I dont care much about accuracy, at least in the sense of making small groups from a bench. I really only care about hunting accuracy, and shooting from field positions, mostly offhand. I normally load to duplicate factory power and as long as I get factory accuracy im pretty content.
I reload mostly for the economy, but also self sufficiency and the hobby factor comes into play. Most of the guns I am interested in, are either handguns or short range rifles. Rifles like my winchester 94 30-30.
I do have some interest in getting a bolt action rifle with a scope, but I normally dont like such. However, I digress, when I get a scope sighted bolt gun I would be happy with less than 1 1/2" groups at 100 yards considering i'd never shoot past 350 yards, and rarely if ever that distance. And I wouldnt worry any if I averaged 2" groups for that matter.
I dont hardly ever shoot from a bench. If I shoot for accuracy, I go prone as I dont have a bench. I generally shoot seated, off my knees and standing for both practice and fun. With a rifle, I can easily hit an empty shotgun shell at 25 yards with my 22 rifle offhand. And can get between 4" and 6" on a normal day with a handgun at the same distance. On a good day, I can hit a 2" target at 25 yards with a handgun, provided the sights are suitable and the gun will do it. My moms single six will do it, when I can. I've done a lot of practicing, dry firing and shooting over the years to get that good. While most folks caint hit the broad side of a barn offhand, I know an expert can put me to shame.
So I figure... if either factory ammo or my reloads can do better than I can from the shooting positions I normally use, why worry about getting smaller groups from the bench.
Is there anyone else that prefers practical field shooting opposed to the bench bound accuracy game? Is it just me? Am I nuts?
Bazoo
Added; In my original post, I think folks got the impression I didnt test my loads for accuracy... not so. I just dont chase the accuracy. If I work up the powder charge in 5 steps, and the 3rd step gives me the best accuracy, then I generally go with that one. If that is 2" at 100 yards and thats in line with or better than factory im pretty content with it.