Usinga scope, if I can't find a bullet/powder combination that shoots under 2" off a bench I move on to another bullet. Most bullets I have been able to find some combination that will do that. If I'm shooting open sights and get it to 2" I'm very happy. My reasoning is that when hunting there is a good chance I will not have an opportunity to get against a tree or other steady rest for a shot so I want the gun grouping as tight as possible so I'm the primary reason for any error. Then I practice as much as possible with out the rest.

As far as practice goes, I seldom practice with my CF's any more. I have hunting handloads that shoot very consistently for each of them and only need to verify sight in before hunting with them. I do all my practicing with my smokepoles while working up and testing loads, after all, practice is practice when it comes to form and trigger pull and target consentration. Also the muzzys are a lot more fun and it forces you to slow down and think about what your doing.