Shooting Five Shot Groups

[ditto1958]

Okay, y'all I'm new to this paper punching business.* My recent experience over the past two weeks with my new CZ 452 has revealed two things: 1. The rifle is a tack driver, and 2. The shooter is not.

Because my rifle is accurate, I've been able to shoot some very small three shot groups. When I do five shot groups, however, my skills, or lack thereof, become much more important. My five shot groups, so far, have been less than stellar. Actually, they tend to consist of either a nice group of three with two pulled shots, or a pair of small two shot "groups," with one pulled shot.

Being disciplined enough, and precise enough, to shoot five shots without pulling a couple seems to be much, much harder than shooting groups of three. I suppose I'm telling many of you something that's old news, but as I've said, I'm pretty new at this game.**

If anyone has any tips, and/or sage advice in addition to having me go to the range early and often, I welcome it.

*Next time I see the guy who tricked me into trying to be a benchrest shooter, I've got a few choice words for him.

**Did I mention I'm more than a little peeved at the guy who talked me into doing this?

[Sir Henry]

Just when you get good at five-round groups that person will most likely up the challenge to ten-round groups. When I'm good I can do seven at the most before choking up. Try loading the CZ one round at a time making it five separate one-round groups. If I load all ten up I've usually blown it by the third shot.

[Les]

With larger groups - i.e., 5 to 10 - it's sometimes difficult to maintain the same aim point as the hole becomes larger, so the 'fliers' might just be down to different POA's.

Concentration does play a huge part in consistent shooting. I'm essentially a dedicated a small bore target shooter, and hitting 10x bulls time and time again is not easy, but with practice and the right approach it can be done ............................ sometimes!!

[Sir Henry]

Sometimes but not often. About a year ago I had a 10-shot group that was my personal best. Up to that point I could do six or seven with accuracy then I would let a flyer out.

[ditto1958]

The challenges on RFC seem t require 10 shot groups for shorter distances, but five shots for 100 yards. I think I've got a long way to go before I can shoot 10 without choking.

[bandit1250]

Being new to this game with practice it will get better for you. Consistency on holding your rifle the same every time and finding out if your rifle likes a loose hold or a firm hold to do its best. Repeatability on every thing you do is a must to get your best groups. Sight in to not shoot your aiming point away. Make POI a little off from your POA. My CZ's all prefer the front bag to be just ahead of the magazine. Bi-pods are not as accurate for me as good old sand bags. Try not to change positions on the rifle while doing a 5 or ten shot string. Repositioning of your rifle is almost a guarantee it will send the shot out of your group. Some CZ's shoot a lot better with a thin shim in the fore end about 1 1/2-2" back. This works especially well on one that is not free floated. It pays to try the shim in them before removing wood from the channel. A good trigger pull is a big plus for paper shooting and the CZ is easy to get a good trigger weight of pull with a little work. Parallax in your scope doesn't help your groups either. Nothing beats practice once you find the ammo your rifle likes and contrary to what some believe my CZ's like to be cleaned every couple boxes of ammo and more often than that if switching ammo brands. Practice, practice and more practice makes things better when it comes to consistent shooting. I am fortunate not to have to run to the range to shoot rim fire rifles unless I want to shoot farther than 50yds. Makes it easy to shoot more often. This is my wife's and my spring, summer and fall shooting empty 22's on the average year and we don't shoot much in the winter months. Lots of practice in those bread bags. I sell the brass and buy more 22 ammo with the money.

[Les]

Great post, bandit.

[RanchRoper]

That must be my problem, my bullets have preservatives added.

[Bish1309]

I'm confused. Do you use honey instead of lubricating solution?

If so, sweet. I'd never have thought of that.

[Henry88]

I notice the same thing. It's always the 4th or 5th shot that opens up the group. I think it's just a matter of maintaining concentration, and maybe in rare instances, the barrel warming.