What’s a decent group size at 100 yards?

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tpcollins

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I changed scopes on my Triumph and have been to the range twice recently to get it sighted in. With 78 grains (by weight) of BH209 and a Barnes 250gr Spitfire TMZ and Harvester sabots, I get about a 1 1/2” group at 100 yards.

I’m used to keyholes with my .204 and nice groups with my .223 but forgot how the ML used to shoot in the past.

What groups are you getting off a solid bench rest and rear bag? Thanks.
 
If you're using it for hunting, how big is the kill zone be of your game animal? Your 1 1/2 is about 1/4 size of deer kill zone, double the 1 1/2 for field conditions and you are still good. If just shooting for accuracy keep at it, cloverleaf should be achievable.
 
should shoot at least moa at 100, any thing bigger would be smoothbore deer slug days which most on here probably don't remember
 
When the universe is in alignment, my Omega can manage this.
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Lol I remember Bob ! I could hit a pop can at 50 yards with my Remington 1100 with open sights . Ha ha I thought I was Daniel Boon ! Was not that long ago I was very happy if my muzzleloader would keep all my shots inside a 3 inch dot at 100 yards ! Oh how things have changed or should I say I have learned so much in the last 10 years !

To the original poster . 1.5 is very good at 100 yards with a hunting load . Bob is being a little tuff on you . Most center fires will not guarantee MOA at 100 . I have a 7mm Weatherby . With Weatherby ammo they guarantee 1.5 at 100 yards . You have your gun ready for season . Good luck !
 
Like Doug, I really think your 1 1/2" group @100 is very good for a hunting load. For myself, I know I am not shooting the most accurate bullet in the world and added to that fact is that I am not the best shot in the world the 1.5" group works great. I choose to use a bullet that is 'hunting accurate' to 200 yards and has deadly 'terminal performance'.

If I were shooting for money, recognition, or competitive shooting I would certainly change bullets and even adjust the powder load to the be more optimal for accuracy.
 
I have some Hornady 250gr Monoflex that are similar to the Barnes except they are straight wall (no boat tail).

I may make an effort next summer to do a really good test with these and a considerable range of BH209 charges.

My Triumph has that EZ Load starter at the bore’s muzzle and always thought I might get better accuracy if I had it gnawed off and re-crowned.
 
OP, might try a few different powder weights to see which charge is the sweet spot with your rifle if you haven’t already. I know my ML is more finicky than the average but does shoot the Barnes well, the T-EZ is a touch more accurate than the Spitfire using the sabots that they come with. I have shot them with the Harvester sabots as well.
 
I think you're fine with the 1 1/2" grouping. As far as boat-tail bullets go, I don't use them in muzzleloaders so the Monoflex should do ok. Do your hunting, then use next spring and summer to see what you really can do.
 
I like overlapping bullet hole groups when I can get them. Don't think I have kept anything that shot over 1" groups at 100.
Same here, I've been shooting about 50yrs & ML's ( both traditional & inline ) for around 30yrs. I don't care what I'm shooting, if ( finding the right powder load & projectile ) I can't shoot 1moa or less @ 100yards - it can be used for a boat oar or a hammer as far as I'm concerned.
 
Scope or open sight?
With open sights I say anything under 3" is good. I have shot a lot of groups off a bench that were 1" with peep sights but I can't do it all the time like some can.
 
1.5 in is fine,if you use all your guns that shoot a bit more then 1 moa your wasting a lot of guns:)
There is a lot of center fires that will just barely shoot 1moa.1.5 in is still only 3 inches at 200 yds if you can shoot good that far..not that many animals are shot over 150 yds with a muzzleloader..
Also if you are pitchin your side locks that wont shoot 1 moa or under at a 100 then more then likely you dont own any, very few people can shoot 1moa with a sidelock at that distance even with a peep.
 
Also if you are pitchin your side locks that wont shoot 1 moa or under at a 100 then more then likely you dont own any, very few people can shoot 1moa with a sidelock at that distance even with a peep.

I have shot a lot of groups with my sidelock that were 1" sometimes less. I can't do it every day all day like some say they can but I am happy with what I shoot.

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Boy I guess I'm in the minority around here as I would say 1 1/2" group at 100 yards sucks and I would be messing with the powder charge and sabot combo to shrink it down. 3 holes touching at 100 yards is a start.

Ya guys say its good enough for hunting or a kill zone is way bigger but I say in hunting conditions group size can increase substantially so why would I want to start out with a couple inch group. I like knowing that my rifle is capable of putting the hole were I want it when conditions are far from perfect.
 

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