Why the big need for speed and trading off accuracy to achieve it? I have been noticing on other forums that shooters are giving up accuracy in search for the fastest speed possible. Some of the bullet makers that list data often give "accuracy loads" and the speed can be down around 2400-2500 fps and yet some are pushing for 3000+ fps. I understand the need to reach out the distances but at what cost? I had a friend post some pictures of a steel target they went to shoot that was at 1000 yds. and it was huge, like 6-7 foot diameter, not a lot of accuracy needed for that target.
Trade off... accuracy for speed
- Thread starter Lefty Trigger
- Start date
Depends (to me) on what the rifle is used for. If my elk rifle (.338 Rem Mag) shoots 2" instead of 1" at max speed, I'll go with it. Elk is a pretty big target. My bench guns though I go for accuracy over speed every time. But then I don't take 1000 yd shots at elk either. dedogs
Well, this is a personal preference kinda thing. For me, accuracy will win every time. I don't have to be at max speed to reach 1,000 yds. For hunting, even at lower mv my bullet has plenty of energy within the ranges I will try to harvest deer.
For some people, bullets are like cars - the faster the better.
For some people, bullets are like cars - the faster the better.
In the case of Long Range, ELR, and some types of hunting, sacrifices DO sometimes have to be made in the name of speed.
Sorry to buck trend here, but it's true. When you are really stretching the envelope, you'll do nearly anything for just 25 fps more speed.
For 95% of the shooting ACTUALLY done by "the internet", the speeds don't really matter as much as they think it does.
But there is that 5%, and I'm in it.
Sorry to buck trend here, but it's true. When you are really stretching the envelope, you'll do nearly anything for just 25 fps more speed.
For 95% of the shooting ACTUALLY done by "the internet", the speeds don't really matter as much as they think it does.
But there is that 5%, and I'm in it.
I'm in no way arguing anything and cant anyway cause I don't know, but shooting F-class at 1000yds how big is the target and are you still going for accuracy at that distance? Its one thing to ring steel at a 1000 and another to hit an actual spot, several times.
As said above, depends on what the purpose of the rifle will be. Hunting elk size game the need for .5 moa isn't necessary. Hunting pronghorn goats at 800 yards you may want .5 moa. User issue entirely. Personally I try to get the most accuracy I can regardless of what I hunt. Just how I'm wired. My accurate is probably not the same as most guys here. I'm content ( actually tickled the hell) with 10 shots in the .5 range.
swd
Silver $$ Contributor
Context and application are everything. 2400fps to 3000+ is huge range. There's going to be probably well more than dozen accurate nodes to work within that huge range. It is very doubtful that you would have a rifle capable at being shot at 3000+ fps and was only accurate at 2400fps. If you do it's got a major problem that needs to be addressed. Generally whe a guy talks about speed vs accuracy we're talking maybe 150 fps max. After that application is important.
For Benchrest accuracy is everything. They get to shoot fast and hopefully all the shots are in the same condition. Speed is not as important. For F Class accuracy is very important but ballistics at LR are too. To go from a .25 moa load to a 1/3rd moa load and pick up 125fps might be worth it. Especially in FTR. To go up to a .5 moa load or more would not. For an elk rifle never shot past 300 yards everything is completely different again. A 1 moa rifle might not be impressive, but entirely adequate.
A high speed miss is just that. As long as you "look good" doing it. Not!! 
Accuracy trumps speed every time. At least for what I am doing.
Paul
Accuracy trumps speed every time. At least for what I am doing.Paul
As said above the application is everything.
I shoot on the conventional NRA prone target (sling) that was adopted in the 1960s when the rules required everyone to shoot the 30 06 cartridge. That target was appropriate for that cartridge and the guns and the level of marksmanship at the time. However we have more accurate choices and higher BC bullets for that type of competition and the target is really very generous for the guns and ammo that we use today. So there is something to be said for trading some accuracy for improved wind drift. This is one factor in choosing what to shoot and what load. I choose a load that I think gives me the best combination of accuracy and wind drift.
I shoot on the conventional NRA prone target (sling) that was adopted in the 1960s when the rules required everyone to shoot the 30 06 cartridge. That target was appropriate for that cartridge and the guns and the level of marksmanship at the time. However we have more accurate choices and higher BC bullets for that type of competition and the target is really very generous for the guns and ammo that we use today. So there is something to be said for trading some accuracy for improved wind drift. This is one factor in choosing what to shoot and what load. I choose a load that I think gives me the best combination of accuracy and wind drift.
A can of spray paint you can shoot a lot of 2" groups on it at 1000..... jim
Paul, I find as most people do that many times the best accuracy IS at the upper end of the cartridges velocity. Both my 284s, a 260 and a 308 I use often all perform at the upper speeds of the bullet I use in them.A high speed miss is just that. As long as you "look good" doing it. Not!!
Paul
To make hits at 1000 yards is not all that difficult with THE PROPER RIFLE. To shoot small at 1000 yds (sub 3 inch) is difficult, even with the proper rifle. But then most of you already know this....
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