My understanding is that "running" rounds down range is for the purposes of capitalizing on a wind condition that is known and its effect on bullet trajectory. The idea being to get as many rounds downrange during that condition, before the condition changes, and is in fact exactly what I did during my first 1000 yard match (1st match ever). I am confident this is why I was not last (NBRSA match), a real shock.
I have not used wind flags, but have already indicated I intend to purchase the Graham flags. I will need these to best develop loads.
I fully understand how the use of a custom action can build trust, as explained by others earlier in this thread. But for me, as evidenced by the title of this thread, I want to understand just WHAT and HOW a custom action contributes to accuracy thereby removing itself from the accuracy equation. Some here have provided good answers and resources (the Vaughn book). But if there are no good answers, then there should be no difference in trust vs a factory action. I already understand that if you run the bolt, a custom offers unrivaled operational speed.
That said, my intent is not to shoot the absolute smallest group by using wind flags, "running" the bolt, etc. As indicated earlier, I want to achieve maximum accuracy for the equipment I choose to use in the conditions presented to me. My chosen equipment will not result in absolute maximum accuracy, and that is OK. That equipment would be a rifle on a bipod and light rear bag, and fired when wind conditions as I observe them (blowing vegetation, smoke, etc.) are something I feel I can manage. The circumstances that I might be presented with if I were a sniper or varmint hunter.
That said, I still need to do load development and need to remove me, the shooter, out of the equation as much as possible. For that, I will use the flags and use my coaxial front rest, heavy rear bag, etc. Without a dead-nuts BR rifle, it will be harder to separate gun performance anomalies from the shooter, but I don't want to shoot a BR rifle in BR rifle setups.
In the end, I want to be one of the better shooters that can fire good groups without special aids or the use of single purpose rifles. I got great satisfaction out of shooting 5 shot 2.75" groups at 300 yards out of my AR-15 (built for accuracy to the extent one can be), on a bipod, with a quartering stiff headwind. Hardly BR performance, but for an AR, on a bipod, in that wind, I felt pretty good about it.
Phil
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But you're right, there's probably nothing "precision" about 17 shots in 5 inches or less at 1000 yards, centered in the X-ring. Oh wait - that's both precision AND accuracy. Of course, we don't get to stop at 10 shots, reeled off in belt-fed like fashion though. No offense intended, it just is what it is.
so be it. we as shooters are all looking for a destination.what that is and how we get there and what we use will vary greatly. what is best for you or me will be answered only by you or me. for serious shooters, if its shooting competition or just alone at the range,reguardless what type equipment they got, they are always going to try and put them all in the same hole. it's the name of the game. tighter tolerences with precision machineing, used for what ever, by who ever, will work better. is it monkey see monkey do ? it's more what is on the market, or who is using what, that will give an edge, which we all do, for all things. so, pick your poison, get out to the range, shoot and let me know what works, and what does not. after 60 yrs. i still need more help
especially with that dang wind
