As our celebration for 1 million subscribers, our first video in January is going to be releasing a project we’ve mentioned on the podcast–the Rifle Accuracy Database. Check it out here Rifle Accuracy Database – Backfire
Basically, we’re taking every rifle we’ve ever reviewed, and shooting at least a 20-shot group with each one. We’re tightly controlling variables like cooling time and such, so it’s a fair apples-to-apples comparison.
I’m curious what your impression is of the data. What surprises you?
We’re going to be adding another 25 rifles in the next few days before the video comes out.
Jim - Happy new year. Thank you for creating a community for all of us to share info, ask questions and enjoy banter about this ridiculously expensive hobby. Really appreciate all you do for us. Wishing you and your family a blessed new year, and the same to all in this community. God Bless!
Jim, as i went through I noticed a variety of calibers being tested , (awesome by the way) when done, will there be tabs like most accurate 7PRC, 6PRC, 6CM etc. as well as most overall? Also amazing with exception of custom built, cost does not equate to accuracy, 800 dollar rifle out performing a 2500 dollar one.
Jim, great info. I grouped it by Rifle Category out of curiosity to see how a “Hunting Rifle” compared to Hybrids and Precision. if only 1 rifle was tested in that caliber the data is not as interesting
I like that it’s cutting through all the BS online. Kind of like how social media only shows you the good in people’s lives, everyone is cherry picking and posting their best 5 shot groups and acting like that’s what they always get at the range. You’d think everyone else was shooting 1/2 MOA all day long from all of the boasting.
I nerd out on this stuff. I like trying to find the patterns and trends. What company, what cartridge, what barrel, what stock, etc are rising to the top consistently.
I am curious what company claimed 1/8 MOA accuracy though…
Interesting to see the final results. Right now i see this as a Ammo accuracy database. Handloads obviously winning then Hornady match and Hornady precision Hunter. Looks like some ammo just doesn’t do well as others.
@backfire thank you so much for this. Was all of this off of a bipod or what sort of front and back rest were you using? I’m trying to improve my setup to test best accuracy out of my guns (aka minimize user error)
We used a bipod and rear bag. We could minimize human error further by using an accuracy fixture like a Caldwell lead sled, but that doesn’t truly evaluate the gun because it hides things like bad triggers that pull you off target during the trigger press, or a forend of the stock that is too bendy.
Does anyone know which sig cross @backfire uses? I’ve been considering getting a range gun, but would rather have one that could service dual purpose to hunt with. Backfire’s accuracy with this one makes me think I should go this route.
The one at the top right now is the regular Sig cross. There is a little asterisk on that one right now: we are going to re-test it again on Monday because we had an issue with the measurement. It was extremely good shooting but we need to verify the numbers before it’s officially crowned the winner.
