Using hunting arrows my bow groups the same with field points as with broad heads what is considered a good (Average) size group at 40yrds?
1" per every 10 yds I think is what alot of guys like to claim they shoot, but in reality that's not the average. I think if you hit a softball/grapefruit size target consistently at 40, you'd be fine.
I agree completely. Except a softball is 3.8" across so those are slightly better standards than 1" per 10 yards haha
Lol then how bout a grapefruit? I just measured a CD. Almost 5". If you can consistently hit that @ 40, I'd say you're good.
when adding wind, buck fever, limited shot time, and a deer that may move I think a one time attitude is not correct. you should be inside of 4-5 inches to make up for error when shooting at a live animal.
The big key here is consistency. I'd say at or above 90% of the time you're hitting within your 4" diameter. Not 9 out of 10 times, thats way too few. Ninety out of hundred must be in that radius and the other 10 errant shots must be on the edge if you are going to be shooting at deer at a given yardage.
Yeaaaahhhh I figured someone would say something. But what I mean is shoot a sufficient enough amount so that you're getting a more accurate and true gauge of what you're consistently capable of shooting. By shooting more you will be able to find what that true measure is.
I wasnt being fully serious with that one. I personally would never shoot at a deer at 40 yds, all that stuff you mentioned can really mess your shot up at those distances. No amount of practice is gonna fix all of that. But it is good to practice at that range, makes those 20 yd shots a lot easier.
From what I can tell, when it comes to anonymous people on the internet, the average IQ is 130, the average sausage is 8.5'', and the average group at 40 yards is 4 inches. In truth, I think you would be doing very well to keep them inside 4'' at 40. I had to take a range accuracy test this year to participate in a county management program, and I saw a surprising number of guys who couldn't keep it inside 6'' at 20 yards. Regardless, most people will agree that a 40 yard shot is undesireable. I really like my shots to be inside 20.
Well I certainly don't claim to have an IQ high enough to register, nor did my irish heritage grace me with an 8.5" sausage. But I would feel comfortable shooting out to 40 yards under ideal circumstances. I have spots on field edges that are completely unobstructed. Any farther than 40 yards I would not take, but up to it I'd take the shot. In the woods I try to keep it to 25 yards max.
Ive only had my bow for a few months now. My 40 yard groups have been good, all well within lungs/vitals. This being my first year out, I already decided that Im not shooting at anything over 30 yards. when i start putting down some animals at 30 or closer and know I cant hit them the same as a 3D target, then ill start to extend my live range. How are your groups now? How many arrows are you shooting? Are you happy with your groups ? I shoot at least once a week minimum, I try to get out 3 times during the week if i can, every week until season.
Anything less than 3 arrows, one stuck in the back of the other at 40 yards is just plain lousy shooting. Seriously... I don't worry about group size so much. I want to know where that first arrow goes. If it is "on" every time, when you first pick up your bow and draw, that is what counts most. Mr. Whitetail doesn't wait around for us to group our arrows. Take a realistic shot before you go to work, while your muscles are cold... If you can make that shot every morning... you should be golden.
After my 3 year old got over that fact that I was shooting her leftover princess party plates, that is what I've been using. Its a paper plate a little smaller than 5". And like Muzzy Man said, I put more emphasis on that first arrow. The week before I went hog hunting a couple of months ago, I went out each day and shot only 1 arrow at 40 yards at the paper plate. This was more to focus mentally before the hunt as the form and muscle memory and bow was already set.
I think a 4 inch group at 40yrds is doing great! I can not do that everytime, but I can keep all my shots in a 6 inch circle around the bullseye 9 out of 10 times at 40, and 50yrds. I don't know why, but my groups are the same, if not better at 50 than they are at 40yrds. If I have a broadside deer standing still at 50yrds, I feel fully confident taking that shot. On the last day of last season, I shot 2 does within 2 minutes. They came across a field with one slightly behind the other. I shot the first one as she reached the woods at 30 yrds, and took the second at 50 yrds as she was trying to figure out why the first one took off. Both were clean kills and recoveries. I also shot my heaviest buck ever at 40yrds. Again standing broadside. With a rangefinder, and the ability, I believe shots out to 50yrds are perfectly ethical. MN
