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I was having a conversation with Mt.Monkey and we agreed that the group might benefit from a process that I use to get ready to hunt.
This may not apply to some situations with barrels that shoot there cold bore shot into a group of subsequent shots..
What I have found is that there is substantial POI changes of barrels especially factory ones.
MY personal bench mark is 5 shots in a group from a warmed up gun to shoot 1/2 half inch center to center.
I just can't carry it to the field with confidence otherwise.
Load development sighting in etc are completed over the preseason.
Here is where it gets interesting and my situation is very unique in that I can walk to my shooting bench from my door.
One I have settled on a combination I must determine my velocity as close to the conditions I will make my shot.
So over a 3 or 4 day period I'll shoot 2 or 3 shots per day to get an average of 10 to 12 shots on a string.
Some in the morning some in the middle of the day. Of course you record your velocity and temps per session separately to enter into your balistics model . I use applied ballistics
After a few days you get an idea of any temperature variations. In a 20 to 30 degree swing.
If it's to much the load is scrapped and you try another powder.
I am sure this applies to smokeless muzzleloading but I must confess I've mainly concentrated on cartridge rifles with this method.
What I'm looking for is a consistent velocity with single digit SDs and ESs in the teens max.
With this I'm confident in one aspect of the balistics model.
So velocity check.
Next comes the cold bore zero and cold shooter.
I'll hang a target at my zero distance 100 or 200 depending on the reticle and cartridge. On my muzzle loader 100.
Laser verified.
and shoot 1 round.
Pack up and do it again in the after noon.
Taking the target with me after a few days of this you start to see a group that may be vastly different than your pre established zero.
This is now your on demand cold bore zero.now you adjust your scope.
Come back latter 6 hours minimum and fire 1 round.
It should be dead center is you did every thing right.
I learned this method from people that make there living one cold bore shot to thr next.
It has served me well. Just last year I made a head shot on a coyote at 192 layered yards.
I intended to shoot him in the eye.....
He turned his head at the shot.
I hit him in the temple.right behind the ear
Lights out.
The point being as I get ready for the Georgia rifle season.
I'm confident that where I aim is where I'll hit.
Just rember 1 thing. Your balstics model is only as good as the information you put in.
If you do your work at 90 degrees and hunt at 50 your going to be scratching your head...
Velocity variation is the biggest reason for Unexsplained misses at distance.
I believe I'm lethal out to 500 yards because I prepare and practice out to those distances on a regular if not daily bases.
200 and 300 anyway.
I have to drive to get 500.
Food for though....
John
This may not apply to some situations with barrels that shoot there cold bore shot into a group of subsequent shots..
What I have found is that there is substantial POI changes of barrels especially factory ones.
MY personal bench mark is 5 shots in a group from a warmed up gun to shoot 1/2 half inch center to center.
I just can't carry it to the field with confidence otherwise.
Load development sighting in etc are completed over the preseason.
Here is where it gets interesting and my situation is very unique in that I can walk to my shooting bench from my door.
One I have settled on a combination I must determine my velocity as close to the conditions I will make my shot.
So over a 3 or 4 day period I'll shoot 2 or 3 shots per day to get an average of 10 to 12 shots on a string.
Some in the morning some in the middle of the day. Of course you record your velocity and temps per session separately to enter into your balistics model . I use applied ballistics
After a few days you get an idea of any temperature variations. In a 20 to 30 degree swing.
If it's to much the load is scrapped and you try another powder.
I am sure this applies to smokeless muzzleloading but I must confess I've mainly concentrated on cartridge rifles with this method.
What I'm looking for is a consistent velocity with single digit SDs and ESs in the teens max.
With this I'm confident in one aspect of the balistics model.
So velocity check.
Next comes the cold bore zero and cold shooter.
I'll hang a target at my zero distance 100 or 200 depending on the reticle and cartridge. On my muzzle loader 100.
Laser verified.
and shoot 1 round.
Pack up and do it again in the after noon.
Taking the target with me after a few days of this you start to see a group that may be vastly different than your pre established zero.
This is now your on demand cold bore zero.now you adjust your scope.
Come back latter 6 hours minimum and fire 1 round.
It should be dead center is you did every thing right.
I learned this method from people that make there living one cold bore shot to thr next.
It has served me well. Just last year I made a head shot on a coyote at 192 layered yards.
I intended to shoot him in the eye.....
He turned his head at the shot.
I hit him in the temple.right behind the ear
Lights out.
The point being as I get ready for the Georgia rifle season.
I'm confident that where I aim is where I'll hit.
Just rember 1 thing. Your balstics model is only as good as the information you put in.
If you do your work at 90 degrees and hunt at 50 your going to be scratching your head...
Velocity variation is the biggest reason for Unexsplained misses at distance.
I believe I'm lethal out to 500 yards because I prepare and practice out to those distances on a regular if not daily bases.
200 and 300 anyway.
I have to drive to get 500.
Food for though....
John
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