5-shot groups are pointless

[rational_behavior]

Interesting video on ballistics statistics:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSxr9AHER_s

[MeatyMac]

On my deer rifle I want to know where the cold barrel’s POI is for the first shot.

On precision match rifles I use 10-shot groups when comparing the accuracy of different hand loads.

[C.G.]

On my deer rifle I want to know where the cold barrel?s POI is for the first shot.

On precision match rifles I use 10-shot groups when comparing the accuracy of different hand loads.

Exactly what my point of view is on this matter.

[subscriber]

One 5-shot group means almost nothing by itself. But if you are proving zero before a hunt and that single 3 or 5-shot groups lands where you expect it, then that is enough.

For scientific purposes, the average of ten 5-shot groups shot back to back is meaningful. You can decide if you want to let the barrel cool in between, or if it is part of a system test. So; certainly, showing just your best 5-shot group is meaningless - except for bragging, unless the other nine look very similar.

If you are hunting, the distance between your point of aim and point of impact for a single shot means everything. Ditto for authorized bipedal applications. Forget bragging rights; good enough is good enough. Can you rely on the first shot? Do you shoot fouling shots before you start measuring groups? What about a "cold bore shot"?

Pedantry is not good for infantry...

[hambam105]

Five shot groups are worthless when you can't hit sheet to begin with.

[Quiet]

5-shot groups are pointless

9-Hole Reviews...
In order to determine the "practical accuracy" of a rifle, they use 9-shot groups.

[C.G.]

9-Hole Reviews...
In order to determine the "practical accuracy" of a rifle, they use 9-shot groups.

The tenth ones are flyers, hence 9-shot groups.

[russ69]

5 shot groups do not have much statistical value but they can tell you if your gun has a chance of being a good shooter or it's got big issues.

[therealnickb]

The tenth ones are flyers, hence 9-shot groups.

Yep.

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