Looking to see peoples opinions on the most consistent factory ammo, not necessarily the best ammo. Unless of course you rate consistency above all else (you should)
So far im impressed with hornady, ive been using their leverevolution ammo in my model 94, ill be on the hunt for some 7mm rm ammo and will be trying to decide what brands to start with.
OK, so far your commenters have been comparing apples to oranges.
Your 94 Winchester is a model noted for inconsistent chambers. It is also noted for varying head space, anywhere from maximum to minimum specs.
Since modern manufacturers have been building their firearms on CNC equipment, head spacing is much more consistent. Chambers are much more consistent and truer.
Because of this, most factory ammo will shoot acceptably or even better than expected with just about any ammo off the shelf, in new rifles.
Even the manufacture of the components themselves has changed dramatically. Jacket thicknesses have become concentric all the way around, instead of being thicker on one side. Lead cores are now very round and powder charges are all within a tenth of a grain from case to case. Even the extruded brass cases are as close in weight as match brass used to be. This is for the cheap stuff. The premium stuff, is only different in the quality of the projectiles that are loaded.
If you have found a brand of ammo that shoots acceptably in your particular firearm, buy up several boxes of the same lot number and hope the next batch works as well.
Funny thing, most people that use a firearm for everyday work, don't really worry about the brand they stuff into them. They just use the cheapest stuff available at the time. Ranchers, ranch hands, guides, etc. They seem to be able to get the job done to their satisfaction.
Accuracy and its pursuit is a never ending addiction. Once you're bitten by the bug, that's it. The chasing of the never to be attained consistent one hole group will haunt you forever.
