Why I Stopped Using Tuners

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[@emmettdibble8404]

In a former life I built, tuned and raced motorcycles… KISS is a universal approach to complex problems and “most” successful people employ it. Lower YOUR workload so you can perform better. Good video.

[@MrMillez]

Great info. I really appreciate you sharing this clear info. There is so much information on reloading on the internet it’s overwhelming. You videos try to cut to the chase and it’s great.

[@matthasaname]

Love the logic here. I've always said that shooters are a lot like golfers. When their game isn't up to standard, a lot of times they just throw money at the problem rather than focus self improvement. I'm at the extreme early stages of long range shooting and don't know what I don't know yet, but I can appreciate the mentality of just focusing on my skills rather than buying another tool to lug around. Saw a dude at the range with a full blown weather station and a laptop the other day. Come on man, really? Great content. Thanks!

[@douglasbattjes3991]

ABSOULTY, feel the same, so much effort to do all you development and testing, then over with a tuner, I did put one on a 6.5 C, set on zero, it shot .20 groups, but did that before. Thanks for the update.

[@snowman3219]

For those of us that can’t afford full custom rifles and spending endless hours at the loading bench & range, tuners are a god send and have saved me time & $$.

[@DWhite-el4ih]

You know this guy is an engineer with a regular day job right? Many shooters have nice rifles because they save for them and it’s their passion. It’s cool you like tuners, but Kieth is just putting in the work.

[@edwardabrams4972]

@@DWhite-el4ihamen! He is just trying to teach us lessons! Even being a hunter reloader and collector I am still learning even though I may not need or us it🤔😳

[@user-un5my5bw4j]

Tuners work a lot better after you tune the rifle with a load then adjust the tuner to top of swing. The real benefit is to beable to adjust at a match when conditions like temperature are enough to affect consistency where a tuner will bring things back in by turning out or in a hash mark

[@jaymiller393]

@@DWhite-el4ihyou may want to follow someone who is actually successful in the shooting sports then…

[@smolaman83]

even with full custom and long, dragged out load development, tuners are needed when you shoot in different parts of the country. I load dev at 750 sea level, shoot regularly for fun and personal best at 2200. and compete at anywhere in between..

[@toddb930]

Thank you for your thoughts on tuners, Keith. I'm just getting started in the short range benchrest game. A couple friends of mine who have been doing benchrest for a long while have tried tuners and no longer use them. I haven't gotten to the point where I pick their brains for the reason why. For now I'm not going to use a tuner but rather develop a load using Tony Boyer's approach to arrive at a powder charge weight and bullet seating depth.

[@patrickrichard2106]

Very interesting presentation delivered, as always, dispassionately while presenting well thought of arguments. Personally, point #3 applies more than the other two due to lack of experience but my take, when it comes to technological matters, is that parsimony is desirable and something to strive for. The fewer things can go wrong, the fewer things to worry about. I think this was more a lab coat than a sports jacket video... 🙂

[@longship789]

Thanks Keith, that was very informative. I was considering a tuner but on the basis of your video I won't. Also, Bryan Litz did extensive testing of tuners with several calibres and after approx 800 rounds per barrel he concluded that a tuner will not come up with a REPEATABLE best load.

[@randylong8156]

Words of wisdom! All the guys trying to sell stuff are not going to like this!!

[@daviddale3624]

Sincerely, thank you. I have shot exactly seven 600 yard F-Class events. The first five with a .308 whose receiver dates to the early 1940s (an Italian heritage Mauser) average was 357.8, woo hoo. The next two events I was allowed to shoot my .260 Remington with EC Muzzle Brake/Tuner in the open class. Average score there 376.5. My immediate goal was to average 360 (or to keep everything in the nine ring at 600 yards). These are my hunting guns and the objective was to improve my shooting. I have shot a variety of projectiles to arrive at a suitable "target" load. I know that physics dictates that the greater the density, overall mass, and barrel length the higher the frequency and the less the amplitude. The tuner has made it possible to shoot a variety of different weight projectiles to achieve my less than one MOA goal. Just saying.

[@mickroberts5166]

It is great to hear pure logic. This is exactly why I don't use tuners neither (FTR). There is enough variables at play, the last thing I need is another one, especially since its benefits are so easily outweighed by risk.

[@randyschnelle4137]

So I had that happen to me on my 308 . The EC Cortina brake tuner combo got loose either in the case or on the ride to the range. Im taking it off and going to rely on powder charge and seating depth.

