Thread: 3 shot groups are useless!

Originally Posted by Tahr

If overlaid over say a year there would likely be a 1" group or under, with maybe the odd outlier. Isn't that enough?

It would be interesting to see a few, if you have some from the same rifle without adjustments between. Overlay them and test your assumption?


I'm not going to belabour the point that I've made in almost every post on this subject, that yes, it is irrelevant to hunting at conventional ranges. But I will repeat it.

Originally Posted by gimp

It would be interesting to see a few, if you have some from the same rifle without adjustments between. Overlay them and test your assumption?


I'm not going to belabour the point that I've made in almost every post on this subject, that yes, it is irrelevant to hunting at conventional ranges. But I will repeat it.

I will have a go at a variation of your 10 shot group. Will fire 3 3shot groups and stand and walk around between groups. Will try a .223 and a bigger banger. I will post the result regardless of the egg on my face. When this rain stops.

Originally Posted by Tahr

I will have a go at a variation of your 10 shot group. Will fire 3 3shot groups and stand and walk around between groups. Will try a .223 and a bigger banger. I will post the result regardless of the egg on my face. When this rain stops.

I'm not confident that there'll be egg. But you'll be better placed to make data-driven statements after the fact! (statements which are irrelevant to hunting at conventional ranges)

Originally Posted by gimp

I'm not confident that there'll be egg. But you'll be better placed to make data-driven statements after the fact! (statements which are irrelevant to hunting at conventional ranges)

Sumarises the thread very nicely. But it also means my view of those who say (particularly when they are selling a rifle, be it used or new) that "its a tack driver, shoots MOA easy" is in most cases pure crap when based on a 3 shot group.

Originally Posted by Tahr

Is this 3 shot group of mine at 200 yards a reliable indicator of accuracy?? Seriously. Im sure this is how the absolute majority of hunters think.

Attachment 250722

I shoot 3 shoot groups to establish and check my zero. Sometimes just 2 shots. Often. If they aren't .75" or under I go looking for the problem. If overlaid over say a year there would likely be a 1" group or under, with maybe the odd outlier. Isn't that enough? Oh, and I validate my drop charts at about 300 yards.

Later, after Gimps reply (below). This gun and others' will hold this game accuracy out to the max I shoot at of about 400 yards. I get probably 75% hits on game down to the size of wallaby at 400. I expect though that I would be a bit disappointed in the group size on paper at 400. And at Tentman's range days I would probably go home with my tail between my legs.

Hey its "minute of deer" and that's all a hunter needs.

One shot zero is enough for my 308=a dead deer,bugger wasting ammo.

Thank you Trout - logic - most of my zeroing is one shot to check - that's with my main hunting rifles - they dont move - they know they will be sold if they play up - then I play with my target .22,s and try to get good groups and test my eye out - dont care if I shoot 50 rounds playing with my .22 stuff

In the Olympics Of Missing The Point, you boys would be gold and silver in the Long Jump Over Reading Comprehension

Originally Posted by gimp

In the Olympics Of Missing The Point, you boys would be gold and silver in the Long Jump Over Reading Comprehension

As amusing as I find this phrase, it is unkind and unhelpful of me

Originally Posted by gimp

In the Olympics Of Missing The Point, you boys would be gold and silver in the Long Jump Over Reading Comprehension

Your point is made gimp and I think by most understood. But it seems that it is not relatable. That is the point.

Originally Posted by gimp

In the Olympics Of Missing The Point, you boys would be gold and silver in the Long Jump Over Reading Comprehension

You write too much comprehension over thinking yr groupies.

Originally Posted by Trout

You write too much comprehension over thinking yr groupies.

Hard case. There is an expression that "sometimes the helicopter needs to land".

Originally Posted by gimp

In the Olympics Of Missing The Point, you boys would be gold and silver in the Long Jump Over Reading Comprehension

I thinik a good point here is that there is a world of difference between someone handloading building up loads and accuracy testing they may well need to shoot multiple groups - then there are hunters like me only use factory ammo so a check of zero may only be two shots

Originally Posted by gimp

In the Olympics Of Missing The Point, you boys would be gold and silver in the Long Jump Over Reading Comprehension

probably relevant to bring this back into discussion.