Optimum Distance for Group Comparison

[Taylorman]

I want to know what distance would be the best distance to shoot to compare different loads for group size. I usually go to a 100 yd range but im soon to join a range that goes out to 1000. Would 200 or 300 be better distances to compare group sizes with different loads. Im not sure if it really makes a difference or not. I was just thinking that i may get a better comparison of different loads if i shot further than 100 yds, yet i dont want to get way out where wind can have an effect.

 

[Steve Blair]

If the loads will be used at 100 or 200 yards, then they are the right distances. For long-range loads, I prefer to develop at 300 yards. I can manage the wind a little better at short distance and get better density on the targets. Shooting at 300 yards will reveal most problems you will see at longer ranges (i.e.: stability, vertical and horizontal dispersion, etc.). You should still verify at long range before competing.