the sprue

[jim m]

sprue up or down. I've tried all different ways and I just don't shoot good enough to tell the difference. anyone have a preference and can you tell a difference in your groups.

[Dave K]

I point mine up, so I know at least where it is when I start it. I really don't think it makes any difference. Wacking the sprue to start the ball, may just reduce it's size a little.

[b bogart]

Sprue up for no paticular reason. Just always done it and was told along time ago that was the way it was done! Who am I to argue??
Bruce

[Roger Fisher]

Sprue up so I know where it is!

I understand that the hind end of the ball's shape is more important than the front!

[jim m]

yep, sprue up is the way I do it and for all the same reasons I seen posted so far.

[BJH]

The Bevel Brothers did some  tests to quantify the difference  in their article in M.B.. If I remember correctly, sprue up  was more accurate with sprue down and random being less accurate.  They do much of their accuracy tedting with telescopic sights to eliminate error.

[Daryl]

How can you be certain the sprue is straight down.  Heck - trying to get it perfectly centered straight up is a challenge sometimes, even though you can see it.  I doubt very much anyone can get it straight down and centred. Matter of fact, I'd put money on that. So- if it isn't centered perfectly straight down, then the base of the bullet is wonky - out of balance and cannot shoot as well as a perfectly centered ball with sprue up.  Roger is correct, the base must be perfect - well known fact & not fiction nor imagination.  Saying you can get the sprue straight down is fiction.

[omark]

i keep mine up but dont get too concerned if it isnt "perfectly" straight up.    shoots as good as i can

[Leatherbelly]

  I,ve tried it up,down,and sideways,it don't matter.Oh,were talking roundballs! Same,no matter!