[@KingLoopie1]

Interesting video! I agree with what you say. I almost bought a tuner but for some reason just thought it SAS a mistake for me and my load development routine. You just explained what those reasons were better than I ever could. I never really considered the psych angle though. Thanks for that!

[@asullivan50i]

Im not a competitive shooter, so the keep it simple approach is something I can relate to. Thanks for the information and honesty in your experience with these tuners.

[@toddfez67]

Lots of trips to the range and lots of rounds for load development. EC-TUNER saved me lots of time and money.

[@MH-yc7wm]

I don’t have $$$ to buy $5k rifle, so I setup my tuner to the best I know and forget it after that. It improved ~$1k rifle from sub MOA to sub 0.5 MOA. I don’t keep changing the tuner settings

[@rayzar6720]

Very valid in your 3 points. I've got a tuner for my 22LR which has helped shrink the groups very tight. As for my centre fire rifles you are dead on the money with good loads and seating depth tests. Thankyou for doing this and now get that suit and your wife out for a nice meal 👍

[@user-ku8rc3mv5i]

Great advise Thanks

[@stephenkrampert3430]

Great video especially covering the psychological effect also works that way with trapshooting ;little less technical with the Clay target game

[@medfloat5001]

Interesting viewpoints. Thanks for sharing.

[@ronsmith9228]

I use 3 tuner/brakes on 3 rifles same reamer cut chambers same twist barrels. Various round count barrels as well. All compete 1k VBR, load is the same across the board annealed, turned necks, trimmed, primer pockets uniformed, neck bushing fls, mandrel uniform, etc each firing less the neck trim of course. Custom bullets cnc turned and HBN coated. The load is the same and the tuner dials it in individually for each rifle. 6bra chambered, kreiger and brux barrels. Tuner/brake also kept my wife shooting with me, she had 3 shoulder surgeries and trying to keep her company at matches. So Keith I enjoy your podcasts and have applied to my own loading and shooting, keep up the good work. Thank you Ron Smith

[@gearguidesguns571]

I appreciate your insight into this tuner topic. I remember when Browning/Winchester came out with the Boss tuning system, maybe 20 years ago. They can work, but I think it is not the "ideal" way to tune a rifle/load combo. I personally am not interested in using a tuner, for many of the reasons you suggest. I would rather "tune" the load to my rifle than tune the barrel to a load. You made some additional points I had not thought of also, Maybe if a person has a factory rifle, shooting factory ammo, then using a tuner/brake combo could be an option for tuning in this scenario, but if I am hand loading for an accurate rifle, then I prefer to tune the load instead of the barrel. If someone has a rifle and load they need to shoot, and need something to work on short notice, possibly due to lack of components, a new rifle or lack of time, then a tuner could be useful in such a situation, but I would not rely on a tuner as a long term solution. I am more of a hunter than a competition shooter and you bring up a good points about the tuner coming loose. I have seen muzzle brakes come lose and destroy accuracy at the range and on hunting trips. Anything attached to the barrel needs to be tight and checked on a regular basis. For hunting, reliability is more important than accuracy as most hunters don't have the time to get a perfect rest and judging wind without flags or wind meters leaves a lot on the table.. As long as a rifle is reasonably accurate, but reliable/consistent, this is more important than 1/4 MOA accuracy with an inexperienced shooter or potential functionality issues with the rifle. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. There are lots of opinions regarding shooting, products, ammo, etc, but there are also many things which hold more true than not. Bryan

[@outdoorsinpatv5031]

This has been heavily discussed the last few days in a few forums I’m in. I do not use them the main reasons I stated you touched on in here. Very well made video

[@brad855]

You have a lot of valid points and you have the proof of winning matches to back them up. Great video

[@DLN-ix6vf]

I believe tuners really shine with factory barrels & recreational shooters. As far as costs go my factory barrel was threaded and I purchased a Harrells tuner/brake for approx. $100.00 which is not very much. It would cost me well over $1k to buy a precision barrel and have the action machined so costs truly is not a factor. My groups for my 223 have been reduced from 5/8" to 3/8" @ 100 yds. plus I reload the same all the time so no variance there. 😀

[@tridentsix]

AGREE, if you're not turning your ammo and using production ammo (22lr) a tuner can help.

