People often ask why one rifle prints a tidy cloverleaf, then throws a flyer at the worst moment. The truth is simpler than most internet lore: consistent hardware, consistent ammunition, and a consistent shooting process. This guide explains what actually moves your point of impact, how to diagnose issues, and where The Instinctive Shooter can help.
“A stability factor of 1.5 or greater ensures adequate stability and optimal BC.”
Berger’s guidance is the clearest shorthand for twist choice. Berger Bullets
“The shot must be released and followed through without undue disturbance to the position.”
The UK’s marksmanship principle that ties technique to results. NRA
“A MV SD of 10 fps has a comparable effect on vertical dispersion as 1 percent SD in BC.”
Applied Ballistics on why consistent ammo shoots flatter. Applied Ballistics
What “accuracy” really means
Accuracy is how close impacts are to the point of aim, precision is how tightly they cluster. A rifle can be precise yet not accurate if the zero is off, or accurate yet imprecise if groups are wide. Keep both in view when you test and when you troubleshoot.
Barrel quality and set-up
Twist rate matched to your bullets
If your bullet is under-stabilised, groups open and the advertised ballistic coefficient falls short. Aim for a gyroscopic stability factor around 1.5 or higher for your chosen bullet, velocity and conditions. Use a twist calculator to confirm, then verify on paper. Berger Bullets
Free float and stock contact
Stock pressure can shift point of impact as the forend flexes on a bipod or sling. Free floating removes that variable and tends to improve shot-to-shot consistency, especially across changing weather and positions. Thin sporter barrels may shoot a small group with a pressure pad on one day, then wander the next as pressure changes, which is why modern hunting rifles are usually floated. Rifles Bergara International, The Firing Line
Crown condition
The crown vents gas as the bullet exits. If it is dinged or not true to the bore, escaping gas tips the bullet and shifts impact. Even a slight knock can change zero. A careful re-crown is a simple, high value fix when damage is visible. rifleshooter.com
UK proofing, threading and moderators
If you cut a thread for a moderator or otherwise modify a pressure-bearing part, that is a “conversion.” The British Proof Authority’s guidance makes clear that such work brings proof obligations, and re-proof applies before commercial sale or transfer. We brief customers on this and can manage proof for you. gunproof.com
Practical tip: check for true free float with a paper slip under forend load, inspect the crown under bright light, and keep notes. If you change anything on the muzzle, expect to re-confirm zero and keep your proof position straight.
Ammunition consistency that you can measure
Muzzle velocity spread drives vertical at distance
Two loads that look identical at 100 metres can separate on a tall target at 400 to 800 metres. Applied Ballistics shows how muzzle velocity SD and BC variation both add vertical. This is why a “boring” load with single-digit SDs feels easy to hit with. Applied Ballistics
BC variation exists too
Even in quality bullets, small shot-to-shot BC changes exist. Combine this with MV spread and you get real, predictable vertical growth. Understanding both helps you choose bullets and factory loads that behave well beyond zeroing distance. Berger Bullets
How we help: we run 10 to 20 shot strings over a chrono to get a real SD, sanity-check the instrument, and suggest factory loads known for consistency. If you handload, we can coach a minimalist tune that focuses on seating depth, basic concentricity, and consistent neck tension, not endless tinkering.
Triggers and the human link
Single stage triggers give one smooth pull, two stage triggers give a light first movement then a defined wall. Many hunters prefer single stage for speed and simplicity, many precision shooters like the extra control of two stage. Either style can be accurate when properly used. An Official Journal Of The NRA
What about pull weight? Research with trained shooters shows that lighter pulls can help, yet the gains are modest unless fundamentals are solid, and safety must never be compromised. A measured, appropriate pull weight that you can manage in gloves is better than an ultra-light setting you cannot run safely. If you evaluate triggers, follow recognised measurement practice so your data mean something. MTN Tactical, Tier Three Tactical, NIST
Practical tip: for a UK stalking rifle, a crisp 2 to 4 lb pull is a sensible window. Dry practice the “press to the wall, then add pressure” routine, keep the sights still through the break, and hold the press through recoil.
Optics, parallax and cant
Parallax and ocular focus
Set your ocular focus on a blank background so the reticle is razor sharp for your eye. Then set parallax so the reticle does not drift on the target when you move your head slightly. Unset parallax and a sloppy cheek weld create the classic vertical string or diagonal smear on paper. Outdoorsmans
Tracking and levelling
Do a simple box test at 100 metres to confirm that your scope tracks and returns to zero. Level the optic to the rifle and use a small bubble level if you are shooting much beyond 200 metres. Cant errors grow with distance, and they are worse the higher the scope sits over the bore. Bushnell, accurateshooter.com
Practical tip: add a 30 second parallax check to your zero routine, and record the parallax dial position that truly matches 100 metres for your scope rather than trusting the numbers on the knob.
