ACCURACY REPEATABILITY

[Huntsalotey]

I went to the range today and tried out the Horn. 139gr. SST's. I shot it with 46grains of H4350. I acheived the best groups I have yet with this Savage Rifle. The first group was .8" and the second group was 1". I am happy and pleased with these groups and wanting to stay with this load and not look any further. What I need to know is this: Since it shot 2 groups this good today will it consistently shoot this load this good or is it possible for it to open up groups some days and shoot tight others. It seems to me that if it shot 2 groups this way that it should do it all the time as long as I am doing my part, but this is what I need advice on from you guys. Thanks
Whitey

[Briman]

What I need to know is this: Since it shot 2 groups this good today will it consistently shoot this load this good

Maybe.
At different temperatures the load might change a bit. On different days the shooter might shoot better than on other others. If you reload the same brass too many times, the case necks will lose tension and diminish accuracy, Using a different lot number of bullets/primers/powder might change the load slightly. There are alot of factors that can make a difference, whether they stack up and make a considerable difference or cancel eachother out will determine ifthe load holds up.


I've been shooting the same loads out of a couple of different rifles for several years, and they haven't changed much, so in your case, I wouldn't worry too much

[stubblejumper]

I need to see at least five consecutive three shot(or more) groups before evaluating a load.I have seen too many loads that will shoot some good groups yet throw a flyer every few groups.Some loads are very stable with changing conditions and others are not.I test my loads at both warm and cold temperatures before deciding on a hunting load.

[MShort]

I don't have a hard and fast rule. Two good groups a session is a good start - a couple of more times should give you confidence. Typically when I find a load that seems good one session and it falls apart the next session - it's usually me - not the equipment or the load. That's what practice is for - it gives you confidence in the equipment and the load while at the same time hopefully improving the weakest link - the shooter.

[ktscontender]

I have good days and I have bad days. I can't blame my bad days on the particular gun I'm shooting I can only blame myself.

The one thing I try to do is remain consistent, I prep and load each cartridge exactly the same, over the years I have developed a routine and if I deviate from it I can expect diffrent results.

I use the same rests and try to hold the rifle or handgun in the same position each time.

A simple example here....When I shoot my contender handguns I wear a neoprene glove no matter what caliber or what the weather is because if I don't then my accuracy is effected quite abit. I never thought something as simple as a glove could make a diffrence but I've shot enough groups to know it does.

Again....When I'm shooting my hunting rifle I have a vest with a small towel folded up and sewn in the right shoulder that I wear. Not to reduce recoil so much ( tho it does help), but to simulate the extra clothes I'll be wearing on those cold mornings in the field. If I shoot in a light T shirt then accuracy is effected.

Then there are guns that are just plain finicky, but thats what keeps this hobby fun

[Steven Ashe]

I am a worry wart, when it comes to being ready for the one shot that I may have on a trophy. Therefore, I go back to the range many times, even after settling on a formula for my game load. Going back again and again is not a bad thing, but on an off day, when I am not grouping well at 200 yards, I simply move the target in to 100 yards and get a good group before quitting the firing session. I have not seen much, if any changes in groups, once the load is worked up. If at all possible, I test fire the rifle in the area where I am hunting, especially after a flight out or long highway trip. Rifles can get knocked around and if hit hard enough the groups can be affected, but it takes a pretty good hit to disturb the zero.