Shot groupings

[egreen4257]

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.

 

[wapitibob]

I’m about 1-1/4moa at 600, where I spend 99% of my time. if you plan to shoot out to 300 I’d spend most of your time at 300 or further.

 

[686]

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.

A 2” group at 200 yards is a 1 MOA group, which is good. Is your rifle zeroed at 200 yards? What caliber/load? Post up photo of a target you’ve shot and we can help more.

Elk vitals are a volleyball sitting between the front legs. You need to pop that ball. Aiming at the top of the heart in this image is a good spot.

 

[sndmn11]

What do you guys consider a good enough grouping to be confident at a given range? I’m trying to extend out to 300

6"

 

[MikeDeltaFoxtrot]

If you are asking about the mechanical accuracy of the rifle/optic/ammo combination, then about 1 MOA is the usual standard. That means shooting off sandbags on a bench on a calm day.

In terms of practical accuracy from field positions, I limit myself to ranges and positions where I can shoot a group I can cover with my hand. Another way to think about it, if you are practicing on steel, is can you consistently hit an 8" gong from real world positions and conditions with your rifle at that range.

 

[CAElkhunter]

practice, practice, practice. Alot has to do with the caliber of your rifle and drop as to what distance you should limit yourself to. From what you said you should be ok out to 300 depending on circumstances. Don't take marginal shots as Elk are tough sons-o-bitches. They are not afraid of caliber and will travel far on a marginal shot. Making for a miserable day for you.

 

[Beendare]

egreen,
Thats a good question to ask yourself.

I'm a long time elk hunter- 4 decades and have hunted with many guys to get their first bull. I bow hunt but the same principles apply on effective range whether its rifle or bow.

Was your 2"/200y from sandbags on a bench? you see where I'm going with this.....

Your effective range is what you can do replicating real world conditions. Are you shooting off of sticks, standing, kneeling? Are you prone? Are you shooting at different angles vs flat ground?

The guys that do best in the field;
1) practice these different shots and body positions
2) have a shot sequence [like a mantra] that they practice on every shot.

This shot process...or mental checklist...or mantra...whatever you want to call it is important as you can fall back on it instead of blanking out in high pressure [Buck fever] conditions.

 

[trophyhill]

6"

Unless you're working up your own loads, a consistent group at anything less is so hard to achieve. Not saying there aren't some great factory loads that do it. The Federal Fusion in my rifle seem to be consistent at advertised MOA, at times. But environmental conditions, barrel temps, my breathing and other factors all play a part.......

 

[mt terry d]

This:

Equipment versus practice posts and Rifle practice/shooting

This isn’t in response to anyone I particular, but there is an up tick in the amount of “I want a XXXX distance hunting rifle” traffic the last few months. I am getting a lot of questions relating to this, which I do not mind helping, but thought a public post might help answer some questions...

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