[mossie]

For factory ammo in a handgun you just need to keep trying stuff until you hit on the one that shoots great. I have a 357 that really shot Federal Classic 180 grain HP's good until it went out of time and was sent to Colt for repairs. When I got it back it wouldn't group them well anymore. I went thru a few selections before I got some Hornady xtp 158 grain HP's and these things are 1 3/4" @ 75 yards with open sights.

 

[mossie]

I think the best way is to just buy the 20 round boxes of different brands and weights until you hit on something it likes. Different brands of guns have different twists and even barrel lengths will affect what shoots good and what doesn't. There just isn't anyway to tell until you try it and see how it groups.

If you handload you just do the same thing; keep testing different powders; charge rates, bullet weights and brands etc. until you find something that clicks. I got very lucky with the last brand and weight as I found it in 3 selections. I still want to find a good .38 special load for it yet.