Group sizes at 100 yards

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noahmercy

Blackhawk
Joined
Jun 13, 2015
Messages
741
Location
Sheridan, WY
So I recently had a troll-boy attack me for a comment I made on a YT video, where I mentioned I have 44 Magnum handloads with both 200 grain and 300 grain Hornady XTPs that shoot into 2" five-shot groups at 100 yards from a 7 1/2" Super Redhawk with a 2-7 scope off a good rest. After calling me a liar, he tried claiming physics, mechanical engineering, twist rates, ballistics, and yada yada yada prove that it is impossible. With all due respect, I know it IS possible since I've done it on numerous occasions. I've even shot a 1 5/8 inch group by firing all five from one chamber, which demonstrated that some chambers weren't as well aligned with the bore as others. I also recall, gun writer Ross Seyfried shot a group under an inch at 100 yards with a big bore revolver at one point (using all five chambers), but disremember if that was using open sights. August '94 Guns & Ammo, if anyone has a copy that's not packed away.

Have any of you dabbled in 100 yard revolver shooting, and what kind of groups have you seen? I am aware 2" is good, but refuse to believe it is unprecedented.


just-because-you-cant-do-it-doesnt-mean-it-is-impossible-sayings-quotes-3997515482.jpeg
 
Joined
Nov 21, 2022
Messages
924
Location
Mohave County, Az
No I haven't tried shooting groups ,but we have a 3" diameter plate at 100 yards that when I am focused I can ring pretty regular with iron sights. I do have a scoped Ruger super redhawk and will try some groups. I have no doubt about the ability of a good revolver to produce groups like you mention , for me it would be sight picture repeatability.
 

contender

Ruger Guru
Joined
Sep 18, 2002
Messages
25,145
Location
Lake Lure NC USA
I've been spending a fair amount of time in the deer stands over the last several weeks. During the "slow & boring" time,, I read. A lot of what I've been reading is old Shooting Times magazines from the early 1990's.
And the fun comes from reading some of the comments on recoil, accuracy etc of big bore handguns. Much of what I've scanned lately has been fun because of the READER comments to articles on shooting at say 100 yds with a big bore.

Your nay-sayer is an internet commando & has no real HONEST time shooting big bore handguns at REAL distances. That troll-boy needs to meet guys like David Bradshaw,, or Dick Thompson, or Mark Hampton, or,,,the list goes on.

David is a IHMSA champion, and he can prove things with a handgun at 100-200 yds easily. But he has put in the time, and has the skill. Your troll is obviously the type that uses mostly bottom feeding, shell shuckers & thinks a 3" group at 10 yds is "great!"

I've even had guys come to my range,, to shoot a USPSA match, and can not believe I shoot 100 yds with a revolver. I point things out to them, and offer a challenge. Can we say; "SURPRISED!"

Ignore the troll.

Remember,, arguing with someone like that is like wrestling with a pig. Both of you will get dirty,, but you'll soon learn the pig enjoys it!
 

noahmercy

Blackhawk
Joined
Jun 13, 2015
Messages
741
Location
Sheridan, WY
And along with the pig is the, I believe Mark Twain quote, Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.

In this case, I sent him squealing off by simply requesting he back up his claims that it was impossible with some quotes from the books he vaguely referenced, or explain which laws of physics precluded a spin-stabilized projectile made of gilding metal-covered lead fired from a handgun from shooting groups over ten times as large as a rifle utilizing the same technology. He simply deflected, resorted to some ad hominems, and then said he didn't have time for me. I almost feel bad about how big a hole I tore in him...almost.

Apparently I have a mean streak when it comes to trolls and stupid people. 🤣
 

Thumbcocker

Blackhawk
Joined
Aug 8, 2010
Messages
696
Location
Sounthern Illinois
With my favorite. 44 mag SBHs (iron sights) i can hit standard size clay birds on the 100 yard berm from a Weaver stance pretty regularly. From a seated backrest position, with a spotter, I can hit gallon milk jugs full of water at 200 yards.

