making it! I look forwards to seeing the further info you have on seating depth.

[@kinnyturner3121]

I'm very glad that I watched this video before I tried any competition shooting or precision reloading. Thank you for all the advice and component/money saving tips!

[@Ilovebanjos]

I am with the broke class of gun owners and let me tell you it makes me happy to shoot a 1.5 inch group with my PSA AR haha I would love to get a good bolt action one day and get into reloading but hard times. Love the videos I learn so much from your channel.

[@chrisfournier6144]

I always admire folks that do what they are interested in with the gear that they have not the gear that they want!

[@mickroberts5166]

The most important thing? Once you have rifle and ammo sorted ... it is by far your body position, specifically your shoulder contact area. If you can get the rifle to recoil in the same place, you are onto it. Otherwise here come 11 and 12 o'clock fliers ... or 6

[@brendavanorden9550]

Not disagreeing just adding in one. You have to have fun.

[@Spruce-Bug]

These indepth videos are fantastic

[@javiersp01]

This video is outstanding, can't wait for the next one, thanks a lot Keith !!

[@kenl2861]

New to your channel, but binge watching this evening. Lots of great stuff. But … this one, I wish I’d seen decades ago. Totally awesome. Thanks for all your very informative videos!!

[@cocvhecv]

Intensely illuminating

[@morgangassman5375]

Thank you for sharing

[@kencurtis508]

Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@stefanschug5490]

I agree 100% with your list and especially being fussy about bullet sorting. Standard deviation in some bullet boxes and lots, even of some really good producers vary quite a bit. For my part I reduced my occasional flyers quite a bit by sorting the bullets of each box. Great video as always. Keep up the good work!

[@SnipeU696]

Thank you.

[@ericneilson9151]

Nice . I keep waiting for learn to read the wind. Thanks for your videos they are always super good.

[@Guitarjourney4life]

I was handprimimg some ammo last night, you know how sometimes the one behind the primer your loading gets in the way? Well I primed all the cases and then when my primer tray was empty I cycled all those cartridges back through the hand primer again. Do I know if it worked, not really…but I felt better. Lol

[@micahleis5424]

I don't even know what "bullet pointing" is. Now I need to search for that. Not that it matters much though, because I still have many of the items from 1-9 ahead of that to worry about. I really enjoyed your video, thanks for making it.

[@tS-sn7jt]

Excellent explanation people waste lots of money on expensive chassis that will not change anything on accuracy

[@jeffsikula2920]

I believe in annealing before every sizeing every time. I feel it resets the neck tension. Alot of shooters do it every other or two sizeing processes but for me every time. What do you think?

[@rayzar6720]

Agreed. Its all about consistency to me. I seem to get more consistent spring back after annealing everytime which lends to consistent neck tension

[@johnclause765]

Consistent form from shouldering the rifle and trigger pull , muscle memory for every movement you make is critical for precision shooting. Precision movements make for precision shooting.

[@ewetho]

Very good list!

[@rickm4295]

I think this new Terminus action will be a good start for me. I like this channel

[@judodavid1]

Thank you for the knowledge

[@308guy8]

Man I wished I could talk to someone like u with all the knowledge I crave

[@jeffsikula2920]

I do neck turn but its done only once on new cases after sizing and just enough to skim the high spots off. I uniform my primer pockets but its part of my cleaning process. I use a K&M primer pocket tool the depth it set and does an amazing job chipping off the carbon and once in a while it'll shave some brass off. i also ream flash holes and debur..once again just done once on new brass. K&M has a nice tool to do both at the same time. I lso use a 21st Century primer tool for seating.

[@tonydevich7937]

Thanks

[@yellowjacket548]

Great advice for a newb who is taking the plunge into the world of F Class!

[@phill7404]

Man thank you this information is gold

[@bob1764]

Great video Keith. Sort brass by volume?? Sort bullets by nose profile??

[@GetMeThere1]

LOL. This is the first I've heard of "eddy current" measurements! Very interested in looking at that one further.

[@stephenhair5501]

Very good video. Although I don't shoot F Class, I really like to know how to improve my shooting skills and reloading techniques. Thank you so much for sharing you insights. Good luck, shoot small groups and God Bless.

[@Bmoreaccurate]

Thanks for the information I might have missed you talking about annealing. What is your take on it?

[@scottpellegrin8]

Your thoughts on semi automatic rifles? What can a shooter expect from them applying these techniques? You willing to experiment with them? Like a Browning BAR? Lots of hunters interested! Appreciate all your content.

