We see 10 or 5 or 3 shot groups reported. The larger the number of shots per group, the smaller the number of groups-of data points. 100 shots will make 1 100-shot, 2 50-shot, 4 25-shot, 20 5-shot, and 50 2-shot groups.
Brent Danielson has long advocated the 2-shot group, giving the largest number of data points per total number of record shots fired.
We know that average group size varies with n = the number of shots per group, thus:
If 2 shot groups size = 1; then
3 shot group size = 1.36
5 shot group size = 1.73
10 shot group size = 2.17
(The group size ratio for n >2 ~ n^1/3)
To test the use of 2-shot groups as a measure of accuracy, I will fire 6 5-shot groups and 15 2-shot groups.
The more of you who perform and report the results of this test, the more sure we will be of the results.
Test procedure/conditions:
Any gun that will reliably shoot 100-yard 5-shot groups <2" @ 100 yards. (I'll use a BSA Martini 12/15, 22 LR).
Range: 100 yards
Everything else is the shooter's choice-fouling shots, benchrest equipment, group measuring tools, targets, etc.
I will shoot my test tomorrow.