The best I have ever done is hitting golf balls at 100 yards from seated backrest position. By hit I mean that there is either a lead smear on the ball or the coating on the ball is torn.

The fact is that almost anyone who will put in the time can do this. Most people think handguns are short range and never try. A good gun with a good load can wow the nonbelievers.
 

contender

Ruger Guru
Joined
Sep 18, 2002
Messages
25,145
Location
Lake Lure NC USA
"
He simply deflected, resorted to some ad hominems, and then said he didn't have time for me. I almost feel bad about how big a hole I tore in him...almost. "

GOOD FOR YOU!

I see folks post pictures of their targets from handgunning on other Forums,, and when I see groups of 3", 4", 5" or more,,, AND the distance of 5,7 or 10 yds,, I bite my tongue. They are proud of their "accuracy" yet,, I try & be tolerant of them. I do not know them, their abilities, their potential disabilities, etc,, so instead of giving them grief,, I keep quiet.

BUT,, when a person tries to claim something like you've mentioned when it comes to handgun accuracy OR the ability of a handgun on big or dangerous game,, all while spouting nonsense, I can't keep quiet.

I'm not the best shot in the world,, and I could easily enjoy improvements to my abilities. Yet,, when it comes to handgunning,, for decades,, my starting point for accuracy was at 25 yds. And I'd work out to 100 yds or more to truly see what the gun in MY hands could do. People scoffed at me when I'd make claims of "nickle sized groups in my Contender 7x30 waters, off the bench, scoped." Yet,, when I was challenged,, I'd prove it to them. And when I started handgun hunting in the early 1980's,, the local boys all ragged me pretty good,, at first. It would start; "You can't kill a deer with a handgun." Or other such comments. And when we used to have a "pool" of money on our season,, I never placed below 2nd place,, taking their money every year. Soon, it went from "you can't" to "Oh crap,, what have you killed with that d*** handgun now?"
And it got even more fun when some of them occasionally saw me shoot something with a handgun, at a distance or a smaller target etc.

My point is,, sadly,, when a person thinks they are "good" or "smart" or whatever,, and are presented with a challenge or a "put up or shut up" scenario, they slink away or make excuses or whatever. As David says; "Accuracy is proved on the target,," and I've added,,, "And when proved by witnesses."

Your internet troll DESERVES to be educated,, and pulled down a few notches. Hopefully,, he MAY eventually learn better. Remember,, we were all young & dumb once.

But I've also seen a few internet experts who are old enough to know better,, argue their point & defend their actions no matter what proof you place before them. One individual stands out to me. On a different forum, he complained about accuracy & hard recoil in a 44 mag. He was,, AND still is of the mind you MUST control the gun by forcing it to stay down under recoil. He felt he should be able to hold the gun down when it fired. He denied the laws of physic would apply, felt a grip design MUST allow you to keep the gun from rolling up or backward, and no matter what brand he tried,, none worked. I wasted a lot of time trying to be polite, and offer sound advice,,, backed up by many publications & other info etc. Yet,, he finally admitted that he was just too old to change & felt his way was right & eventually he'd find the "right grip" that would do as he wished.

So, do NOT feel bad about putting that troll in his place. Bad info, misinformation, or other crap should not be out there for other new folks to see, and gosh forbid, believe.
I gave up on him.
 

lolbell

Single-Sixer
Joined
Sep 29, 2012
Messages
354
I have Super Blackhawk Hunters in41, 44, and 45c. I have taken a good bit of time working up loads for the 3. More extensive with 44, to the point of 2" at a 100. Not so with the others. I stopped at 5" at 100
 

Shamus2022

Single-Sixer
Joined
Apr 14, 2022
Messages
128
Location
VT
I have made 2-3" groups @ 100 yds regularly with my Flattop .44 and my S&W 1950 .44 target.... usually with my favorite "hot" load of 12gr Blue Dot/250 Keith cast 1/20. At the time mentioned Ross and I were in a friendly word-of-honor contest (he being in CO and myself in VT) trying to achieve 1" groups
...and it was with iron sights. I managed one @ 1 1/4" but, only one. He, being a slightly better marksman than I, managed a few better. I always shot all chambers. I still have both guns.

