roadrunner
WKR
There is definitely statistical relevance in different group sizes. 10 drives the variability down far enough that you actually get a representation of consistency, and you can apply statistics to. A cold bore challenge is less about a proven system, and more about the fundamentals being applied to a hunting type situation with a cold shooter. If you think it's a nonsensical waste of time, you either haven't honestly tried it, or you're an extremely fundamentally sound and slightly egotistical shooter.
I replied to this because I think it's beneficial to the thread. When referring to your most accurate rifle, if all you've ever shot is 3 shot groups try 10 sometime and see if it holds together.
That's the point I'm trying to make, and obviously poor at that. A 10 shot group isn't necessary if a 3 shot group provides the results needed for a hunting application.
Whether or not the remaining 7 shots hold together doesn't matter in a hunting situation. For them to hold together is a matter of peace of mind for the shooter.
If someone can pick up a rifle, cold (both the barrel and shooter) and hit a 1 MOA sized target at whatever distance, that's all anyone should ever need out of a hunting rifle. Downrange variables aren't a factor because you correct for that (or at least you should). A cross breeze isn't going to suddenly change how the rifle itself behaves and it certainly won't affect the mechanics of your load from chamber to muzzle.
The only time a hunting barrel is warm is after several misses or the hunter is road hunting and bails out to shoot at the target from across the hood. A multi shot group won't fix that. Something else needs to change.
Why it's difficult for some to understand why they should want their hunting rifle to be able to be 1 MOA accurate on the first shot is mind boggling to me. It tells me they are okay with a poor hit first to be followed up by a kill shot second.
But I'm wrong as usual, just like everyone else in making assumptions...