Accuracy Systems Mini 6.5

[Rust]

I think there are two valid arguments being made for grouping. If you want to make claims about a rifles over all precision it's a better indicator if it fires higher round count groups. But the argument for a small group of cold bore shot shots is also a worthy situational benchmark. I have a rifle I shoot quite a bit that needs 5-10 rounds of heat to settle down. I shoot 5 shot groups, and the first group or two (regardless of fouling condition) is usually larger by 1/4" or so than subsequent groups and wander another 1/4" as well. It then shoots the same point of aim until it gets too hot and opens back up again. Since I'm a paper puncher primarily I discount those first few shots and once the rifle gets settled in I start paying attention to consistency.
Now that 1/4" is not enough to matter in most hunting situations but it is indicative of what were talking about. So if I were hunting with that, or another rifle, I'd rather take one that would put rounds 1-3 cold bore into a bug hole right at point of aim. And after that I don't really care if shots 4-whatever look like a shotgun since I'm not the sort of hunter who would take a shot I didn't feel certain would hit with round one. (I'm a realist I still want 2 and 3 just in case)
But like flkeinbu said about having a nickel for every group that started out tiny with 3rds I'd probably have a new barrel. (I still like the rifle)