Looking for a general consensus. When are you "happy"? I've been thinking I'm driving myself nuts. I think of the "guys" on this forum as, in general, "above average" shooters. I think we're all chasing the perfect groups. But...when can a guy think he's "shooting close to the rest"? Non-competition, amateur shooter.
Group size?
- Thread starter JoshcBoucher
- Start date
Re: Group size?
I'd say I'm in the non-competition amateur shooter area (at least for rifle). Anytime i can get my rifle to shoot 1/2 - 3/4 MOA I'm happy with that. Especially when/if I'm using factory ammo. I know for a fact I'd drive myself nuts trying to find that 'perfect' load for my rifle.
Also, this is about what I figure i can expect from my rifle in it's current setup. With 1/2 moa being when the stars are aligned and everything goes as planned.
I'd say I'm in the non-competition amateur shooter area (at least for rifle). Anytime i can get my rifle to shoot 1/2 - 3/4 MOA I'm happy with that. Especially when/if I'm using factory ammo. I know for a fact I'd drive myself nuts trying to find that 'perfect' load for my rifle.
Also, this is about what I figure i can expect from my rifle in it's current setup. With 1/2 moa being when the stars are aligned and everything goes as planned.
Re: Group size?
On my good days I can make my rifle shoot in the .2-.3's and I've shot two five shot groups, and 1-10 shot group that was in the high teens. Can I do that everyday or everytine I shoot...no, but as long as I know my rifle can do it, I feel confident in my equipment and I just continue to practice.
As posted above, It makes me more happy with shooting MOA or less on steel from off hand positions. Nothing like looking through the scope from a standing barricade position from 400 or more yards, your reticle slightly walking around, you take that last breath, pause......gently pressing the trigger .... POW .........ding
On my good days I can make my rifle shoot in the .2-.3's and I've shot two five shot groups, and 1-10 shot group that was in the high teens. Can I do that everyday or everytine I shoot...no, but as long as I know my rifle can do it, I feel confident in my equipment and I just continue to practice.
As posted above, It makes me more happy with shooting MOA or less on steel from off hand positions. Nothing like looking through the scope from a standing barricade position from 400 or more yards, your reticle slightly walking around, you take that last breath, pause......gently pressing the trigger .... POW .........ding
Re: Group size?
People love to talk about the best groups they've shot. I look at averages. On an average day with hand loads, I will average just under MOA, which includes a group or two above half MOA, usually about 3/4, and a group or two just over 1/4 MOA.
With FGMM, I average over half MOA, with some groups just under MOA and a few about 1/3 MOA.
I have had days where I shoot multiple groups over MOA... and those are my bad days. And these days happen, I think, to the best of us. Usually, I can keep it under MOA.
These are with 5-shot groups.
People love to talk about the best groups they've shot. I look at averages. On an average day with hand loads, I will average just under MOA, which includes a group or two above half MOA, usually about 3/4, and a group or two just over 1/4 MOA.
With FGMM, I average over half MOA, with some groups just under MOA and a few about 1/3 MOA.
I have had days where I shoot multiple groups over MOA... and those are my bad days. And these days happen, I think, to the best of us. Usually, I can keep it under MOA.
These are with 5-shot groups.
Re: Group size?
I try to be realistic, as I am a recreational shooter and hunter. I used to get all wrapped up trying to roll ammo for that .25 or .50 group, but realized a couple of things. .25 or .5 at 100 doesn't mean squat if you cant read the wind, or work your dope. In my rifle, 168's will print super tight at 100 and 200, but pushing out further I found that 178's are more consistent. I found a load that shoots on avg 3/4 out to 600. Sure there are bad wind calls, pulls, and brain farts but there is nothing like setting up that gong, ranging and getting that first shot hit. That makes me happy.
I try to be realistic, as I am a recreational shooter and hunter. I used to get all wrapped up trying to roll ammo for that .25 or .50 group, but realized a couple of things. .25 or .5 at 100 doesn't mean squat if you cant read the wind, or work your dope. In my rifle, 168's will print super tight at 100 and 200, but pushing out further I found that 178's are more consistent. I found a load that shoots on avg 3/4 out to 600. Sure there are bad wind calls, pulls, and brain farts but there is nothing like setting up that gong, ranging and getting that first shot hit. That makes me happy.
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