Yeah the big $$$ stuff is ALL about consistency round to round, box to box case to case (within case lots)
something so simple as a 22 long rifle round----YEAH SURE!!!!!!!
Sometimes you'll find a specific lot/batch of a brand that is gilt edges with one rifle----but won't shoot worth squat in another similar rifle of same make and model. I've even heard of sequentially numbered rifles that did their best with different ammo.
Then there are the ones that shoot little bitty groups at one range and then spray them at a different range---with the same ammo.
Generally speaking the higher priced ones are mathmaticaly more consistent---at least in the Mfgr's shooting laboratories---at the ranges they test at.
There is/was an interesting book on testing and evaluation of 22 rf ammo-----but the data presented was oriented to the 50yd benchrest game. Apply it to our game--bench or offhand in single shots at 200 or 100 yards (50 offhand) and the data was just--interesting.
About all you can do is test and evaluate as many different versions as your wallet can stand---then when you find one that works in YOUR rifle you buy as much of that batch/lot as you can possible justify, 'caues who knows when the mfg will change the lots---or discontinue that product
22's are weird stuff--and SO MUCH FRUSTRATING FUN!!