**Remarks Deleted**

Sean - You are correct in your approach of tuning the load to the gun first before worrying about practical accuracy such as offhand shooting. I've dealt with this quite a bit since my primary shooting venue is standing silhouettes.

For instance, my .22 Hornet barrel will group a particular load into .75" for 5 shots at 100 yards (The one you sold me ). I cannot win a match based on that fact, but it gives me confidence knowing that if I do my part then the bullet will strike almost exactly where I was aiming when the bullet leaves the barrel. Could I get by with less "bench" accuracy? Of course, but one tries to minimize the variables that can be controlled when in the context of the relative inaccurate method holding the gun offhand. Of course I've also had success with shooting a load that I threw together before a match and shot an INT class score. Later, I shot it from a bench and found out it was only grouping 3" @ 100yds! That was my mistake because I lost confidence in the load and I've been struggling to find another to take it's place.

Look at bullseye shooting. I don't know anyone that can hold <2" offhand (one handed) @ 50 yds, but it is pretty much common consensus that your gun needs to be capable of it so the only variable is the shooter. This is the recipe that produces the top scores.

I guess the bottom line is that depending upon the venue and the shooter the level of inherent accuracy required from the gun/load combo will vary. It is up to the individual to determine what is "acceptable" from their "bench" groups. In my mind, for standing silhouettes anything under 2 MOA groups are what I want.

You guys are a riot.

Show me where I said that Sean was in error in shooting from the bench. All I said that virtually no one will show groups thay have fired offhand or from a makeshift rests to show the REAL practical accuray of their shooting.
I SHOOT FROM THE BENCH TOO to check loads.
Show me some groups fired offhand or from rests that are makeshift not from a SANDBAGGED BENCHREST for once.
Go back and read my original post.

You guys do know how to shoot without a Concrete benchrest with many pounds of sandbags don't you?

O'no