Thread: Difference between ballistic chart and real word results

Been doing this exact exercise with the 6mm ARC the last few days. First visit to range I focus on 100 M zero. I always like to be 50 to 65 mm high at this distance. I don't sweat it exactly, but I want two groups that show the same result, 3 shot groups are only OK if the rifle is CONSISTENTLY doing 12 -15mm or better. If it isn't then at least two 5 shot groups are what I want. It also pays to remember that you don't have to be shooting real small groups to set up a 500M rifle, 30 or 40mm at 100M are fine if they are consistent and repeatable. Remember to enter the carefully measured zero offset into the ballistics programme.


I then move back to 400Y (365M) - I think this is about the minimum distance to do this exercise at but it produces reasonable group's and doesnt knock your confidence arround too much. I set up a big bit of paper with two aiming points at the top (so you have about 500-600mm of clear paper below it). Without any dial (or reticle holdover if that's how you shoot) I fire a 5 shot (10 is really better) group. I go forward and carefully measure the actual drop to the group centre (don't worry what the group size is). Does the actual drop match what the ballistics programme is telling you? If not correct it. Then dial or holdover and shoot a second group at the second aiming point. It should be bang on if you scope dials correctly but if it's not then you now have an idea of the "correction" your scope needs.

Then go hunting, your rifle is good for at least 500-600M everything else being equal, which of course it isnt. Position, wind, and other variables require consideration in setting a personal limit, which for me is about 350M (but I'm an old, pot-belly Fudd haha!)