Estimating grouping at longer distances

[gamostevo]

Here's a newbie question here:

Is it easy to estimate what type of grouping your rifle can get at longer distances based on your grouping at shorter distances?
For example, if a shooter shoots a 5 shot group at 25 yards, and obtains a 1/2" group; would it be easy to estimate the grouping at 50 yards given the same 5 shots. I know there are some variables that determine this (ie. BC of the pellet, wind conditions, fps, etc.)
 I have not taken the time yet to check my groups out at further distances. I usually only check my groups at 25 yards since that is the longest distance achievable in my backyard.
So if it is not easy to estimate, then I have a request.
If any of you have tested groupings at 40 or more yards, please post your best groupings at say 20-25 yards, and your best groupings at the longer distances. Also, what rifle were you using, what pellet, and the fps. I would really appreciate it. It would give me some idea of what to expect at the longer distances. thanks

[uncle paulie]

I think there would seem to be too many variables, pellet brands, weights, firearm power, type of scope, wind, to name a few. Also, many enthusiasts use different pellets for different distances. All of this becomes subjective to the individual and it would be really difficult to try to predict what you might reasonably expect in your experience based on someone else's performance.
That said, I think you might be better served getting to somewhere you can practice shooting at longer distances and get a true sense of what you are capable of, given your own set of  variables. I know someone who had no problems shooting behind large industrial/commercial buildings on weekends when they were deserted. They are usually located plenty far from housing so no feathers were ruffled. He was visited by the local police once, and the two officers even tried a few rounds with one of his pistols. Fun was had by all! That said, I'm sure some of the guys will post their results.

[gamostevo]

Thanks Paulie - I kind of figured that would be the case, because of all the variables.
I'll take my targets with me the next time I visit my local BLM hunting area, and try some longer range groups.

[ezman604]

Stevo, check this out if you don't already have it. http://www.hawkeoptics.com/us/chairgun/index.php

It can help you determine the trajectory.
Happy Shooting!!!!
Dave
 

[airiscool]

One main factor I've heard of is that some pellet designs are not as stable as others when the range gets long, or at certain speeds. Groups that were decent in close can really open up disproportionately at longer ranges.

And, since each gun is a law unto itself, your gun may not match any of what others post.

Paul.

[Tpatner412]

My problem is that I have 25 yards in my backyard as well.  what I have found is that some pellets that preform well at 10 yards, preform horribly at 20-25.  I have shot one of my guns at 40 yards or so and it groups about dime sized at ten yards with five shots but at 40 with the same pellet it shot and inch and a half group so idk what to tell ya

[gamostevo]

Stevo, check this out if you don't already have it. http://www.hawkeoptics.com/us/chairgun/index.php

It can help you determine the trajectory.
Happy Shooting!!!!
Dave
 

Thanks so much for that link Dave. I just downloaded it, and I'll give it a try to see if I can squeeze some data out of it.

The pellet I intend on shooting long distances with is the Crosman Premier Light Domed 7.9gr which gives me the best grouping at 25 yards (3/8" groups) in my Gamo CFX.

[RedFeather]

As said, some pellet designs, such as the wadcutter, perform very well at one range (in this case, short) but open up the groups at others.  Most springer shooters seem to favor wadcutters for short yardage work (10/20 yards) and domed pellets for longer range.  I used to think that it was also power dependent, but some fine shooting has been done at extended ranges (50+ yards) with 525fps ten meter target guns. 

[Nathan]

Unfortunately, you just can’t extrapolate the data and say if you get ½ groups @ 25 yds, then you will get 1 in groups @ 50 yards. As other have said, way too many variables involved. But if you shoot 1 in groups at 25 yards, don’t expect ½ groups at 50 yards. Here are 2 targets I shot at the outdoor 100M range using my Logun MKII. I think it was with JSB Exact pellets.  Those are 1 inch squares. I decided to try some long range groups after reading Harry Fullers posts over on the Yellow. He does some amazing long range stuff. I have a long way to go before I can shoot anywhere near what he can do. 

http://www.network54.com/Forum/79537/message/1265021677/-0-25+cal+202+yards-++7+successive+groups+with+JSB+25+Kings--+ctc+average+1-39+MOA+-++Long


Nathan

[gamostevo]

Wow, that is some nice long range shooting. Yeah, after I downloaded the program, I quickly found out that it is good for estimating alot of variables including trajectory, but not shot groups. Still a really cool program though.