[@winninginthewind]

I have nothing to work with on semi-autos. Unfortunately, I live in a state where obtaining a semi-auto rifle is almost impossible due to the legislature's mentality that the rifles are the problem when I see the real problem all along the streets every day.

[@EChunter]

How do you individually identify each piece of brass?

[@rob1135]

Thanks Keith. I expected to see buying a quality optic and properly mounting it… PS #1 having a place to shoot. #2 practice

[@davidallen3139]

I reload for hunting and do my best to make sure that my equipment is as accurate as possible so that the only variables in the field are me and the conditions. I’m in the UK and I reload in my garage all year round, I’ve no heating and no air-con and it’s always been in the back of my mind that if temperature of your powder can make a difference to accuracy when you’re shooting how much difference can it make not only to the powder but the bullet and the case when you’re reloading?

[@DakotaDinwoodie]

humidity should be your concern, not temp. temperature at the time of ignition is what matters. humidity of the powder when loaded can determine the burn rate and weight-by-volume of the powder so if its dry, you can have faster powder that weighs less per kernel, or per given volume. recipe for disaster. humid powder is the opposite effect.

[@tonydevich7937]

Awesome!, good stuff

[@ceez33167]

great vid.

[@EDX2308]

I strongly suggest that people learn math. That is the most important thing you need to learn before even thinking of reloading. 0.1 vs 0.001 or knowing what the decimal place value is all the way to reading MOA vs MRAD (MRAD is a bit tricky). Basic division for finding out costs of bullets for example $200 for say 1000 bullets and figuring out with tax to equal how much a bullet is. Most people can't figure out that .243 can use 6mm bullets.... Another thing I would suggest is if a person can choose between a so-so rifle with a really good scope or a really good rifle with a so-so scope, always get the really good scope vs the rifle.

[@keithewart9259]

At what point do you change primer. Do you find a reasonable load then tweek with different primers or while your finding a powder charge or if you’re not finding a consistent seating depth. Thanks

[@hinkrakagaming5532]

Very good tips, very good info! Thanks! One question though, I'm a novice hand loader and I've never even been close to differing in charge weights between shots to the point of one whole grain, isn't that dangerous levels? Are people that "careless" and still compete?

[@junaidaftabkhan]

Excellent video , God Bless.

[@u.t.grader4210]

Can you tell me if the 284 Winchester works well in a Rem short action?

[@kingvideo-]

VERY good video.. If I can ask, what camera are you using to make this video? It is VERY nice and clear!

[@kerryjones1257]

He’s so nerdy but a badass at the same time

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

Reading the wind. Needs to be in there…

[@honcho714]

Define valid load development process. Define the process for validating a bullet as "good".

[@davidnave4349]

I like this video and I would like to here your opion about the same subject using hunting bullets for game not targets.

[@randomidiot8142]

Probably a dumb question. Is it the longer freebores on 3" plus oal .284 win that reduces the effect of the neck on the bullet to the degree that 'clearance is clearance'? Does a short freebore barrel have more sensitivity to brass prep? I can load to 2.8" for one mag and over 3" for the other. Am I really giving the barrel more initial control of the bullet in the long oal and that's the reason it tends to shoot better? With the new trend of shorter cases in magnum actions like .300 prc, is it the longer freebores doing the majority of the work that shows the improvement over a short throated .300 win mag in a standard action?

[@winninginthewind]

The longer freebore is there exclusively to prevent contact with the donut area of the case. Extrapolating across cartridges is a dangerous game...

[@brianhollinger6109]

Keith, On your bullet obsession do you trim the meplat before pointing?

[@winninginthewind]

I hate to do this to you... It depends on whether they need it. I try not to, simply to reduce the work I have to put into the bullets.

[@honcho714]

Describe the process and theory of the eddy current machine for validating bullets.

[@davewattles7237]

I believe you will find specifics dealing with N.D.T. (non-destructive testing) for aircraft. Those are the folks for great explanations...

[@honcho714]

@davewattles7237 thanks I'll see what I can find .

[@COSpacegunner]

From an Erik Cortina video to you: Do you neck-size or full-length size your cases?

[@Patrick-fc9wn]

He was in Erik Cortina's video. He said full length size

[@DLT704]

Would like to hear from you how to properly identify the correct powder charge. Much thanks new subscriber here GREAT VIDEOS !!!!

