What sized target for a pass/fail accuracy test?

[Jason_W]

I want to gauge how far I should be reasonably shooting at deer sized game from realistic hunting positions. I'm thinking that I should use a target about the size of a deer's kill zone. What would that be 10"x10" 12"x12" inches?

My idea is to place such targets at a variety of ranges and fire three shots at each. If all three shots connect, I'm somewhat good to go at that distance (I realize innumerable factors other than distance can play a role in a real life hunting situation.

 

[NCsmitty]

Your kill range will be whatever range that you can keep all your shots on a 9" paper plate.


NCsmitty

 

[LoonWulf]

yeah, the 9" plate is pretty much the standard for field shooting. Personally i prefer to keep all my shots inside 6"s from steadied field positions. i can usually do 6" free hand at 100, but not always, so 100 is about as far as ill shoot unsupported.

 

[sugarmaker]

Everyone has different standards. 5 out of 6 on a 9" plate you should be good. Some can do this at 200 yards unsupported under field conditions, others are hard presssed at 50 yards.

 

[Jason_W]

I won't be shooting anything at 200 yards.

With a recently diminished firearms supply and practice difficult to come by over the last year, my extreme limit is maybe 65 yards with a good rest. Offhand, I wouldn't be surprised if my limit is 35 yards or so.

Thankfully, the woods are thick where I hunt.

 

[R H Clark]

If I had difficulty hitting a 9" plate at 65 yards with a good rest and 65 yards was my max with 35 more likely,I would give a shotgun a lot of thought.

 

[briansmithwins]

I'd go for smaller rather than larger. You'll never match your best day at the range in the field.

BSW

 

[Jason_W]

If I had difficulty hitting a 9" plate at 65 yards with a good rest and 65 yards was my max with 35 more likely,I would give a shotgun a lot of thought.

That's actually what I have to use this season. I just didd't want the thread moved since I thought people on the rifle forum might have more to say on a pass/fail accuracy test. Could be wrong, though.

 

[LoonWulf]

you shooting a dedicated slug gun? or a bird gun with buck/slugs?

 

[supersappersix]

The standard for the German Jagdschein is a ten cm (six inch) circle at 100 mtrs. That is with a rifle, shotguns were/are strictly for small game and birds.

 

[bigedp51]

Growing up hunting accuracy was being able to keep your bullets inside a six inch circle at 100 yards. If you are having a hard time doing this with a scoped rifle try using a aperture/peep sight as it will not amplify your movment as bad as a scope will.

Standing on my hind legs shooting off hand I always do better with a peep sight.
(or switch to a low power scope or a reflex red dot sight)







Or just buy your meat at the grosery store, cook it at home for your friends and just make up hunting stories.