HairyChest, alot depends on the firearm being a revolver, or single shot. Bullet jump in a revolver can really screw up a bullet if the cylinder isn't aligning with the barrel. On the other hand, a single shot rifle of pistol, with a short jump from the chamber into the barrel, and a throat thats been tapered for cast bullets, can be amazingly accurate, with dead soft bullets. Getting the bullet to obturate and seal off the burning gas's is the main thing. Buffalo hunters and all the wars fought with guns before jacketed bullets, had some amazing shots. One that sticks in my head, is a story about a buffalo hunter down in Texas back in the 1870's or 80's. The fort wasn't much as I remember reading, and they were surrounded by Indians. After being pinned in for several days, and not getting any help, a buffalo hunter took aim at the chief, who was mounted on a horse about a mile away. Took him out, and all the rest left.I can't remember for certain, but it was either a 45/70 or 45/90. And I'm quite certain, back then, they weren't hunting down wheel weights, hardened shot with arsnic, or heat treating the bullets. I'm pretty sure that they were shooting pure lead, or something close to it.If you do some research, I believe that their still holding a shooting match to this day trying that very shot. Not sure where. gypsyman