[@randytrudeau952]

What about annealing brass? I don’t do that yet but it seems to be very popular right now.

[@tjrepka5136]

Question here. Do you start a match with a clean barrel or do you foul it previously to a match?

[@julianandrefredriksen5848]

Sold an old hog of a 6.5x55 swedish to a dude in the us that was high on competitions

[@hrbricker]

Shucks; somewhere I saw an extreme high speed video of a rifle barrel muzzle in motion. with a bullet just an inch or two in flight. If anybody can post a link to such a video along with Keith's stuff, it would be great.

[@zact9941]

I used the saterlle method in the past but now thinking doing round Robbin OCW is probably best??

[@winninginthewind]

I use a round robin OCW test based methodology. It works for me.

[@stephenbaker7499]

When I saw this video of the top 10,,, I thought neck turning has to be in the top 10 somewhere? I'm not a pro but to use a movie quote I endeavor to persevere. I was so sure neck turning would be in there somewhere. Oops... I'm 2/3 through his video and he's still going maybe Nick turning will be in there somewhere. Lol

[@TexasTrained]

Awesome Advice. I'm trying to decide if I want to change calibers or stick with my 6.5 PRC. I SHOOT A MILE PLUS QUITE A BIT. But would like to shoit PRS maybe

[@alastair9894]

Hi Keigh. Shooter from the UK. Will you ever do a video on the 6.5 creedmore using 139/136 Lapua bullets, using Vihtavouri 555. I'm struggling at 1000 yds.

[@winninginthewind]

That is unlikely for now. I don't have one and the components are not easily available.

[@peterhert9350]

There is a new manual from vihtavuori online. They use SR -Brass in 6.5 creed. There are loads for VV 555 . I prefer cci450 for 6.5x47. If i struggle I go back steps and start again. Good luck .

[@northernsky6117]

Hi, What twist rate did you have on your 308Win? Thank you.

[@scott5803]

What a relief! I was worried #10 was gonna be find religion.

[@VincitOmniaVeritas7]

I have been reloading for rifles for little over than a year now I still have a question: what’s the proper way to check for primer pocket depth? I keep hearing that consistent seating of the primers are key, but I never heard which are the right tools to check it.

[@redrock425]

I use a hand priming tool. You can feel when they bottom out. I use Lapua brass and I'm confident of the uniformity of the pockets.

[@treece1]

Ever had a bad batch or lot of Berger bullets?

[@winninginthewind]

No. Some are better than others, but never a "bad" one.

[@treece1]

@@winninginthewind good to hear. IV GOT to where that's about all I buy now.

[@pipegang6497]

Do you shoot at the same range as F-class John?

[@winninginthewind]

I line several hours away from there now. Haven't shot there in 8 or 9 years.

[@johnplummer1619]

Have you got any further with your primer seating depth tool In the market for one

[@johnplummer1619]

Depth

[@winninginthewind]

I have not. Some research I've been doing has me scratching my head a little. I'll need to do more testing when the winter weather subsides a little.

[@travisweldmaster7815]

Nah buddy its hard to argue with logic

[@junaidaftabkhan]

Wind, Sir , Wind.

[@randyemenhiser2573]

You didn't mention optics.

[@winninginthewind]

Part of a good rifle - It's included, at least, in my mind, in the rifle - #2 of the list

[@wishbone5785]

@@winninginthewind Yes - I've never really got any decent groups using open sights!

[@SuperMontanamike]

Not sure how any of this would be possible without OPTICS !! Why wouldn't you apply optics to your top 10 list.....you can't shoot without optics to the degree of precision every other topic mentioned........not exactly sure where it would fit in the list but I think #2

[@necker70]

What about concentricity?

[@winninginthewind]

I don't bother even measuring it. From my experience, I believe it makes a very small difference in these match chambers.

[@oldschooljack3479]

👍

[@chrisdewet4384]

So.....you do not consider the 308 as a good cartridge.?

[@MarkoManiac]

No. It's as good a cartridge as a civic is a good sports car.

[@sasoudovic6247]

I have a question. When using the OBT method and helping myself with an app like Gordons reloading tool, should one focus on that powder charge or chase the muzzle speed given by the app at that charge ? Given the OTB is calculated from data that is an average at best (case volume varies even with the best sorted Lapua brass a bit ... even tho sorting Brass is already close to falling in the rabbit hole), etc. Also, should seating depth come before finding a good charge, since volume and pressure changes with seating depth.