I had a question for you all - what is your minimum accuracy standard for deer hunting? In other words, how accurate do you feel you need to be shooting in order to take a given rifle/load out hunting?

I know many of us work on shooting as small groups as possible when at the range, but it's not necessary to shoot 1" groups to kill deer. Personally, I would give up a little in accuracy for bullet performance- For example, I'm using the 200 grain XTP right now because it's a bullet I've used successfully and trust it- even though I've had other bullets shoot a little bit better.

For me, my personal standard (for a scoped rifle) is 3" groups at 100 yards. If I'm not shooting at least that good, then I'm going to work up another load or leave the rifle home. My current load shoots to 1.5" on a good day, 2" on an average day, and 2.5" on a bad day - so I'm well within my personal "standards".

What are your guys standards for hunting accuracy?