All the mentioned above. As many rounds have been produced on the same dies, they wear ---out. I know I have shot 50,000 rds of the same manufacture, and at least 2 others. You tend to see a change when measuring this. Hence you see people looking for the same lot numbers of a certain type ammo. Since it is winter time and everything is slow, get out the mic's and go at it. Old egg cartons are good sorting trays, that don't scuff the bullet, or lube that is on them. If your serious about it, for shooting matches, your time will make a difference. If your just a plinker, don't bother wasting your time.
I have seen some going to a match on Sat. The previous Sunday they where pulling bullets, weighing powder, hulls, measuring the rim, weighing the bullets, then making a box of 50ct., stuffing them back in the factory box. Using a small piece of tape to secure the box back. When he sat down at the range bench, he said " Well let me just open this fresh box of 22 ammo I just the other day." Then won the match!!!
Hope it helps explain a few things.