accuracy testing

Drug my 1930 produced izvhesk 91/30 out today. 4 digit serial number. the gap under the rear sight makes it indeed a dragoon cut down/dragoon parts rifle.

When I got it in 2008 I cleaned it up, took it out and put 3 or 4 magazines through it with the 20 meter/yard distance to target with rear sight ladder set to 200.

at that range could barely keep all rounds on a paper plate with surplus 1954 light ball I believe. will have to weigh a pulled bullet from that package of ammunition tonight.

This morning got it out, and used some wolf gold 174 gr jsp I bought in 2008. at distance of about 25 yards with sight set to 200, sitting on the ground, sling under support elbow between elbow and thigh.. fired 2 magazines. one did a large 5-6 inch-ish group and second group of 1"x2"

used the bayonet with second magazine. shot on same target as I needed the other side set up for a quick test of bunny loads in a different rifle. should have used 1 target for each magazine.

Cleaning is a real pain. barrel is like fuzzy coffee grounds down it. and lack of a proper length rod is really driving me nuts.

Any recommendations on better methods of checking the accuracy?

Sitting on the ground unsupported is not going to give you a steady and consistent rest set yourself up on a bench with the rifle on a rear bag and front rest with a front peg so the rifle goes back to battery the same place every time.
May want to pull it down and check the bedding of it.
Check throat and muzzle wear especially the crown for damage or something like cord wear or rod damage, check the head space, clean the trigger group & bolt internals for consistency.
Check all the action screws for tightness.
Use reloaded ammo some rifles are very fussy with what they digest try different ammo.
Have some one else shoot the rifle that's not as stupid as it sounds either.

unsupported on the ground does rather well with cast bullets in my hunting rifle. I do understand the basics of that particular field position.

However I will admit my lead sled could use a trip outside