Stubborn starting question...

I wouldn't spend too much time fooling with points. You would get better driveability, mileage, and simplified maintenance with electronic ignition. About $50 on ebay for a new distributor w/ HEI module for your 273, and lose the ballast problems forever. One tow would cost you that much. Also, insure that your wiring from the ignition switch thru the bulkhead is good.