And now let the naysayers start their braying....
 
Last edited:

fuzzyedge

Bearcat
Joined
Apr 1, 2022
Messages
69
Location
Corpus Christi TX
dont know how id fare at 100 yards, but i did hit a jack rabbit running at 70 yards (or maybe it was 40 yards, a long time ago ). heck i missed him standing still but when he took off i got him with the second shot ! lots of astounded fellows in the truck that day lol ! 44 mag, 8 3/8 barrel.
 

Dan in MI

Moderator
Staff member
Moderator
Joined
Aug 9, 2003
Messages
3,487
Location
Davisburg, MI. USA
Within months of getting my first handgun I was introduced to handgun silhouette (IHMSA) At my first match I watched slack jawed for 1/2 the day. Then I went to the line and surprised myself. From there on out I was hooked.

I quickly went to standing class only and rose to International class in both big and small bore. I rarely have to prove my credentials when this subject comes up because most of the time whoever I am with jumps in before I can speak.
 

Thumbcocker

Blackhawk
Joined
Aug 8, 2010
Messages
696
Location
Sounthern Illinois
"
He simply deflected, resorted to some ad hominems, and then said he didn't have time for me. I almost feel bad about how big a hole I tore in him...almost. "

GOOD FOR YOU!

I see folks post pictures of their targets from handgunning on other Forums,, and when I see groups of 3", 4", 5" or more,,, AND the distance of 5,7 or 10 yds,, I bite my tongue. They are proud of their "accuracy" yet,, I try & be tolerant of them. I do not know them, their abilities, their potential disabilities, etc,, so instead of giving them grief,, I keep quiet.

BUT,, when a person tries to claim something like you've mentioned when it comes to handgun accuracy OR the ability of a handgun on big or dangerous game,, all while spouting nonsense, I can't keep quiet.

I'm not the best shot in the world,, and I could easily enjoy improvements to my abilities. Yet,, when it comes to handgunning,, for decades,, my starting point for accuracy was at 25 yds. And I'd work out to 100 yds or more to truly see what the gun in MY hands could do. People scoffed at me when I'd make claims of "nickle sized groups in my Contender 7x30 waters, off the bench, scoped." Yet,, when I was challenged,, I'd prove it to them. And when I started handgun hunting in the early 1980's,, the local boys all ragged me pretty good,, at first. It would start; "You can't kill a deer with a handgun." Or other such comments. And when we used to have a "pool" of money on our season,, I never placed below 2nd place,, taking their money every year. Soon, it went from "you can't" to "Oh crap,, what have you killed with that d*** handgun now?"
And it got even more fun when some of them occasionally saw me shoot something with a handgun, at a distance or a smaller target etc.

My point is,, sadly,, when a person thinks they are "good" or "smart" or whatever,, and are presented with a challenge or a "put up or shut up" scenario, they slink away or make excuses or whatever. As David says; "Accuracy is proved on the target,," and I've added,,, "And when proved by witnesses."

Your internet troll DESERVES to be educated,, and pulled down a few notches. Hopefully,, he MAY eventually learn better. Remember,, we were all young & dumb once.

But I've also seen a few internet experts who are old enough to know better,, argue their point & defend their actions no matter what proof you place before them. One individual stands out to me. On a different forum, he complained about accuracy & hard recoil in a 44 mag. He was,, AND still is of the mind you MUST control the gun by forcing it to stay down under recoil. He felt he should be able to hold the gun down when it fired. He denied the laws of physic would apply, felt a grip design MUST allow you to keep the gun from rolling up or backward, and no matter what brand he tried,, none worked. I wasted a lot of time trying to be polite, and offer sound advice,,, backed up by many publications & other info etc. Yet,, he finally admitted that he was just too old to change & felt his way was right & eventually he'd find the "right grip" that would do as he wished.

