Too many varibles to make a accurate debate...I would boil it down to one thing..."the best barrel"
Ray,
Right on.
I've been paying close attention to case prep and loading too. Case prep is a PITA, but it's paying dividends for my 222 and 223.
I've been weighing cases and sorting them, along with deburring flash holes inside, and reaming primer pockets. Plus, I seat bullets with Wilson type dies to control runout. The proof is in some excellent accuracy I've been getting. With my ancient Rem 722 in 222 Rem, just this week I shot a three shot group that measured .184" at 100 yards, using a 20x scope I use for load developing.
If the rifle hadn't had a good barrel to begin with, I'd never have shot that kind of group.
Don
