Just for the heck of it...

[Luisyamaha]

When shooting for group size, I usually shoot 4, 5-shot groups. That's more or less standard practice(?). Usually one goes to one target and shoots all 5 shots into it and then move on to the next target and so on. How about shooting at all four targets consecutively until all five shots are in? To clarify, taking one shot at each of the targets and then going back and taking a second shot at each and so on until all target have their five shots. Would one expect better groups? Worse? No difference? Has anybody tried this?

I would like to hear if anybody has done this and what the results were. Even if nobody has done it, I'd like to hear anybody's guess as to what the results may be.
I think I'll give it a try next time I take a .22LR to the range. Inquiring minds want to know!

Luisyamaha

 

[Jayplace]

Shooting all 5 into one target at a time tends to eliminate variables.

If you normally shoot groups, it better represents what would be done at a group match. If you normally shoot "For Score" matches, alternating targets would be better practice and representation of shooting in a Score match.

 

[mmcu]

I've done it and it didn't make any difference in group size.

The biggest downside is that it takes longer to shoot the same number of rounds due to having to reposition between the targets.

 

[6.5 forever]

Shooting all 5 into one target at a time tends to eliminate variables.

If you normally shoot groups, it better represents what would be done at a group match. If you normally shoot "For Score" matches, alternating targets would be better practice and representation of shooting in a Score match.

I agree. Each time you acquire a new target, something is moving and changing. That is good for training, not so much for group testing.

 

[Eagle Six]

I agree with others. Theoretically, shooting a round robin of groups shouldn't effect the aggregate of those groups, if the shooters is on and can reestablish firing position for each of the shoots. With that said, I think is it better to keep the firing position for five rounds before moving to the next target which will require establishing a different setup. A clean bench and good front and rear rest can reduce the effort when moving from target to target.

 

[Luisyamaha]

I concur that theoretically it shouldn't make a difference. Mmcu is the only one that has actually done it, and it agrees with the theory. Maybe I'll try it anyhow, and that way we'll have TWO people who have done it, instead of one!
What the heck, It'll be a change of pace!

Thanks for the replies. Will report the results when I have them.

Luisyamaha

 

[Knotwild]

Go put 2 targets up aligned and one on top of the other. Shoot a group, go take it down and staple a new target on top of the bottom target (leaving the bottom one). Repeat as many times as you like and you'll have individual groups and one cumulative.

 

[Luisyamaha]

Eagle Six: R-1??

Luisyamaha

 

[Eagle Six]

Eagle Six: R-1??

Luisyamaha

I don't think so, not sure what you are referencing "R-1"

 

[Luisyamaha]

Tried it with two different rifles. Only 16 targets, but the trend was clear. Round robin groups were consistently larger. Not by much, but clearly so. All ammo was ELEY Benchrest Precision .22LR.
1) Ruger 10-/22. 5 fouling shots. 4, 5-shot groups round robin, and then 4, 5-shot groups all in one target before going to the next.
2) Same thing, but with a CZ-455.
Both showed the same trend of bigger groups using the Round-robin method.

Not a huge data base, but the trend was clear. I was not shooting particularly slow. That may have something to do with it. But I'm satisfied with the results.

Eagle Six. Your avatar is a motorcycle, the (Yamaha) R-1 is a similar motorcycle. Wondering if yours was one of those, as I couldn't tell from the photo.

Luisyamaha

 

[Eagle Six]

Good that you tested for yourself. I like self testing, because what works best for others doesn't necessarily work best for me!

I guess I was a bit slow on your question because this is shooter site, but I shouldn't be it's my avatar!!! It's a Ninja ZX14r.

 

[ronsatspokane]

I've done that in the past. Shooting on a 100 yard bench rest target you have 6 targets in very close proximity. Shooting off a SEB mini, it is just a matter of moving the joy stick. No repositioning required. My problem was that it seemed like you are waiting forever to get the groups to form. It's been a while but I seem to remember that the groups were just a bit larger. Could have been changing conditions over the longer period of time required to get all the shots off. Abandoned the technique in relatively short order.

 

[Jeff Porter]

You are shooting 20 one shot groups when shooting round robin. Agree better as a position building drill than to evaluate a load group size. With the objective that the group size will be equal to five shots on one target without building a position.

I have done this in across the course training. Taking 20 good first shots in a position. Put the rifle down on between each shot and work the process of building NPA and breaking a clean shot.