What kind of accuracy should I strive for in HFT

[Fred J]

I am new to HFT. I shoot a Diana 34 with a UTG 3-12X44 scope from a Primos Hunting Field bipod. My backyard range goes out to 40 yards. I have been shooting off of sticks for just week and a half, and I would like to know what is a reasonable goal for accuracy.

On a typical day (5-10 mph crosswind), I can put 4 out or 5 shots into a 30 mm bulls at 40 yards. All shots go into the 30 mm bulls at 35 yards and less. Group sizes are around an inch at 40 yards, 5/8" (Nickel) at 25-35 yards and a dime or less at 20 yards and under.

I think I have the hold down: Sitting on a 3.5 gallon bucket, feet under the knees, holding the bipod yolk with the left hand and locking my elbows in my thighs. I rest the forearm of the rifle directly on the yolk at the balance point of the rifle.

The toughest part is using mildot correction for wind, but I'm stating to get the hang of it.

I might go out to my local air gun club (BAGA) this Saturday and try my hand at HFT silhouettes. I going just to have fun, but I would like to get an OK score.

So, what are your thoughts on accuracy goals? This is somewhat harder than shooting off a table.

Thank you for your help.

[Motorhead]

LOL ... Piston class FT is challenging pure & simple !

In an ideal world ( Yea what ever that is ) you need to position rifle on the Bi-pod EXACTLY the same place as you can every shot !  Base your trajectory / zero settings on being shot as you will in a match.  Work with Chairgun program until actual POI gets with the programs POI.
D.O.P.E.  ( AKA: Data Of Previous Engagement ) is paramount to eliminating the guesswork of pellets VERTICAL flight at given distances.

The windage correction of the FT game comes with time and frankly don't think it can be a taught skill beyond some basic fundamentals of direction cause & effect.



 

[Scotchmo]

I recently shot a 100 bull target. Unsorted pellets. Wind was gusting about 3mph and I did no wind compensation. I aimed for center every time. 96/100 were completely inside of a nickel (.835"). And 82/100 were completely inside of a dime (.703") circle. 42/100 were completely inside of a 1/2" circle.

If you can keep 1/2 of your 25yards shots inside of 1/2", that should be good enough to win any piston match. Tough to do with a break barrel Diana 34. Actually fairly tough with any piston gun.

From inside information, I know that the tightest target that you will ever see at a match such as the Western States Grand Prix, is a 1/2" at 24yards. Most are considerably easier than that.

After that, it comes down to ranging, wind estimation, and being able to maintain the accuracy when the terrain/elevation/etc. affects how you hold the piston gun.

[chiro972b]

Don't get too hung up on "am I good or competitive enough". Just get out there and have fun. You certainly sound like you can shoot, you'll learn the ins and outs by going and fellowshipping with other shooters.

[Gear_Junkie]

Don't get too hung up on "am I good or competitive enough". Just get out there and have fun. You certainly sound like you can shoot, you'll learn the ins and outs by going and fellowshipping with other shooters.

This. 

The really fun thing about this sport, is that there is ALWAYS more to learn!  Scott can testify to this, as he's always willing to help us newbies out with helpful information.