Bass, 44man
The science is in what makes any of those loads go bang and fly straight. The rules are in how they are put together. The different accuracy claims? All 3 used different componants and were using different definitions of "accurate". Those are the "variables" mentioned so often that have different answers.
Science tells us if every gun were perfect, if every bullet cast were perfect, if the load was perfect with equal ignition, of the conditions were perfect and the shooter could shoot perfect then all the bullets would go into one hole. Can you claim "perfect" in all the above? Neither can I nor anyone else. We strive for perfection (controlling the variables and being consistent in our application of the rules) but never really achieve it, that's why they are groups instead of one hole.
This is an example. It only deals with a couple aspects of science and rules as they relate to accuracy. There are of course other aspects of the science of ballistics and the rules of reloading cast bullets that affect accuracy. I am only discussing two of them here to simply make the point. The "formula" from the science tells us a 1- 38" twist won't stabilize a 300 gr cast bullet at 1000 fps very well and many have found out that is correct. The "formula" tells us that lighter weight .44 bullets will be stable in that twist at 1000 fps. A 250 gr 44 bullet in that twist which is well cast with no defects will be more accurate than a poorly cast one that is out of round, has wrinkles or voids or it's base isn't square, that is the rule (striving for perfection; one is closer to perfection than the other). Yet both the good bullets and the defective bullets are "stabilized" as per the science. Yet the more perfect bullet is more accurate. Follow the science of having an appropriate weight of bullet for the twist and velocity used and better accuracy is the result. Follow the rule to cast as perfect a bullet as possible and even better accuracy will result
The fact is; there is science involved. Always has been whether or not you understand that you are complying with it. If you did not comply with the science neither of you would develop and load ammuntion (cast or jacketed bullets) as accurate nor shoot as good as you do.
Larry Gibson