when I zero in my scope I'll get 5 consistent dime size grouping's at 30yards, then I go and wait on my sparrow targets but after 10 shots the dime size groupings aren't thereAccuracy (or precision) is usually communicated by describing group size. Group size can be measured in several ways, and some people make up their own ways to measure their groups and communicate (brag about) the greatness of their guns. I don't know how others have done this calculation in the past, but in some cases I think the people are referring to the largest steel target they can clip at a given distance, or shoot 5 shot groups and only measure the tightest 3 of 5. Whatever it is, it makes it confusing when trying to communicate expectations and reality when we are not using the same definition. The way group size should be measured is by measuring the group, outside to outside at the widest dispersion for all shots in the group, then subtract one bullet diameter. This creates a center to center group size, which removes the bullet diameter, so it can be compared with other sized projectile groupings. With a center to center measure, we can later assume an angular dispersion at various distances and reapply the bullet caliber at the appropriate distance of need be.
As a target shooter, my definition of accuracy is what group size can I expect on any day I pickup the gun. It is not the best 3 shot group I ever shot with the gun, it's more like the group size of a 100 shot group. That 100 shot group size needs to be good enough to score the best score possible on the target. So, accuracy is for me is what I can consistently expect from the gun on any given day.
In addition to precision, accuracy can include the ability to retain the point of impact from day to day. Ideally the gun can be pulled off the rack and hit the target on the first shot and not require any sight adjustments. There's probably more to this too, like understanding differences in temperature and such between range sessions. This does not matter in the games I play because there is opportunity to sight in before shooting for score. My guns are able to retain a POI of minute-of-squirrel between uses so it would work for hunting situations, but they tend to not be hitting exactly the center of the target day to day. I usually have to put a few clicks on the scope to get it perfectly centered between sessions.
The one other thing I have seen in air guns vs PBs, every now and again it seems like a pellet chooses its own path to the target and prints way out of the group for an unknown reason. I suspect there is some off center weight distribution in the pellet manufacture. I have come to accept this happens with the pellets I am shooting and consider it part of the game.
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