Round Robin or Group By Group

[Timon]

I’m getting ready to run a powder test and I am again faced with the question; do I shoot round robin, or group by group?

I was wondering if there has ever been any type of decisive testing done on this question? I have seen the biggest names in shooting recommending both way, so there does not seem to be anything decisive from the pro shooters, that I have seen, or read.

So, the question again; has there been any decisive testing done on this subject, or are results from shooter to shooter, with nothing really definitive? I’ve done testing both ways and have noticed “group by group” to yield slighter better groups overall, but I would not call it definitive.

 

[Clancy]

Round Robin is the worst possible way to do it.

In my humble opinion, of course.

 

[RegionRat]

The funny thing about open forums... if folks often don't realize the context of their shooting is in their own head unless they tell us what kind of shooting they are discussing, then we cannot give you a good answer.

To make this simple, if you are doing formal scientific testing, versus you are doing Bench Rest, versus you are doing pre loaded ammo, etc. Unless you get specific about the goals of your shooting and the type of load development test, the answer is "it depends".....

Round Robin has it's place, and so does group shooting, and string shooting. Tell us what you plan to run and maybe you will get better advice.

 

[Evan]

I tried round robin twice. Both times I got indecipherable results. I shoot 1000yd BR. I get interpretable results going group by group.

 

[R.Morehouse]

I test with groups 25 shots max, with the 1st 5 at the "sighter" to have a bit of fouling and heat in the barrel, 2 shots per charge to get things going.

Regards
Rick

 

[B Nettesheim]

Round robin tells the truth for me

 

[Timon]

The funny thing about open forums... if folks often don't realize the context of their shooting is in their own head unless they tell us what kind of shooting they are discussing, then we cannot give you a good answer.

To make this simple, if you are doing formal scientific testing, versus you are doing Bench Rest, versus you are doing pre loaded ammo, etc. Unless you get specific about the goals of your shooting and the type of load development test, the answer is "it depends".....

Round Robin has it's place, and so does group shooting, and string shooting. Tell us what you plan to run and maybe you will get better advice.

Straight on short range (100-300 yards) Benchrest Shooting. I’ve been loading for about 16 years and in my personal shooting have never found an answer, one vs the other. I was just curious if any real studies had been completed on the topic. Or, if someone had convincing evidence of one vs the other.

Thanks for the reply!

 

[mgunderson]

Group by group keeps the squirrels in my head under control. Your squirrels might think differently.

 

[Webster]

I’m getting ready to run a powder test and I am again faced with the question; do I shoot round robin, or group by group?

I was wondering if there has ever been any type of decisive testing done on this question? I have seen the biggest names in shooting recommending both way, so there does not seem to be anything decisive from the pro shooters, that I have seen, or read.

So, the question again; has there been any decisive testing done on this subject, or are results from shooter to shooter, with nothing really definitive? I’ve done testing both ways and have noticed “group by group” to yield slighter better groups overall, but I would not call it definitive.

It's not reasonable to compare what a world class BR shooter does to how I improve my short range deer hunting rifle. I am lucky I have 2 varmint hunting rifles that shoot under .400". I can't see differences in seating depth and very little in powder charges. Years ago I settled on several loads that are good enough to keep me happy. I see a definite difference in bullets. I aways varied the powder charge and sometimes seating depth for each bullet type. Small and round is all I look for. Temperature stability isn't a factor for hunting.

 

[kyotekiller25]

Group by group here. Adjusting your rests every shot isn't much fun...

 

[Timon]

Group by group here. Adjusting your rests every shot isn't much fun...

I agree with that!

 

[JFrank]

Cant say i’ve seen any definitive results. I’ve tried both methods at mid and long range, I shoot at one point of aim during these tests at a modest pace rather than making sight adjustments and waiting or cooling between shots. Both seem to have strong points as well as short comings.

 

[C.E.Smith043]

The only thing Ive ever read that was done under testing conditions is that when you change types or brand of powders, it is best to clean between them.

Let's say your shooting 5 rounds of H4895 and then going to H335, it is best to clean before you switch powders. Of course this was for benchrest shooting.

I believe I read about this in an old Precision Shooting article.