[@DLN-ix6vf]

@@tridentsix that sentence doesn't make any sense at all

[@prone_wolf8871]

You definitely don't need to spend a lot of money on "custom rifles" or tuners to shoot as small as you mention........... Example Tikka ctr in 6.5 creed shoots half inch or so with factory ammo...costs is around a grand for the gun..(less before covid lol)

[@DLN-ix6vf]

I have actual proof to back up what I said what do you have ? Tikkas are very well made rifles but they are not , not cheap. @@prone_wolf8871

[@marknyp3255]

I'm glad a shooter of note, has finally shared this insight. Many thanks Keith.

[@greymatter7624]

Thank you for sharing!

[@josephhusk746]

Thank you for the time to word the explanation so well.

[@campnoutdoors1621]

Tuners work period. It doesn't take that long to learn which way to turn the tuner and how far to turn it. How long will if take for your shooting audience to learn how much to heat up or cool down there ammo and which way to go when conditions change the tune? It's exacty the same as a tuner just a different way of getting there! In comparison its far easier to turn a knob than to carry around a bucket of ice and a heater

[@kevanharvey268]

Thanks for sharing this information, I have been thinking about a tuner so it's great to have the pro's & cons to be able to make the right decision for you. 👍

[@stephenarmstrong7354]

Great videos. Juist getting stated shooting at longer ranges at Douglas Ridge Rifle Club near Boring OR. Would like to get your opinion on the Tacom structured barrel.

[@winninginthewind]

I have a total of zero experience with those, so I can't really comment. If they were a little cheaper, I'd probably try one just for grins.

[@timothybarry508]

Terrific! Well thought out explanation …

[@mikemiller7662]

Thank you for defining this question. I have been debating trying a tunner but feel it is just one more thing to spend energy and time towards. Know one has been able to give me a logical explanation about this subject, untill your video.

[@wilfdarr]

Excellent video, completely agree. I've always thought that a tuner makes sense on a 22 where you can't adjust any other variables, ammo is cheap, and shots don't significantly wear the barrel; but on a center fire, where there's already a hundred other variables to nail down, barrels only last a couple thousand rounds, and ammo is $2 a shot, I agree they just don't make sense.

[@joelpalsson7711]

Interesting video, thank you for helping us

[@ptm4view]

Thank you! You've covered it well...

[@runningwithscissors3997]

My takeaway - most of us aren’t good enough to consistently shoot at a high level for any number of reason - adding another variable only complicates it. There is no easy fix - just ask golfers. Ha! Great video!

[@j45acp69]

Couldn't agree more in the Centerfire game. However I have found tuners for .22 LR accuracy to be absolutely fantastic! Thanks for the video.

[@jennifferbondurant673]

Tuners in the rimfire game are so you can tune to the ammo. Centerfire you tune the ammo to the rifle

[@kingropplebopplesoppy2634]

@@jennifferbondurant673 Love to hear more on the difference ... in both of your scenarios you mentioned you're tuning the ammo ... just that in the second instance you added "to the rifle". Please explain how in rimfire you turn a device on the end of a barrel and it affects the actual ammunition instead of how it performs in your rifle.

[@quarterminutemagnums]

The Williamsport guys knew this 45 years ago. I would never install one on a personal rifle.

[@TunerPlinker]

Depends on what you are shooting. For 22LR, definitely need a tuner. Barrel profile is also important. Carbon fiber barrel are fantastic with tuners. In addition to tuners, I've added collars to my CF barrel and it practically shoot tight groups no matter what ammo I put in it. Adding collars changed the harmonics and POI, etc. The math is there to prove it out.

[@justovelarde3456]

Adding Collars? How is that? Thank you.

[@GXMV]

tell us about collars pls!

[@CrustyOldMarine]

Great info and thanks for sharing. I'm still a relative "newbie' in F Class shooting, solid EX-MA and am running a tuner on the RPR 6.5 CM I'm shooting. Yes, I know I need a more "proper" rifle and I'm getting there but, fantastic learning is occurring along the way. Right or wrong, I don't mess with the tuner very often, nor do I worry at a match if I need to adjust it. I've tested out to a great velocity node, seating depth and tuner setting and, currently will only worry about ambient temp, ammo temp and/or adjust the powder charge VERY slightly to compensate for anticipated temp/wx. One thing I've discovered is just how deep into even the roots of the weeds we shooters can go. The depths and minuscule variables seem to have no end. I would be interested to see how many, if any, multi "National" Level champions (FO, FTR) don't go there (into the weeds). Like, they just find a great load, seating depth and run with it all the time/all conditions and still manage major wins because of their shooting skills. Or, does such a shooter even exist?

