2.

It depends on the use you need the ammo for and your firearm.

My first rifle that I handloaded for, reduced group size of
3" for 3 shots at 100 yards using Winchester Factory Ammo
to 3/4". And this was from my first attempt. Other rifles
are not so dramatic in the difference and a rare one will like
a certain factory ammo best.

With handloading you can tailer the load to the use.

Take a 308.

Load up 180 grain partition bullets and hunt elk.
Use 115 grain cast lead bullets and hunt grouse (if your state
allows). Carry both at the same time if the seasons overlap.


When I lived in Washington State I harvested a lot of grouse while
deer hunting using a slow velocity cast lead bullet in my 7x57 mauser.
I had to hand load for the cast bullets as no factory
options were available. Also the hand loads
for the deer were more accurate and higher velocity
than the factory loadings that were available (they tend to
underload the 7x57 in this country due to the number of 100
year old guns in this caliber still in use.)