Reloading & testing

[Johnn Peterson]

Just a quick question on shooting, reloading & testing, and I talking primarily hunting rifles. How many shots do you usually take/target to determine the group you're getting? What range, usually? And what rest set-up do you use?
I've started recording a lot of my testing and usually take five shots/target, measure the five shot group, and in addition measure a four shot group, calling one a 'flyer'. Usually I shoot @ 100yds/M and use a number of bean bags for a steady/rest.

 

[Gatehouse]

FOr a hutning rifle, 3 shot groups is the norm, form a STEADY rest.

You want a load that is consistent. A 1.5" load that is consitent is more important than a sometimes .5 and sometimes 2" load...

I use a Caldwell ROck tripod for the front rest and bunny ear sandbags for the rear, although there is alot to be said abotu the Caldwell Lead sled. Bipods work pretty darn good, too.

 

[bcsteve]

Same here. 3 shots at 100 yards from sand bags.

 

[Danny Boy]

You want a load that is consistent. A 1.5" load that is consitent is more important than a sometimes .5 and sometimes 2" load...

How well you can repeat the group is the key. For me to cliam I get a 1 MOA, I have to be able to repeat this atleast 5 times.

As much as Hodgdon says their powder is temperature in insensitive, there is a veriation from warm to cold weather. And you must take that into consideration.

Danny

 

[BIGREDD]

Three shots is sufficient with a sporter weight to indicate hunting accuracy.
But you should always look for reasons to shoot more often...

 

[joe-nwt]

I have always used 5 shots. And using 5, I have found that many "super-accurate" 3 shot groups are not quite as accurate when you get to that 5th shot.

Or maybe it's just me.

 

[JohnC]

I use 5 shot groups for groundhog loads, 3 shots for big game hunting loads.

for a hunting load, try cold barrel testing ie let the barrel cool completely between shots . The theory is that on game, you will normally only get one good shot...

 

[Demonical]

I have seen way too many tight 3 shot groups that open up if you keep going, so I always use 5 shot groups and I work on my load until I have achieved the bestest possiblest 5 shot group.

 

[stubblejumper]

I use 3 shot groups at 100 yards,but I shoot several groups to assess a load.I never judge a load based on one group,but instead take the average of my groups when comparing loads.I do not consider any shot a flyer and if you shoot several groups,and then average them,even one flyer will have little effect.I shoot off of a cast iron rest and sand bags.

 

[beretta boy]

I use the conventional 3 shot group for most load/testing purposes. The logic behind such is ... "who would, for most purposes, get to shoot any more than three shots at any one animal in a normal hunting situation" (notwithstanding the foregoing, you should hear the "5 shot auto-loader volleys" on opening morning of deer season in Muskoka / Parry Sound
... Yikes !)

Moreover, I like the " 1 shot group " . That is, where does this gun/load shoot week after week after week ... one shot, one shot only, out af a cold barrel ? That's the one ( 1 shot group) I'm really interested in !