[@winninginthewind]

There aren't a lot of multi-time National champions in a sport that is less than 20 years old. I think we all get into the weeds a bit in testing, just to make sure we aren't leaving anything on the table.

[@natinnh1]

I’m with you and your thinking process. All very valid points.

[@sixfiveoutfitters1201]

Excellent info and well-reasoned.

[@winninginthewind]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mikecarroll2025]

Very interesting, valid points. Thank you.

[@dem1157]

I agree Keith. I have two barrels and both are threaded for Cortina tuner. Don't use it but keep it mounted and tightened up. Next barrels will not be threaded. Is it better to leave it on tightened down or remove it completely with threads exposed?

[@robertpenman7312]

Thankyou I already was against them and all for just developing the right load, but now you have given me even more reason not to go with a tuner even though so many say they are magic

[@lonecrapshooter6197]

Work up your best load, then add a tuner, it will usually tighten your group.

[@freeandcriticalthinker4431]

Great insight into tuners Keith! Great video. Hey question, how about for the ELR guys (mile plus)? Do you think it’s more applicable in that situation? And not necessarily in actual competition either…

[@winninginthewind]

I don't shoot ELR, so I don't know what the implementation would look like in that usage. Perhaps an accomplished ELR shooter would be better to ask?

[@patrickcolahan7499]

I have been considering a tuner on my next barrel, plenty of time to think about it as it is 8 months out with Brux. I started looking at tuners but remember how much I have seen others playing with it during a match. You make a lot of sense in your 3 reasons. This definitely helps to confirm my decision to not use a tuner. There is just no magic that can be purchased, Accuracy and Precision result from many different factors and nothing is going to change that. Thanks very much for sharing.

[@Rockrewls]

Thanks for the video, excellent points.

[@timphillips8966]

I disagree. I have tuners on ALL my rifles and LOVE them. I've never had any problems, ever...

[@davidk5832]

So amazing I see this in my feed Keith. Just started using a tuner and have been questioning the pros and cons. Super excited to hear your opinion and I will be ditching this going fwd. Best Regards from central QLD Australia (Raglan range).. we love you over here. Regards Dave

[@randyschnelle4137]

What do you think about just going with a brake or not?

[@davidblaauw1806]

Excellent Keith, thank you!

[@Jeff_Seely]

I cannot say much because I have never ran a tuner however you have, carefully considered the risks which are many, and based on those you cancel out their use. I agree when you have the sort of risks as you describe, it would be crazy to put it on a competition rifle.

[@badoldboy5557]

My opinion. A barrel tuner doesn't make a bad barrel good. Bad ammo doesn't get any better with a barrel tuner. If the components are good and have been processed correctly, then what is the need for a barrel tuner? Thanks for the great video.

[@freedomlover3834]

I like your respect. You are like the Mr Rogers of long range… thank you for your wisdom you have saved me a lot of time and money.

[@bill2988]

Thank You for all your help. You have saved me countless $$$ in the past. I look forward to watching your videos. Thank You again.

[@winninginthewind]

You are so welcome!

[@sdvc244]

Thanks for you're astute assessment, very good to weigh those factors indeed, I've been thinking about getting a tuner, to much hype in favor, Cheers

[@jackjackson9068]

Great content Keith. My one question is did the weight of the tuners make the powder or seating depth nodes longer. 🤔

[@winninginthewind]

Only the heaviest one had any chance of doing that, but the effect is subtle.

[@paulmartin6152]

Hi I’m still trying to decide what to do with my new Remington 700BDL in 308 5R. I wanted to get a nice stock or chassis that will fit me the best. I also don’t like recoil so I thought a nice muzzel break would be helpful. Can you offer any suggestions for a newbee. My gun is factory except for a Timmney trigger.

[@brentfrank7012]

Thank you for this information. I have not tried a tuner, great to hear opinions from others who have.

[@pauli2559]

I think I understand what is going on here. I also have been reconsidering a EC tuner. I have used the rubber doughnut type tuner with success with my old Den. 700 in rem.222 hand loads. When I developed a good load I used the tuner to fine tune. So then I stay there. When I purchase a Savage mod. 10 with a 26" tactical barrel in 6cr I were surprised to find how easy it was to shoot bug holes at 100 Yds. I now can see that a tuner isn't for the Savage 6CR. Why risk loosing what I have. I'm with you. KISS. keep it simple Stu...

