Homers Brother,
I know what a chronograph is but don't really understand why that is so important. Are you saying I should try to achieve the same numbers listed in the reloading manuals? I was thinking that I'd create different loads, try them out and the load that gives me the best group is the one I'd use. Why is it so important to know the velocity as long as my groups are good?

A friend told me that i should look at getting better brass (Nosler or Lapua vs Rem) and match grade primers, etc., etc., He does competition shooting and is very fussy about his loads. I do not doubt that fine tuning these little things can help me achieve tighter groups but for a hunting load how necessary is it?

Any and all advice is appreciated. Thank you!