Why I like 3 shot groups over 5.
- Thread starter AKD
- Start date
I know several people that have fluked off a very good group, but have never even come close to backing it up. The funny thing is, that if someone asks how the gun shoots, they always respond by telling them about that one great group, rather than telling them what it can do on a regular basis. It seems that if their gun has fired one 1/2" group, they refer to it from then on as a 1/2" gun.
So do you think a 5 shot group has more credibility than 3? Or is it just a bigger fluke......
That's what I say as well. I've seen enough of my own groups open up on the 4th and 5th shots to ever trust a 3 shot group to be a truly meaningful representation of a rifles accuracy. Of course, the most likely culprit is my shooting abilities.....
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
I'll stir up the pot somemore...
When I am testing with a new rig at 200yds, I use 2rds for each load level to start.
If the first two don't snuggle up, all being well, why bother shooting any more?
When I locate the nodes, I repeat in ever increasing number of shots till I hit 4 or 5 rds. With the need to average around 1/2" to 3/4" at 200yds, it separates good and bad loads real quick
Saves a huge amount of barrel wear.
Jerry
When I am testing with a new rig at 200yds, I use 2rds for each load level to start.
If the first two don't snuggle up, all being well, why bother shooting any more?
When I locate the nodes, I repeat in ever increasing number of shots till I hit 4 or 5 rds. With the need to average around 1/2" to 3/4" at 200yds, it separates good and bad loads real quick
Saves a huge amount of barrel wear.
Jerry
Out of curiosity, do you start load development from recommendations then change power/projectiles based on the results? Or, do you run through all you have until you find a winner?
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
Tcon, have a look at my website in the Tech section under reloading. That will walk you through the steps. Good scale and components are critical.
Here is some testing I just did/confirmed using the new 22cal 90gr JLK VLD's. New barrel too. What the steps around the node look like. Note that C shows vertical and you know that is true cause the next step has the group fall apart. It'll make sense when you read my article.
Here are the confirmation groups. Conditions weren't that great but I caught a lull in the air to shoot the A load again. Cold bore was still right in the group which is a positive indicator of a quality load. Drilling the next 3 into the same hole was all I needed to see to prove the loads works. All testing at 200yds
Load B didn't work as well but winds picked up considerably and I didn't have flags. The 2nd to 4th is likely more indicative of the load. Shot 1 was likely aided by a big wind gust. Regardless, with A doing so well, there is little point in needing more.
If the snow doesn't fall, will test at 500m. Should shoot well...
The Savage/Shilen/MPOD FTRs used in the testing.
Jerry
Here is some testing I just did/confirmed using the new 22cal 90gr JLK VLD's. New barrel too. What the steps around the node look like. Note that C shows vertical and you know that is true cause the next step has the group fall apart. It'll make sense when you read my article.
Here are the confirmation groups. Conditions weren't that great but I caught a lull in the air to shoot the A load again. Cold bore was still right in the group which is a positive indicator of a quality load. Drilling the next 3 into the same hole was all I needed to see to prove the loads works. All testing at 200yds
Load B didn't work as well but winds picked up considerably and I didn't have flags. The 2nd to 4th is likely more indicative of the load. Shot 1 was likely aided by a big wind gust. Regardless, with A doing so well, there is little point in needing more.
If the snow doesn't fall, will test at 500m. Should shoot well...
The Savage/Shilen/MPOD FTRs used in the testing.
Jerry
Take note fellow gunnutz not to buy used precision rifles from Eagleye.
Take Note, DIESEL WEASEL, that I also sell very accurate firearms that need new homes. lol
To be less than honest about any given firearm is unconscionable, IMHO.
Eagleye.
Jerry, looks like we are on the same chapter.
This topic is a pot but it sure beat new rifle shooters asking what kind of rig to buy.
With a complete load done its fun to change distance back n forth, first round hits and that.
3shots give u what u need to check accuracy after larger groups have confirmed it.
This topic is a pot but it sure beat new rifle shooters asking what kind of rig to buy.
With a complete load done its fun to change distance back n forth, first round hits and that.
3shots give u what u need to check accuracy after larger groups have confirmed it.
I know several people that have fluked off a very good group, but have never even come close to backing it up. The funny thing is, that if someone asks how the gun shoots, they always respond by telling them about that one great group, rather than telling them what it can do on a regular basis. It seems that if their gun has fired one 1/2" group, they refer to it from then on as a 1/2" gun.
Amen. Everyone is a top marksman online, didn't you know?
I've found with my skinny barrel magnums, that firing a single shot from a cold bore, and always hitting the 1 moa bullseye, gives me confidence that it will perform when needed. It doesn't take much heat to mess with some of those light barrels, and 5 shots from a magnum rifle generates a lot of heat. And then you start screwing around with the scope adjustments on a hot barrel and only serve to mess up the cold bore point of impact.
Pathfinder
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Northeast Ontario
I agree with EE, when testing my hunting rifles...Im very interested in the one shot cold bore group . Varmint / Benchs....whole other ball of wax.
. Varmint / Benchs....whole other ball of wax.Zombies. A good out break would sort the good shooters from the bad.
You should ask Norm B to show you his collection (he keeps them laminated in his wallet)
to show you his collection of "screamer" 1 shot groups.
I'd shoot a nice 1 shot 30cal and he kicks my but with a 1 shot 22 cal.I'd shoot a 22 cal 1 shot screamer and he's shoot a 17 cal beating me again.!!!!!
Gord
to show you his collection of "screamer" 1 shot groups.
I'd shoot a nice 1 shot 30cal and he kicks my but with a 1 shot 22 cal.I'd shoot a 22 cal 1 shot screamer and he's shoot a 17 cal beating me again.!!!!!
Gord