[@tommykawasaki9676]

A few shooters at my range, have recently purchased tuners & it’s the next big trend. I very instinctively thought to myself, “Nope, don’t need one” I didn’t know why, I just felt a strong “NO” Now I know why. Thank you 👍

[@dougrogillio2223]

You are correct. The idea of loading is too eliminate variables, not create them.

[@Michael-rg7mx]

It isn't new. They were around in the 80's. They even came stock on some factory rifles.

[@tommykawasaki9676]

@@Michael-rg7mx I didn’t realize they have been around that long. I never saw them back then. But the trend at my local club is new. It’s catching on like AR’s, 6.5 Creedmoors & Vortex Scopes. Pretty soon everyone will have one.

[@Michael-rg7mx]

@@tommykawasaki9676 It came stock on Brownings as the Boss. Ported or plain. That was 30 some years ago.

[@normankaster917]

Factory ammo, same hole 3 shot groups @ 300 yards 30-06 EC tuner brake. The gun shot 1.5 MOA before the install... To me it works and that means money well spent.

[@janlindegaard765]

Thanks! So nice that the facts and the feelings are clearly seperated. Great video💪

[@jorgefigueroa7573]

Excellent informative Video. Unfortunately trying to complete a true comment based on opinion may take very long. But I'll try somewhat. 1st off one has to deside what is the objective or what your even shooting for. 2nd Yeah if you don't have a treaded barrel already unlike almost everyone has today for a muzzel brake or a suppressor why even take that step. Almost all if not most custom rifles come with some form of threading. 3rd, Powder, Seating Depth, Bullet choice, barrels and Tuners are like a ring or circle. If you can complete a true node for each in your rifle, then you have completed the best you have to work with. Now as mentioned not every one has maybe the means or availability to purchase the best in all. Lastly, I would have to believe that the opinions in this scenario is for the most part based on F-Class competition shooting. Personally, I try to develop bullet, powder, and seating depth 1st to see what my rifle even likes. And later if the barrel is threaded from the gate, Yes by all means use to the Tune if desired or needed to possibly do any fine tuning to the node. IMHO.

[@platzgo933]

Very interesting. I shoot NRA prone matches at the national level. It seems like there is a difference in the approach to tuners among the competitors I see. The folks that shoot from the sling get their rifle in tune with a lot of ammo, then don’t mess with the settings. The F class shooters seem to want to adjust more frequently. Your absolutely correct concerning match day. Development is done during practice sessions. Match day is a day to win and the only way to do that is to pay attention to conditions and believe in you and the equipment 100%.

[@artbogden4958]

Thanks for a really good video, I enjoyed every word. 🇺🇸

[@kenmiller6880]

I could not agree more. They started in 22lr where loads can't be worked. I think to many people go for the tuner expecting magic, when at best it's another variable that needs controlled, in a world where the fewer variables the better.

[@Michael-rg7mx]

Tuners are like the screws on a carburetor. As soon as anything goes wrong they make changes, because they can. Not because it is the problem.

[@odiegator]

Whitworth's hexagonal barrel most likely never produced vibrations, and it's hexagonal projectile did not lose energy through friction losses. It shot over one thousand yards on black powder with unmatched accuracy.

[@WeekendTrailRider]

I agree that if you are messing with your tuner in the field then it is a problem. I think if you simply use the tuner as a 3rd part of your load development and then lock it, leave it, forget it exists there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. At that point it is just the barrel end, not a field adjustment and you are back to assessing the conditions, not the rifle.

[@user-ez6vh5lk7i]

At an F class match last year I was pair shooting with Master/High Master. He got into the mode of adjusting the tuner and he admitted to losing focus on shooting, Just as Keith describes. I'm convinced - no tuner on my center fires.

[@mlone7]

One thing I think about when shooting is most of us do it because its fun. When complexities of competing get too technical it takes away from the fun. You can spend all this time and money with your focus on winning the match only to have it taken from you by the weather or wind or bad ammo. With 22LR you are pretty much at the mercy of the suppliers. If everything is too serious that equates to stress that none of us needs and you arent having fun.

