  We use the Monte Carlo bootstrap as a method to simulate pp and np scattering
data below pion production threshold from an initial set of over 6700
experimental mutually $3\sigma$ consistent data. We compare the results of the
bootstrap, with 1020 statistically generated samples of the full database, with
the standard covariance matrix method of error propagation. No significant
differences in scattering observables and phase shifts are found. This suggests
alternative strategies for propagating errors of nuclear forces in nuclear
structure calculations.