So, do NOT feel bad about putting that troll in his place. Bad info, misinformation, or other crap should not be out there for other new folks to see, and gosh forbid, believe.
I gave up on him.
Years ago I hung out with a guy who was a gunsmith part time. He had a range behind his shop that went to 200 yards. I had been reading Ross Seyfried's articles about hitting things. We played around and were both able to hit a plate that holds railroad rails to the ties at 200 yards from a sandbag rest. The load was a Keith boolitvover 7.0 of 700x. Gun was a Bisley .44 mag.

One evening after we had bee shooting a customer drove up carrying a target. He was pleased as punch. The target was the x, 10, 9, and I believe 8 rings of a silhouette target. The customer had had my friend do an action and accuracy job on a Colt 1911 and was gushing about how he could now keep all of his shots on the target from 10 YARDS!!

The customer left walking on a cloud. My friend looked at me and said "Thank you for not saying anything. " I said "No problem. " (I wasn't going to rain on the guys parade or annoy a customer). My friend then looked at me and said " the hardest thing a gunsmith can say to a customer is there is nothing wrong with your gun."
 

The Norseman

Blackhawk
Joined
Dec 5, 2009
Messages
521
Location
Black Hills of South Dakota
I dabble in 100 yard Revolver shooting, but
nothing formal. I like to try each of my Revolvers
out with my reloads that I deem accurate.

Bullet group size measurement is also not
scientific. I use just a plain old plastic one
gallon milk jug. I'm amazed how easy it is
to hit.

My shooting position is usually standing,
two handed hold, facing the target.

The most accurate position is a two handed
hold unsupported, with arms supported
on something, and squeeze the trigger
until the Revolver goes off and scares
you.

For a person to shoot 2" groups at an100
yards with a Revolver or Pistol is easily doable.
With all variables coming together, 1" groups
are not out of the question.

The best practice shooting to all this year and
your endeavors.
 

shoot to thrill

Single-Sixer
Joined
Oct 1, 2022
Messages
182
Location
ny
With my favorite. 44 mag SBHs (iron sights) i can hit standard size clay birds on the 100 yard berm from a Weaver stance pretty regularly. From a seated backrest position, with a spotter, I can hit gallon milk jugs full of water at 200 yards.

The best I have ever done is hitting golf balls at 100 yards from seated backrest position. By hit I mean that there is either a lead smear on the ball or the coating on the ball is torn.

The fact is that almost anyone who will put in the time can do this. Most people think handguns are short range and never try. A good gun with a good load can wow the nonbelievers.
Elmer is that you?
 

shoot to thrill

Single-Sixer
Joined
Oct 1, 2022
Messages
182
Location
ny
I can't see 2" at 50ft anymore let along hit it. But it wasn't too long ago a groundhog at 250yds was in trouble with my Blackhawk 357. Eggs are a challenge at 25yds now. Getting older sucks.
LOL. I have heard 14 million times that guys need 24X scope on a 22 for 50 yds cause they do not have young eyes. need scopes on everything. now all of a sudden these guys can make unbelievable groups with irons along with the short sight radius. same guys will put a scope on a close range lever gun "cause my eyes are old". I cant figure it out
 

Rclark

Hunter
Joined
Jan 1, 2009
Messages
3,533
Location
Butte, MT
From 'my' perspective I see it like this. For a 2" group at 100 yards (two handed hold standing, no scope), one shot group easy, two shots cool even do a little dance, three shots very lucky, 4-5 shots -- highly improbable. :) I feel good getting a 2" group at 25Ys, ...I consider myself a mediocre shooter.
 
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