Shot groupings

[43.6N]

Newish to hunting, first elk hunt but plenty of rifle experience. What do you guys consider a good enough grouping to be confident at a given range? I’m trying to extend out to 300 and feel good about it before first rifle. I was hitting shots within a couple inches of each other at 200 yards and feel pretty good about that being precise enough to confidently kill an elk at that range.

Heres the standard I like to be at before hunting season: for me personally, with my guns/my ammo, 8” steel/milk jug 500 yds. Every single time, from any position I might be in. 15 sec or less to set up and start shooting.

My process:
-Find target, ID wind.
-Range, note wind again.
-Dial
-Build Front rest
-Build Rear rest
-Hips in line, basically fine tuning my natural point of aim.
-Focus on target, focus on reticle, adjust parallax as needed. All the while being aware of wind/mirage.
-Final wind hold chosen in reticle.
-Big breath in
-Big breath out
-Execute trigger squeeze
-See impact, rack bolt and prepare for follow up

 

[43.6N]

Newish to hunting, first elk hunt but plenty of rifle experience. What do you guys consider a good enough grouping to be confident at a given range? I’m trying to extend out to 300 and feel good about it before first rifle. I was hitting shots within a couple inches of each other at 200 yards and feel pretty good about that being precise enough to confidently kill an elk at that range.

One more answer, if first elk hunt, start with a 10” plate at 300yds. Get so you can’t miss no matter what. Go from packed up to shooting in whatever amount of time you think is reasonable. For me 15s as noted in my post above. Imagine shots over tall grass, logs, and sage. Seated and kneeling with improvised rests seem to be most common.

Please do not think that if you can hit 6” prone at 300yds, that automatically means you’re g2g. We all need to practice the uncomfortable shots. Very important for us to get off the bench and off our bellies while practicing.

Then do 8” standard.
Then 6”.

Good luck with the hunt!