Anyone else tired of tight groups with sandbags galore?

[Richard22]

The videos are all over YouTube, people showing off tight groups shot from the bench with something to support their rifle front and rear. Now try to find a video where someone shares a three-shot group that was created using nothing more than a front rest.

Just curious what would be considered an acceptable group size for shots taken using only a front rest such as a tripod or some other forearm support?

 

[Schaaf]

Isn’t the point of the YouTube reviews being shown with heavy sandbag groups to highlight the gun itself and not the shooter?

If I’m spending the time to watch someone get on their knees for a company and their pro staff deal, I’d like to see what the rifle is capable of, not the shooter.

 

[Mallardsx2]

If I’m spending the time to watch someone get on their knees for a company and their pro staff deal, I’d like to see what the rifle is capable of, not the shooter.

I agree. Lol

 

[Richard22]

I agree. Lol

Yes, with all the shooting aids that are now available, it's very easy to verify the accuracy of just about any rifle currently in production, not to mention many older models. Still, it would seem there comes a time when the capability of the average shooter becomes the focus in order to create a benchmark for others to shoot (pun intended) for.

 

[kodiakisland]

Looking at a bunch of youtube videos ain't a problem I've got.

 

[jimh406]

I thought the point of shooting from the bench is showing at best what the rifle can do. So, it doesn't matter what you use to assist.

If it is good, it's time to move on to real practice. Well, unless all that the rifle does is shoot targets from a bench. In that case, party on.

 

[Richard22]

Well, to answer my own question after spending some time on other forums, two-inch group accuracy at 100 yards appears to be acceptable for hunting purposes when shooting from a tripod. Could be wrong but I suspect the same would be true when shooting from a bi-pod or monopod. More accurate shooters should be able to get that down to an inch or 1 MOA.

 

[WIbiggame]

This is a 3 shot group from nothing but a tripod at 100yds, poi was a little off related to addition of a new supressor.


Here's 2 shots with it Re zeroed and 250yds again just a tripod on a bench.



And the gun.

 

[Potsie]

Depends - if it’s to showcase the rifle then take all the other variables out of the equation. If it’s to show marksmanship, then the bench is BS.

Either way, 3 round groups are crap.

 

[Salmonchaser]

I shot a couple thousand rounds a year for twenty years, shot once a week, occasionally more. With a modicum of training a bipod and a squeeze bag are every bit as stable as sandbags on a bench. I believe either a bench or bipod does take practice and technique to fully develop the skills of the shooter and understand the limitations of the rifle. If you can shoot expert on a highpower course, you’re good. If not, get off the bench and bipod and learn to shoot better.

 

[Sheltowee]

Feel like the Fresh Tracks crew's Beyond the Stock series did a fantastic job of demonstrating real world accuracy from practical shooting positions.

 

[Richard22]

Here's a target I shot yesterday with my new Howa 1500 chambered in .243 shooting three different factory loads (Hornady ELD-X, Norma Whitetail, and Federal Fusion). And because I always clean my barrels after each outing, the first was a clean, cold bore shot taken with the load it seems to like best, the Norma Whitetail. No surprise that's the hole near the target center. All three were made with the scope set to 6X which is the maximum magnification that I use in the field. I consider my shooting skills as average at best.

 

[D4570]

My granddaughter earlier this year checking her zero.
sitting on the ground leaned up against my trucks front tire off her shooting sticks. Ruger 24" shaw barrel 7mmx57 AI

 

[Steiny77]

I hate seeing these great white hunters in the field sitting in a heated enclosed blind with their rifle clamped in a bog pod on a tripod.

 

[Forkyfinder]

Here's a target I shot yesterday with my new Howa 1500 chambered in .243 shooting three different factory loads (Hornady ELD-X, Norma Whitetail, and Federal Fusion). And because I always clean my barrels after each outing, the first was a clean, cold bore shot taken with the load it seems to like best, the Norma Whitetail. No surprise that's the hole near the target center. All three were made with the scope set to 6X which is the maximum magnification that I use in the field. I consider my shooting skills as average at best.

View attachment 367616

Are those 3 different types of ammunition...?

 

[Schaaf]

Looking at a bunch of youtube videos ain't a problem I've got.

Okay Mr cool guy

 

[jimh406]

I hate seeing these great white hunters in the field sitting in a heated enclosed blind with their rifle clamped in a bog pod on a tripod.

It's better than missing/wounding.

 

[Hammsolo]

Here's a target I shot yesterday with my new Howa 1500 chambered in .243 shooting three different factory loads (Hornady ELD-X, Norma Whitetail, and Federal Fusion). And because I always clean my barrels after each outing, the first was a clean, cold bore shot taken with the load it seems to like best, the Norma Whitetail. No surprise that's the hole near the target center. All three were made with the scope set to 6X which is the maximum magnification that I use in the field. I consider my shooting skills as average at best.

View attachment 367616

Distance? Sandbags?

You clean your barrel after every outing?? Just some swabs? Full scrubby scrub?

 

[Darkside]

Here's a target I shot yesterday with my new Howa 1500 chambered in .243 shooting three different factory loads (Hornady ELD-X, Norma Whitetail, and Federal Fusion). And because I always clean my barrels after each outing, the first was a clean, cold bore shot taken with the load it seems to like best, the Norma Whitetail. No surprise that's the hole near the target center. All three were made with the scope set to 6X which is the maximum magnification that I use in the field. I consider my shooting skills as average at best.

View attachment 367616

You need to shoot 3 to 5 shot groups with each different ammo on separate targets. And see what your gun (barrel) likes, then buy more of that ammo with the same lot #. If your barrel likes 1 your group's will be smaller. And use whatever rest you have to make your gun as solid as possible.
Practice- Practice.

 

[Hammsolo]

It would be cool to start threads based upon stance and distance. What about 200 yards seated off of support? This is a routine coyote shot I take. Even more fun, prone off of bipod with cactus in the crotch off-camber at 357 yards!