Were these extract/grain kits. I've done about 14 of these and they
usually are close to the mark. You just have to make sure you get as
much as possible out of the extract can/bottle/jug. I am usually within
about .003 of the expected OG. Also, if you are using a hydrometer to
get your OG make sure you are at about 60 F. At 70 F add .001, at 60 F
add .002.

Cheers
Mike

N. Rundle wrote:[color=blue]
> I have so far brewed 3 batches of beer. The first was an Amber Ale with an
> expected OG of 1.042 and the actual OG was 1.038 (not too bad). My second
> batch was a stout with an expected OG of 1.066 and the actual OG was 1.061.
> My third batch was a Guinness Clone with an expected OG of 1.043 and an
> actual OG of 1.032.
>
> This last one really disappointed me as I was hoping that my brewing skills
> have been improving with experience. I was using SUDSW to calculate the
> expected OG, is there a way I can work it out by hand and compare?
>
> During the brewing process, what will affect the OG the most? Could the
> actual be lower than expected because I'm only doing a 3gal partial boil?
>
> -Nick
>
>[/color]