What has made group size shrink since the early 80's

[6MMsteve]

What Variables have been reduced to make Group Size shrink from the mid 80's until now

 

[Macropod]

Ok, I'd suggest better barrel manufacturing techniques, improved bullet design and more consistent construction, better knowledge base due to the availability of information, generally a higher standard in equipment manufacture etc etc.

 

[Mozella]

Once Bill Clinton looked directly into the TV camera and swore to the American people, "I did not have sex with that woman; Ms. Lewinsky", the population has decided that telling the truth is no longer necessary or even desirable.

I chalk up the improvement in group sizes mostly to lying about it. But perhaps I'm being too cynical.

 

[LHSmith]

Once Bill Clinton looked directly into the TV camera and swore to the American people, "I did not have sex with that woman; Ms. Lewinsky", the population has decided that telling the truth is no longer necessary or even desirable.

I chalk up the improvement in group sizes mostly to lying about it. But perhaps I'm being too cynical.

I agree ......it was the Internet, Algore's invention, that reduced group sizes by orders of magnitude. Not only that, these tiny groups are now shot "all day long" from the very first shot out of a cold barrel to the last round from a hot barrel. Consistent 0's to teen groups can now be recorded regardless of conditions, from first light to high noon to sunset ....makes no matter.... in factory rifles nonetheless.

 

[LHSmith]

The fact that wind flags in SRBR were not prevalent until the mid '80's might offer a clue.

 

[joshb]

For me, finding this forum. So it's the Internet and access to other shooters sharing knowledge.

 

[Darrel Martin]

Once Bill Clinton looked directly into the TV camera and swore to the American people, "I did not have sex with that woman; Ms. Lewinsky", the population has decided that telling the truth is no longer necessary or even desirable.

I chalk up the improvement in group sizes mostly to lying about it. But perhaps I'm being too cynical.

No , don't give the credit to Bill. I think it was another democrat,Al Gore , and his invention, the internet,or did he just invent lying on the internet?

 

[jimcasey01]

We have better barrels, bullets, ballistic programs, etc that previous shooters did not have. Additionally, today a shooter can get in 2-3 years, more knowledge than most shooters of the 1980s could ever hope to find in 25-40 years of research. This forum as well as others (not to mention the available books) are prime examples of the information available to the beginner or advanced shooter.

 

[dickn52]

First response was most likely the winner today, better everything being made for the most part. Better barrels, better glass, better front rests, better bullets and more consistent.

 

[msinc]

I am not talking benchrest competition here, but they haven't shrunk for me, they got bigger. I think the bullets are not as good...unless I am shooting Bergers and Vhitavoury powder I cant get a decent group.

 

[BoydAllen]

For me, it has been about the availability of information, initially, by reading Precision Shooting magazine, and then the internet. The other things that have helped my shooting are switching from conventional glass bedding to pillar bedding, working with higher power scopes, wind flags, and tuning by loading at the range. There has also been a significant upgrade in barrel cleaning materials and equipment. Also, I think that there has been an overall rise in sophistication regarding such things as chamber dimensions, reloading dies, and loading techniques.

Recently I have been helping a fellow who lives half way across the country get up to speed with a new rifle, I would have to say that being able to look at videos of what he is doing, so that I can make suggestions has really sped up the process, as has there being no per minute cost for long distance telephone conversations.

 

[260 Ravage]

When I started matching bullets to a particular rate of twist....my groups shrunk drastically. Thanks to the Internet and sites like this.

 

[matthias]

like others have said information and the disemination of that information.

the thing others may not have touched on is the availability of high quality machinery. a determined hobbyist can buy a cnc mill or high quality lathe for 10,000 . so the base of macining has expanded so more have acces to it. i think that has more of a trickle down affect than we all realise

 

[SaulGoodman]

Technology. Both in terms of equipment but also in terms of having unlimited amount of information at the tip of your finger. I never had anyone to teach me reloading or shooting stuff when I first started so I learned it all from doing research myself. As I got into the sport I picked up some tips from fellow shooters. I've been getting great info from this forum long before I signed up for an account

 

[Clavius-Walker]

Once Bill Clinton looked directly into the TV camera and swore to the American people, "I did not have sex with that woman; Ms. Lewinsky", the population has decided that telling the truth is no longer necessary or even desirable.

I chalk up the improvement in group sizes mostly to lying about it. But perhaps I'm being too cynical.

I concur, when I want the utmost accuracy I break into my highly prized stash of cleaning patches made from Ms Lewinsky's infamous blue dress, groups shrink by at minimum 47.2%

 

[hogpatrol]

I agree ......it was the Internet, Algore's invention, that reduced group sizes by orders of magnitude. Not only that, these tiny groups are now shot "all day long" from the very first shot out of a cold barrel to the last round from a hot barrel. Consistent 0's to teen groups can now be recorded regardless of conditions, from first light to high noon to sunset ....makes no matter.... in factory rifles nonetheless.

I agree but will add one caveat. More shooters are "doing their part".

 

[Berger.Fan222]

I think Berger Bullets (and other custom bullets) changed the game for everyone by raising standards on bullet consistency.

When Berger became so popular because of their accuracy, many of the other manufacturers responded by improving their consistency also.

 

[Damon555]

Great topic!.....Obviously technology plays a huge role in this phenomena....that includes great web sites like this one that allow an individual to glean years and years worth of experience in a very short amount of time.

Also agree that shooters stretch the truth about their group sizes.....As stated the internet is full of 1/4" factory rifles. When I see an entire target left out of the picture thus showing only 1 tiny group I know exactly what the rest of the target looks like......it looks like most of mine! I have yet to see a 1/4" factory rifle at the range......I'm sure they exist....just not where I'm shooting.

Many of the shooters on this site are exceptions to the rule.....I'm reminded every day what can be accomplished with a rifle being shot by somebody who knows how to consistently shoot small groups.....

 

[Pappy42]

Technology and the Internet.

And hats off to the folks who share their experience on this website.

 

[joshb]

Damon555: Your post has me chuckling.......at myself. A few years ago I walked into my LGS and asked for "a really accurate rifle". They sold me a Remmy 5r 10 Anniversery in 308. I took it home, mounted a scope, carefully loaded some rounds and went to the range for sight in. After getting the scope adjusted, I "really concentrated" and shot this 5 shot group at 50 yards, just for giggles.

I still remember thinking: ,"Dang, This is easy" and "I'm pretty good at this."
I won't mention how many thousands of dollars and hours of time I've spent trying to do that again, at 100. I was so naive!