[@garrytalley8009]

Very nice video. You express all your decisions on tuners based on F Class shooting and all the variables that need to be considered. It's more like keep it simple stupid by eliminating one item that could be overly relied upon or accidentally get out of tune. I myself use tuner brakes but I am just looking for hunting with it at reasonable ranges that does not require all that is involved with F-Class and just use common threaded barreled rifles. I do appreciate your videos because in the long game like you do you need to do the homework and do what it takes to reduce the mistakes. Winning in the wind is not easy. Thanks for the video.

[@rdsii64]

I have never used a tuner so I don't know what I'm missing. With that said, I have also never really felt I need one either. When I once again have the time to pick up an F-T/R rifle,(hopefully soon) I seriously doubt I will bother with a tuner.

[@wayneschenk5512]

Great advice.

[@user-un5my5bw4j]

I stopped using tuners on my light gun class 1000yd benchrifle. Mostly because last barrel burnt out in July last year and i didnt have time to calibrate a tuner after tuning the barrel during prime time in match season. Also they are a lot of extra shots down a pipe. That being said Mike Ezell Tuners are the best available

[@philkolkman3199]

Amen brother!!!!

[@blackprince4074]

My take on calibers over .22 that you can reload. Well barrel length/weight is the real issue, look at it this way a Trombone (musical instrument) has a movable tube that you move to get the notes that you want, so if you don't move it into the right length well you get a bum note, then if you hit the right length, wham you have the right note coming out. So just get you load right for each barrel. Keep your powder dry.

[@javiersp01]

Thanks Keith !!!!

[@ironDsteele]

I appreciate this video- Thanks.

[@adeniranm7647]

Here we go!

[@hugosalceda1973]

The most intelligent explanation I've have ever heard. 👌

[@WilhelmNauta]

Thanks for sharing why you don’t use tuners. As for me, I will continue to use tuners because your three issues don’t apply to me. I am saving thousands of dollars by not having to do seating depth development (yes, I do find that the tuner substitutes seating depth development!). I have a competent gunsmith, and I am not an F-class shooter (i.e. a 0.5 MOA group is fine for me and then I go hunt). As long as the tuner remains on the same setting, the groups stay small. I agree that “tuning” in the field is not a good idea (unless you are very experienced in it), but the idea of a tuner is to tune at the range and then LEAVE it there for your hunt/competition. As for me, tuners are the business (saving lots of time and money). But I still gave you a thumbs up, because I value your opinion (which is somewhat aimed at competitive F-class shooters). Keep up the good work, Keith.

[@TheMrkiddi]

I use a tuner on my brake when competing because the load my rifle likes with my suppressor goes from 0.3 moa to 0.8 moa and i can get it back down to 0.3 with the tuner, It saves me having 2 different loads for the brake and the suppressor.

[@kencarpenter108]

I agree with you. If I was up to the author's level of competition where I have that kind of money for that kind of equipment(custom barrels, reloading equipment(powder measuring down to the 100 th of a grain), presses, etc, I probably would not need one. In my case, I developed rounds the old way of moving seating depth .002" in after finding the velocity node. Now, find the velocity node and tune. Works for me and they are on my rifles. I don't shoot competition.

[@user-dl2rg3sl8u]

psychology of tech dependency - distraction ... I see this everyday in similar situations, physicians lose focus on the patient while fiddling with the electronic medical record, photographers lose their connection with the subject while fiddling with the gazillion buttons on new high tech digital cameras, as a clinical physiologist.... when conducting a stress test I like to watch the athlete, listen to the breathing, sound of treadmill belt, foot strike, body posture, etc .... like your thinking

[@MrCravin8388]

Not all Tuners need to be cut to fit. once you get a good load after doing a load developement you can do a quick tune before you stretch it out at every outing. Thats all I need to ring steel for fun. Your right its better to master your load and rifle but this is not all I load for or all I do so Tuners rock! If I took it as serious as you and went to competition I would spend countless hours try to reach for perfection but I'll settle for close enough. These are made for guys like me, who are seeing what one can do and try for distance just for personnal achivement. and of course getting new toys!

[@linklesstennessee2078]

Good information

[@marionrichardson1141]

I agree with all this, but i love load testing for about 30 yrs and log all my work . never shot competition

[@thegriff9425]

Can you please link to the video you mentioned where you heat and cool ammunition. Thanks.

