Is there some kind of penalty for waiting on the barrel to cool down?

Cool down?????? What I thought you just kept firing. I've seen it in the movies

What he said. Getting one inch groups is far from guaranteed but not uncommon. Factory triggers and factory ammunition are not conducive to getting tighter groups. There are exceptions, but not as many as the internet would have you believe.

Ha sometimes I've told myself I need to quit reading forums. mostly just because they make me spend too much money

I've been told I'm guilty of causing that...

You're public enemy #1 as far as getting people to spend more but that's because quality costs money. It sucks because I know you're always right too. Doh!

Oh ya, buddy ol pal!

6 months ago, I had little desire to build a long range rifle.

6 months ago, ok maybe a year ago, ok maybe 2 years ago I had no idea what it took to get a bullet to go long distance accurately and consistently. I thought my sporter 700 in 270 would cover everything. Little did I know of the whoooole world of shooting that was beyond that. I'm not actively in it and I've been addicted to at least reading and dreaming about it.

It's not your fault. I do this kind of thing every few years. Find a new hobby and spend a bunch of money. But I've been shooting my whole life, so I expect this hobby is here to stay.

This is at 100 yards, 4x scope, using a big front bag and a sand sock under the rear off a picnic table. I like a sand sock because you can make very fine elevation adjustments by just squeezing your non-trigger hand. I shot for the black first, four rounds, and wanted it 1" high at a hundred. I think I got pretty close to that. I don't like sleds much.

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Very impressive for 4X !

Or heck, any magnification.

Thank you, sir. I strung'em a bit vertically but managed to do my part I guess.

That's a small point of aim, must've had a fine reticle. Looks like that's a 3/8" group on the black. I'll take that any day!

Oh there's the grouping I want. Thanks now I'm all mad at myself again

I try to shoot just like I hunt.....so bipod or bag on front and bag on rear. No sled and never prone because I never hunt that way.