How much accuracy is enough?

[Kane519]

An interesting article and thoughts on how much is enough:

"Different shooting disciplines demand different levels of precision/accuracy. In the rapid-fire 3-Gun game, you could probably “clean” most stages with a 2-MOA rifle. By contrast, in the short-range group benchrest game, to compete with the best, you’ll need a rifle that shoots in the “ones” (i.e. 0.1-0.19 MOA) in perfect conditions. In 1000-yard F-Class competition, the top shooters want a rifle that will hold one-third-MOA of vertical at that distance.

What is your standard of accuracy? How good is “good enough”. Jim See, a skilled gunsmith and successful PRS competitor, recently answered that question for his tactical discipline. For the kind of matches Jim shoots, he likes to have a rifle that will hold half-MOA for five (5) shots, 3/4-MOA for 15 shots, and 1 MOA for twenty shots. Remarkably, Jim’s rifle can do that with factory ammo. Above is an impressive 15-shot group shot with .260 Remington Federal Premium Ammo."

http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2017/04/how-much-accuracy-is-enough-what-works-for-your-discipline/

 

[Tikka223]

I was wondering the same thing the other day after watching a bunch of PRS videos.

My rifle has passed the 10 shots into 1MOA and 300yrds challenge but not by a lot. I figure I'm happy with a 1MOA gun. For me that means a .3MIL gun. It's nice to have a standard to compare yourself against if you don't get to compete in shooting matches.

 

[SND]

"the rifle's accuracy" includes the optic or sighting system too, which have their amount of error/inaccuracy and are usually the weakest link on any build.
For F-class, 1/3 over 15 rounds would definitely be great, but I think so long as its around 1/2 you can still be very competitive if your wind calls are decent, heck I was somewhat competitive with a 1moa setup and still managed to win a few matches when nothing bounced around too much with a bit of luck. My troubleshooting of fliers will forever start with testing the optics or any other sighting system now, brand or model doesn't matter, they can all have odd problems. BR guys figured that out long ago I think.

 

[clg]

http://precisionrifleblog.com/2015/04/15/how-much-does-group-size-matter/

Interesting article about accuracy and the diminishing returns of improving accuracy.

 

[SteveB]

Now in F-Open a 1/3 MOA rifle isn't that competitive. A 1/4 moa is!! And that has to be at the longest range you compete in.

 

[sheep100]

If you can take a deer down with one shot. That's accurate enough.

 

[Tikka223]

http://precisionrifleblog.com/2015/04/15/how-much-does-group-size-matter/

Interesting article about accuracy and the diminishing returns of improving accuracy.

Very good articles in that blog. Looks like .5MOA is worth chasing. The rest not so much ... for me at least.

 

[cr5]

For me if I can shoot half moa with my quality bolt actions with a handload developed for that rifle I'm happy. For a semi auto anything at or very close to 1 moa is good enough for me. For my hunting rifles I like to see 1 moa but that also depends on the cartridge and the game and the average distance etc.

 

[Evil_Dark]

Now that i'm more in the long range shooting disciplines, mostly PRS, a good Platform that is 1MOA is good enough to win. In these PRS competition, the overall Platform control and ergonomics can give a huge advantage, more that accuracy itself.
So I agree that the accuracy needed dépends of the usage/discipline.

Dark

 

[Mystic Precision]

For those in PRS, consider a point of view from an F class competitor who slings alot of lead at 1000yds... and one dabbling in PRS type gear again.

MOA at SR (100 to 200yds) will NOT equate to MOA at 1000yds. With better barrels, reloading and optics, if a rifle is shooting MOA at 100/200yds, there is something seriously wrong with the ammo/gun/shooter and dispersion is going to make life miserable at the 1000. I would suggest that a PRS rifle built to all the current whiz bang parts and features should be able to load to 1/3 min accuracy at 200yds with ease.... you can do that with a Savage Axis and a match prefit and proper handloads so all the custom stuff should just make this easier.... 1/2 MOA at the worst and after long strings of fire.

If the discussion is about pure mechanical accuracy, remember that accuracy is at the LONGEST distance target. With PRS matches heading out towards a mile, their set up and ammo will be equal to anything we shoot in F class or the error will make the tasks impossible... or blind luck.

Now I fully support the MOA requirement IF that is the accuracy a shooter can achieve ON TARGET from all the different and difficult positions PRS will put you into. If you can group MOA from a barricade, in field positions, in prone with a foldy bipod, whatever, then you have the accuracy to clean PRS stages as presented today.

I think if you surveyed more top shooters, you will see a tread to better accuracy and most certainly CONSISTENCY. The error will come from the less then ideal firing positions found during the match. If your rifle will shoot MOA under ideal conditions and you introduce another MOA wobble, those targets are going to get real hard to hit....no?

A top tier custom rifle that goes from 1/2 MOA to 1 MOA over 20rds needs to be fixed or fed a better diet. The F class world has shown how to build consistent rifles that can survive ridiculous amounts of barrel heat. Unlimited sighters and 20 for score on a 41C afternoon, total relay rd counts approaching 40rds... been there, done that. The last shot is expected to have the ability to hit that 1/2 MOA X ring at 1000yds.

For PRS shooters that are using all the best bits and pieces, do consider putting some thought into the ammo (and maybe the bits and pieces). The rigs will do it, or they certainly can be made to. F class and 1000yd BR can show you how to set it up for consistent sub MOA accuracy at 1000yds. With matches going longer and scores tightening up, making those hits beyond 800yds might be what puts you on the podium

Way out there, you don't guess....

I compete at Rattlesnake range in Richland, WA. We are seeing a number of PRS competitors come out to tune and practise.... a very good thing. One of the few places with 1000yds targets that score every shot. Some amazing looking rigs with truly great bits and pieces. I have yet to see a shooter hit that 1000yds target with any degree of consistency warranted by their rifle. Lots of head scatching, lots of frustration... These rifles that are bugholing at SR can barely keep them in a 2 MOA circle at 1000yds.

When considering accuracy, I like to meet the accuracy I need under the furthest, toughest and worst conditions so that I have a chance to podium in my sport.

I bet that is what those who podium in their respective sports are thinking too....

Jerry