The rifle barrels that are now made today via computer driven machines are of extreme quality at a fraction of the cost 50 years ago, I am showing my age.
Given these great barrels today the accuracy of long distance shots is driven by the skill of the shooter and the shooter knowing the proper loads and bullets for which he is attempting these shots.
Odd story about some great ammo. We made some of the finest ammo we could to most exact standards for my friends father in law. We also tried to sight it in with his rifle. It was throwing a pattern about a foot at 100 yards. This was totally weird. I then took my rifle with the same ammo. I made shots with 1/2 inch groups. The ammo was great. My .270 had a two inch longer barrel and a different twist rate.
We then took the same ammo with a different powder load that slowed down the velocity by only 200 feet per second. The former rifle then achieved precise groupings.
Barrel length, twist rate, and profile, along with powder choice and powder weight all impact the vibration harmonics of the barrel and therefore the accuracy of the shot. All of this is in addition to the mechanical precision of the bore.
I have more than one rifle and two pistols that are very picky(accuracy) about what ammo they are fed.
I have more than one rifle and two pistols that are very picky(accuracy) about what ammo they are fed.