There are one or 2 common yardsticks most double-deuce hunters and shooters use to figure out how their rifles stack up versus others.
Just like centerfire cartridge rifles are considered “precise” if they can publish a sub-one-inch group at 100 yards,.22 LR rifles are considered accurate if they can do the same at 50 yards.
Many rifles shoot smaller groups, however one inch at 50 yards is a typical baseline. That basic works if you’re thinking about competing in an NRL 22 competitors.
These competitions mirror the National Rifle League’s centerfire courses of fire, and they rarely call for a target smaller sized than one inch at 50 yards.
One inch is also a great requirement for small game hunting. A squirrel’s head is broader than one inch, however squirrel hunters know that those little critters are harder than they look.
If you do not put one right through the eye or under the ear, they’re liable to get up after a few seconds and escape.
If your weapon can shoot one-inch groups at 50 yards, you should not have difficulty dispatching a squirrel rapidly.
Try Different Ammo
Not all.22 LR ammunition is produced equivalent a minimum of, your gun doesn’t think so. If you want to make your double-deuce rifle more “precise,” find the ammunition it shoots the very best.
If your rifle doesn’t like the timeless 36-grain bulk ammo, try some match-grade 40-grain pills. If that does not work, try some faster 40-grain Hunter Match or the even quicker 31-grain little game loads.
As in all accuracy testing, try to eliminate yourself from the equation as much as possible. Make sure both the front and back of the weapon are stabilized on a weapon rest, take your time, and make great shots.
After shooting 5, five-shot groups with each ammunition type, you’ll understand which one your gun likes best.
Clean the Barrel
I understand, I know. Cleaning is never ever enjoyable (whether gun or space).
The .22 LR is a famously dirty cartridge, so if you haven’t cleaned your old squirrel gun in a few seasons, give it a good scrubbing.
One hot tip: use an option that will remove copper as well as carbon and lead, and let the service do most of the work.
Run a wet patch through the bore and let it soak for however long the instructions suggest.
After that time has elapsed, take a nylon brush and scrub that gunk out. You might be surprised at how much your groups tighten up.
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