Re: My 5r at 100 yards
OP,
Your rifle will always shoot a bullet in the direction the barrel is pointed. That means, unless the rifle is broken, if you properly point the rifle, using consistent sight alignment, and, pull the trigger without disturbing aim, utilizing smooth trigger control, you can expect zero dispersion, especially at the sort of distance you're shooting to, where wind and weather effects are limited. I would submit to you the reason you are not now shooting zero dispersion, at such a short distance where hits can come almost intuitively, is you have not yet realized consistent control of the rifle shot to shot, and/or have not maintained an eyeball/eyepiece relationship shot to shot.
All,
Some here have suggested to the OP that better results will come from the addition of a rear bag support. It is possible that better results could come about; but, it is also possible that the rear bag could undermine results. This is because the bag only serves a low gun position. And, since the shooter should always bring the stock to the head, rather than head to stock, to assure a correct relationship with the gun and the ground, it could be that a rear bag would force the position. This, of course, would preclude muscular relaxation; and, therefore, compromise an understanding for NPA leading to obvious consequences. BTW, maintaining a consistent butt to shoulder relationship without artificial support is easy when the stock is brought to the head and the butt placed thereafter in the pocket formed in the shoulder.
OP,
Don't let the scope and bipod deceive you, that's to say, make you think that since you have shot small groups at 100 yards in conditions you are directing that you know how to shoot. Try shooting at distances where the angular error produced by your inconsistent position and sight alignment will be fully unmasked, as well as the effects of not properly countering for wind and weather.Then, you'll have a better reality for where you really are in your quest of good shooting.
One more thing, the 168 grain bullet produces a lot less recoil than the 175, and therefore, it is possible to shoot it and maintain more consistent angularity shot to shot from the bore at rest and line of departure than when shooting the 175. Only at distances beyond 600 yards would the 175's higher B.C. effect a better outcome than possible with a 168.
Also, please don't think I'm dog-gin' ya. It's your groups which suggest you could benefit from some advice in the matters of marksmanship. I hope that you may benefit from what little I've surmised about your performance.
