Dumb question, maybe, but I don't know. Is a 1/2" group good at 100 yds, 1 1/2" @ 200yds, 3" @ 300 yds. -------- 10" @ 1000 yds., etc. I see people post all kinds of little bitty groups, but should everyone expect those kind of results? What should one expect out of an average gun with an average shooter? Just wondering. I'm to new to know any better.
What is good shooting?
- Thread starter shot410
- Start date
As you read further on this forum, you will realize that everything depends on your total set up. Factory light sporting rifle? Shooting experience? Bench set up? Ammo? etc. Generally, If you're shooting a less expensive 6 or 7 lb hunting rifle, 1" at 100yd off a bench is pretty respectable and way better than "minute of deer". As you invest more research in factory ammo your groups may improve. As you invest more in almost ANY equipment, your accuracy will probably improve. As the old drag racer once said, "Kid, speed costs money, how fast do you want to go?"
The question isn't dumb but it can only be answered by you. Let's face it, a deer hunter shooting a factory 30-06, certainly doesn't expect nor need sub .025 inch groups but he would certainly accept them if it were possible. A short range bench rest shooter has vastly different requirements than a deer hunter and a long range varmint hunter has totally different needs than a cowboy action shooter. If you're a deer hunter with a 1.5 min rifle and you kill everything you shoot with it and you're happy with that, then 1.5 min is good. The funny thing about this sport is that the more you shoot the more critical of you equipment and groups you generally become. Some to the point of being anal (I'm referring to myself). My advice is to shoot a lot improve your technique in whatever discipline you prefer and you'll quickly determine what is a good group (for you). As far as all those tiny little groups, lets just say most guys won't show you the bad ones. It's just the nature of the sport. I will say however that over my forty plus years of shooting and handloading I have learned as much (probably more) from the bad groups as I have from the screamers.
Good answer preacher, I concur.
Erik Cortina
Team Lapua Brux Borden Captain
Preacher said:
Close or far! ;D
A miss can also be considered a good shot! Let me explain. Many people can't tell if they hit or missed, if a person can call the shot and tell you "I missed, I pulled the shot!", or something alike, I consider that person to be a good shooter, eventhough he/she missed!
I have seen a few hunters that I ask after the shot "Where did the shot break?", and they say "Hummm, I don't know, but I know I hit him!". How do they know they hit the target if they don't even know where the shot broke?
-Erik Cortina
Good shooting for me is taking a day off work because the wind is not blowing and the temperature is mild. I am the only one at the range so I can relax, shoot at my own pace and enjoy the day reguardless where my bullets hit. Great shooting is the above and my bullets hit where I aim. Sometimes we forget that we are suppose to enjoy the day even if our new toys didn't perform exactally as we hoped.
P1ZombieKiller
Silver $$ Contributor
Ackman said:
Now that's funny!!!!!
just being at the table pulling the trigger and watching the bullets make holes for me.even if the group sucks.BUT if the group ends up being a nice little hole with all five it ends up being a really GREAT day.
but agin it really depends on your set up.we all have to dive in with two feet in this sport.if we just dive in with one foot we will always end up pissed off.heck I remember when I could not hit the side of a barn much less a target with a 3/4" black dot on it.and that was with a plan old hunt"n 270.but after a good friend showed me I was recoil shy it started getting better for me.along with him teaching me the sport that is.
and yes to your answer.a 1/2" group at 100 is a good group.but being able to watch it get smaller is really fun to do.
but agin it really depends on your set up.we all have to dive in with two feet in this sport.if we just dive in with one foot we will always end up pissed off.heck I remember when I could not hit the side of a barn much less a target with a 3/4" black dot on it.and that was with a plan old hunt"n 270.but after a good friend showed me I was recoil shy it started getting better for me.along with him teaching me the sport that is.
and yes to your answer.a 1/2" group at 100 is a good group.but being able to watch it get smaller is really fun to do.
Medium or large bore factory hunting rifles - 1 inch is good for me.
Small bore factory varmint rifles - 1/2 inch is good.
Small bore rifle tuned with a cusom barrel - .250 to 1/2 inch is good.
Benchrest rifle - .250 or smaller is good. Below .200 on a consistent basis would be excellent for me. I'm not an excellent reloader or shooter yet.
These are pretty typical results for me with quality components and a fine tuned handload. I can't shoot one hole groups all day long unless I shoot one shot groups.
Small bore factory varmint rifles - 1/2 inch is good.
Small bore rifle tuned with a cusom barrel - .250 to 1/2 inch is good.
Benchrest rifle - .250 or smaller is good. Below .200 on a consistent basis would be excellent for me. I'm not an excellent reloader or shooter yet.
These are pretty typical results for me with quality components and a fine tuned handload. I can't shoot one hole groups all day long unless I shoot one shot groups.
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