Hey all,
I noticed something this past weekend when shooting an across the course 800 aggregate NRA High Power match. These matches are great, as there are no standing transitions, and you get 2 sighter shots for each course of fire.
My standing zero on my rifle was obtained in the prone position at the beginning of this year.
I have also been struggling, and improving with the standing position. I would say I spend 90% of my practice in dry firing standing.
I know a few High Masters (the highest qual in NRA HP) that have different 200 yard line zeros for standing and for seated.
But like our "squares" targets, I have been very reluctant to adjust my zero, because my groups were so large. So, my primary focus lately has been accepting my wobble area (typically an 8 ring hold) and focusing on trigger control and follow thru.
The above has helped me a lot. Past 2 matches I have averaged low 90's in 10 shot strings offhand.
But, what I did notice during this past weekend NRA Match, where we shoot 22 shots standing, I noticed a trend in my data book.
So....this post is also a PLUG for the data book and the importance of maintaining one.
Attached is my page from the past weekends match.
My starting zero, is always 1.5 MOA UP and .5 MOA Left.
I had forgot to add that to the rifle, the UP part so S1 and S2 were a little low.
I rectified that prior to shooting for record.
Shot 3, I noticed I was hitting to the right, so I added another .5 MOA Left. There was no significant wind.
Shot 7, I noticed all of my shots were grouping low so I added another .5 MOA UP.
Shot 14 I also added another .5MOA UP.
Finished the 20 shot string with a 181, which is a 90 average and I am happy with that.
BUT....the majority of my shots are all low 9/10 ring.
As instructors, you may look at this and say add 1 MOA UP.
But, that is not necessarily what the issue is.
What I was struggling with was the barrel is dipping on me. This may be fatigue, I am not sure. I have more work to do to diagnose this.
What I have noticed is a TREND on some of my other pages as well. So, I actually started this match with an extra .5MOA UP from my previous 200 standing zero. It still was not enough. In total from my last match, I added 1.5MOA to the elevation, and am still hitting low.
Possibly it is my hold?
Looking for suggestions.
My seated zero, at the same yard line is 1 MOA UP. That is a 1.5 MOA difference in zeros at the same yard line, same target, only thing that changed was my position.
A few of my friends, have different zeros from standing to seated. Do any of you have a similar situation?
Regardless, I did well for the match. Likely won my classification (Sharpshooter) as I posted a Master score of 752 (just squeaked that in). I did also earn my Expert classification as well.
Things are coming together, and they seem to be doing so rapidly. Just need to work out a few bugs with my 200 yard line stuff.
Interested in your thoughts/ideas.
EDIT: I did notice after reviewing every shot, that after shot 15 (16 was a called low shot, a 7!) the rest were 9/10/X.
MAYBE, maybe it is that I just simply need to call my offhand zero, 2.5 MOA UP.
Won't be able to verify this for a few weeks, but I am leaning towards it may just be a simple ADD ELEVATION thing.
R/
Chris
when you start your exhale, where does your sight start? What I mean is, on an AQT, I start exhaling I'm around middle 3 at about 2:00 o'clock, drifting down into the black (yes, I know it's not a complete vertical, more diagonal line), and I start squeezing middle 4 pulling the shot (well, trying to) right as I come into the top of the "V".
On an SR2, I start at the top of the black, trying to pull the shot as I'm breaking the "x".
I have noticed that on an SR, I need about 1-2 clicks more elevation vs. prone. It may be due to head position change in prone vs. standing.
On a FB group "Precision Shooting Journal", a guy responded that it is more to do with the height of the face and the angle I am looking thru the scope.
I can accept that, this is all GOOD STUFF as I am FINALLY getting to a point with my standing, that I can start refining it, meaning the zero.
cwcdl79:
My hold on all standing targets is as follows....
I bring rifle down into the target and settle in mid of aiming black, after a breath. I then take up slack and breath again, exhale and if I am still holding mid black, I break the shot and consciously force myself to hold breath and trigger back.
It has been working as evidenced by my smaller groups.
What is cool about this, and also weird....is the zero shift.
But, I am hearing it is not uncommon. One guy is about the same as me, with the zeros change between standing and seated. Another friend that is a good shooter is .75MOA from standing to seated.
This is all way cool!
R/
Chris