Moderators, predictable shifts
Adding a moderator changes the barrel’s mass and harmonics, so a shift in point of impact is normal. Quality systems emphasise that the shift should be repeatable when you remove and refit. Expect to re-zero after initial fitting, then confirm repeatability with a simple two group check. Silencer Central, huxwrx.com
UK note: threading brings proof obligations if not factory threaded, see the section above. gunproof.com
Cold bore, clean bore, and cleaning cadence
A true cold bore shift is usually small and repeatable. A clean bore shift is often larger and inconsistent because friction and fouling state have changed. Map any cold bore offset for your rifle, and avoid over-cleaning before important days in the field. Many barrels settle after a couple of fouling rounds, which is why we always re-confirm zero after a deep scrub. ridgelinedefense.com
Field fundamentals that matter every day
The UK’s four principles, firm position and hold, natural point of aim, correct sight alignment or picture, smooth shot release with follow through, remain the fastest path to better groups. They are the reason a well handled 1 MOA rifle cleanly takes deer inside normal stalking distances. Build positions that point naturally, pause your breathing, press cleanly, and keep pressure on the trigger for a heartbeat after ignition. NRA
Real examples from our bench and on the hill
Lincolnshire stalker with a “mystery flyer.” A light sporter in .308 Win shot tidy three shot clusters, then threw one high right. The forend touched the barrel on a bipod under sling tension. We opened the channel for a true float, verified crown integrity, and the pattern settled into a repeatable 28 mm five shot group at 100 metres across positions. The diagnosis matches what free floating is meant to prevent, stock induced POI shift. Rifles Bergara International
Range day frustration that was really parallax. A new scope arrived with the ocular set for someone else’s eye. The reticle looked fine until the shooter moved their head, then the crosshair walked. We reset ocular focus, set parallax properly, fitted a cheek riser, and the weird diagonal smears disappeared. The remedy is textbook, set the reticle for your eye and eliminate reticle drift on target. Outdoorsmans
Moderator fitted, zero moved, then stayed put. After threading and fitting, the rifle printed 40 mm lower at 100 metres, every time, and returned to that shift after removal and refit. That behaviour is expected and acceptable, the key is repeatability. Silencer Central
Quick checks you can run this weekend
- Mounting sanity check: confirm base and ring fasteners are to the maker’s torque values, then confirm ring caps evenly share their load. This avoids pinching a tube or letting it creep under recoil. Manufacturer procedures for torque and order vary, so follow the manual for your rifle, stock and rings. H-S Precision
- Free float test: with the rifle on a bipod, slip paper between barrel and forend while loading the bipod, then with a sling. If it binds, fix the contact. Rifles Bergara International
- Box test: shoot a square to confirm tracking and return to zero, then dial back to your original zero and confirm. Bushnell
- Parallax and cheek weld: set ocular focus on a light background, set parallax to eliminate reticle drift, add a cheek riser if needed. Outdoorsmans
- Chrono a real string: shoot at least 10 rounds, log average and SD, and repeat with a second load. The “flattest” feeling load at distance often has the lowest SD. Applied Ballistics
Products and services, quietly doing the work
- Barrel work and proof management: threading, timing and crown inspection, with proof guidance so you stay compliant when work is done or when a rifle is later sold. gunproof.com
- Twist and bullet matching: we check your twist against your bullet choice using stability tools, then confirm on paper. If you are marginal, we suggest alternate bullets that perform better in your barrel.
- Trigger upgrades set for purpose: single or two stage options, set and measured to a documented pull weight that suits field use, with training to make best use of it. NIST
- Optic mounting and verification: level, torque, parallax set, box test done, and cant control added where appropriate.
- Ammunition diagnostics: chrono sessions, tall target confirmation, and realistic expectations for factory loads at typical UK stalking distances. Applied Ballistics
Straight Talking FAQs on Rifle Accuracy
Why Does My Rifle Shoot Accurately at 100 Metres but Scatter at Longer Ranges?
Often the culprit is **muzzle velocity spread**. Even small variations in bullet speed widen vertical dispersion as distance increases, making ammunition consistency critical beyond 200 metres.
Is a One-Inch Group at 100 Metres Good Enough for Deer Stalking?
Yes. That accuracy standard exceeds what is required for ethical UK stalking. The real test is being able to repeat it consistently from realistic field positions, not just off a bench rest.
Why Does My First Shot Land Differently from the Rest?
A **cold bore shot** or a freshly cleaned barrel often shifts the point of impact. The best practice is to know where your rifle places that first round and to avoid over-cleaning before important outings.
Will a Moderator Always Change My Point of Impact?
Yes. Adding a moderator changes the barrel’s harmonics and weight. What matters most is that the shift is **predictable and repeatable** when removing and refitting the moderator.
How Tight Should I Torque My Rifle Action Screws?
Each rifle model has recommended torque values. Using the correct sequence and measured settings prevents stress on the action and helps maintain consistent accuracy over time.
Do Lighter Triggers Always Improve Accuracy?
Not always. A safe, consistent trigger pull weight that you can manage under field conditions is more valuable than an ultra-light trigger that feels unpredictable in practice.
Why Do My Groups Form a Diagonal Line Instead of a Cluster?
This pattern is often caused by **parallax error** or an inconsistent cheek weld. Adjust your ocular focus and parallax correctly, then maintain a steady head position to resolve the issue.
