I think what goes on at shooting ranges is this. "Good enough for hunting", isn't an excuse or disrespect for the quarry. It's an admission. Admittedly their rig isn't going to place in any shooting event. At any distance. Against a true competition rifle. But uncle Howard's old pre 64 M70 has put meat on the table for 60 years,every year,shooting an inch and a half at 100 yards. They know it's never going to be any better than that. So why make excuses for it. There are a LOT of people that check zero,with factory ammo,once a year. Then hunt 3 or 4 days and that's it. It's just the way it is.
I'm an accuracy nut. But I'm realistic too. I want holes touching at 100 yards with my bolt action,bottle neck cartridge rifles. But,my PA deer rifle is a pretty little Kimber Classic Select 30/06. It's a solid 3/4" rifle with three different hand loads. 150,165,and 180 grain. The 165s will generally be touching each other. Notice I didn't say MOA. I have no idea if it's a solid 3/4 MOA rifle at say 400 yards. On the other hand,it hasn't been pointed at any game animal at more than 150 yards. That's just a fact of life. My deer stand is on a bench of the "Crick hill. Red brush and devils club. It's more than good enough "For hunting". The 270 I'm taking in two weeks to a Colorado trophy unit for deer,is doing 3/4 MOA to 400 confirmed. Not even a good start here on this forum,but my personal limit for a sporter weight rig,with these eyes. The ballistic reticle has also been confirmed at the various ranges they represent to 500 yards. Nifty device I might add. My 3" 400 yard groups open up to closer 6" at 500. No longer 3/4 MOA. Hey,it's a factory Tikka,with an old dude on the loud lever. I'm happy with it. I do have a Remington based 280 AI build that will do better. Unfortunately it's a good 2 pounds heavier. It's going in back up rifle status. Not my idea of a good time in the mountains. Good shooter though.
I'm an accuracy nut. But I'm realistic too. I want holes touching at 100 yards with my bolt action,bottle neck cartridge rifles. But,my PA deer rifle is a pretty little Kimber Classic Select 30/06. It's a solid 3/4" rifle with three different hand loads. 150,165,and 180 grain. The 165s will generally be touching each other. Notice I didn't say MOA. I have no idea if it's a solid 3/4 MOA rifle at say 400 yards. On the other hand,it hasn't been pointed at any game animal at more than 150 yards. That's just a fact of life. My deer stand is on a bench of the "Crick hill. Red brush and devils club. It's more than good enough "For hunting". The 270 I'm taking in two weeks to a Colorado trophy unit for deer,is doing 3/4 MOA to 400 confirmed. Not even a good start here on this forum,but my personal limit for a sporter weight rig,with these eyes. The ballistic reticle has also been confirmed at the various ranges they represent to 500 yards. Nifty device I might add. My 3" 400 yard groups open up to closer 6" at 500. No longer 3/4 MOA. Hey,it's a factory Tikka,with an old dude on the loud lever. I'm happy with it. I do have a Remington based 280 AI build that will do better. Unfortunately it's a good 2 pounds heavier. It's going in back up rifle status. Not my idea of a good time in the mountains. Good shooter though.