I agree with Ed. Too many times shooters have too high of an expectation, since all they see posted online are the “magic” groups, that best group of 25 that were shot that day. Nothing wrong with that, it’s fun to see. But it’s not the normal group size. Take a look at this that I shot yesterday. 110 yards, EBR size target, 8 ring 2 inches, 9 ring 1.25 inches. .22 EDGun R3 Long with RD Monsters at 960 FPS. Shooting for score, not group size.
On first glance, you may think “meh, not that great”. And you would be right. I shot 11 shots because I decided to keep shooting until 1 shot was outside the 8 ring. But is it good? If so, how good? This is 10 yards further than the normal EBR 100 yards, from a prone position with light swirling breezes. And the average score is 8.73. To put that in perspective from my post above, the average score of the top ten shooters at EBR 2019 was 8.64. So the above target would be very competitive in the Pro division of a major 100 yard BR competition. But on first glance it doesn’t look that great does it? I think sometimes we expect these little half inch stacked magic groups all the time from our guns. And as Ed says above, that’s not reality…
very interesting, thank you.
my first question, do you agree that shooting at a target for score, is the same as shooting for a group, only the center of the group is always the center of the target in your scenario, and when shooting for a group the center of the the group is wherever the center of the group is (I know sounds weird). Just trying to calibrate.
as far as the comment about there being a different bull’s-eye each time when you shoot for score in BR, and because of that it is more difficult, I don’t understand. As a complete novice to the sport, I currently don’t believe that makes a difference. It would be the same as taking all 25 shots at the same target, with the intended center of the group being the very middle. I would assume the reason they have 25 distinct and independent targets, is so that you can score accurately. Otherwise just like in firearm BR you would need a moving backer. Just so everyone understands why I’m saying that. The reason a moving backer is used in benchrest firearm is to prove that there were five shots taken on the target. Because they all go in one hole, otherwise a guy could conceivably send one over the target into the berm, and win a match.
Btw, While we are all in lockdown, I plan to get my crown out, and tune it to the heavy 25 pellets, and I can see what I can do at 100 yards with a 2 inch circle. Game on! I like it.
mike
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