[@winninginthewind]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGbXiaWXmquaZ9E

[@WilliamAL1547]

Great video! I really like that you address the value of your psychological condition. Tuners do work, but the benefits do not seem to outweigh the risks in your scenario. I couldn't agree with your assessment more. I think people undervalue the risk of threading a barrel as well. For most people on premium barrels, this will not be a huge issue unless something goes horribly wrong. For someone that .1 moa could be the difference between a championship and a quiet drive home, it is a HUGE risk.

[@tommykawasaki9676]

The psychological condition is such a huge factor. I recently had a chance to work with a very disgruntled shooter at my range last week. He was dealing with faulty equipment & the bottom line is, he was leaving the range with no confidence in himself or his gun. I stopped him, let him use my rest, spotting scope & targets & he got back on track. His gun was great, shooting was great & he left happy, feeling ready to hunt.

[@clapton924]

I can't really offer an opinion because I've never used a tuner. However, it would be interesting to tally how many of the top 10 finishers at nationals or world championships use tuners. F-Class competitors throw incredible amounts of time and money into this game...and they aren't stupid.

[@JCTaylor21]

One factor/expense not mentioned is barrel life. If a barrel is good for 2,000-2,500 shots, expending 500-750 rounds doing development and tuning, you've expended 1/4-1/3 of that barrel's life just mapping the tuner. Depending on which cartridge you use, that barrel life can be even shorter. I believe it's a waste of barrel life for dubious results. I wasted 350 rounds in one of my barrels and never found a setting that improved over not having a tuner on it at all. Could I if I continued and found that ideal setting? Maybe. Then once conditions change, that setting may not remain ideal. I cut my losses and left it off. Maybe my experience is just anecdotal and there are plenty out there who have different experience, maybe I'm just not as qualified or experienced, but I've read enough from authoritative sources whose experience has mirrored mine to convince me I'm not the outlier.

[@cfranklin7450]

Without testing myself where I see a tuner being useful is on a factory rifle with factory ammunition in a non competition role. Does this seem like a more likely place to see a gain and worth while investment?

[@fentonpainter7907]

Yep. Factory rifle and ammo plus an EC tuner brake is all you need for hunting, saving you dollars not buying reloading equipment and components

[@jeffsikula2920]

Absolutely agree....I think you end up juggeling to many balls. If your load is good.. its good. If your load is good but the tuner is set wrong you'll start adjusting in a match when that's supposed to be done on 'development day'. That's a problem for the average shooter....not for a pro like you or Erik Cortina.

[@ewetho]

Keith I really appreciate your insight into this. Truly makes sense… however under my use I truly love them. I do not shoot competitions and has allowed me to tune a thrown together load using quality powder with high load densities and just pick a bullet seating depth and make 1.5” groups consistently right at .5”. Now being that I am only making hunting ammo this saves me time and components as I can have a full on sighted in from new hunting load in 50 rounds. However this uses common threaded ends not the super fancy.. mine is a EC Tuner Brake. For a competition gun I see your point! For the PRS guys who just use factory ammo or a hunting rifle your concerns of spinning the dial is still true but what it can accomplish is cool.

[@TasteofCanadianOutdoors]

I am with you especially on the psychology part. I shoot shotgun and I shoot a lot better since I got a shotgun with Fixed choke. One less thing to think about during the competition. Very well said.

[@willo7734]

Thats a great point about the psychology of tuners. For those of us that tend to be obsessive about the little details there’s a danger of chasing your tail turning the tuner based on small sample size data that is pretty much meaningless.

[@tridentsix]

Great logic...again well said. Excessive shooting before "record" is VERY detrimental (heat / fouling). OVERALL, SPOT ON.

[@The4GunGuy]

GREAT VIDEO. I used tuners on both rimfire and centerfire rifles (PRS)...USED TO. Changed to a straight taper barrel on both and took the tuners off. My rimfire still shoots sub-MOA groups at 300 yds, where we're generally shooting 3+ MOA targets...All good there. My centerfire 6BRA is a tack driver without a tuner because the gunsmith who does my barrels is an old bench-rest shooter and knows his stuff. My conclusion on tuning, specific to centerfire, where YOU control the cartridge is that you are actually tuning your CARTRIDGE to your barrel. Once I have powder charge, seating depth, my loading process honed, etc... I have tuned my cartridge for the harmonics of my barrel. That's just the way I think about it now. LOVED all three of your reasons and all make sense. Can't tell you how many rounds I wasted tuning the barrel, only to wonder why I might be off in competition (when it was because of me or other conditions I didn't consider), which then messes with my head the entire day.