I understand entirely what you mean Kraky, when you talk about reloading. Bottom line, you have to give that barrel/rifle what it wants. Forget what you want, or what your buddy is shooting. Too many times we as reloaders (me included!) get set on a specific bullet, powder or primer that we want the rifle to shoot and the barrel harmonics just don't jive.
Case in point: I have a good shooting buddy who had a Browning BAR in .270 Win that usually averaged 1/2" or better (with reloads). He traded the thing for another BAR in .25-06 and it shoots 1.25-1.50" if he's lucky. Most of the time groups are around 2"! He has been fighting this rifle for about 2 weeks now and still hasn't gotten it to shoot worth a hoot. I've been in contact with him pretty much the whole time. He has tried every powder he has, even bought a can or two to try. He told me Saturday that he has already shot 4 boxes of 100gr Ballistic Tips and still nothing. He asked what I shot in mine? Ans: 100gr Ballistic Tips and 100gr Barnes TSX with RL22 and CCI BR2's (I shoot a Sendero SF). He refuses to try the Barnes because he doesn't like "copper bullets". I even offered him some free. He did buy a lb of RL22, even though he has said in the past he doesn't like Alliant or Hodgdon. I've suggested that maybe his barrel would like the Sierra 90gr HP, 115gr NBT, Sierra 120gr HPBT, Partitions, SST's. Bottom line: he wants that 100gr Ballistic Tip to shoot. It's fun to watch a drama in the making, deer season opens in 12 days! LOL. Johnny K.