Photograph
Capture the Target
The photograph includes the shot group and the reference Qual8 will use to establish scale.
Measurement Method
How Does Qual8 Measure My Target?
Qual8 can measure a Sigma8 calibrated target, another paper target, or AR500 steel—but the methods are not equally accurate. The Sigma8 calibrated target is the recommended and most accurate method because it corrects pan-and-tilt errors in the photograph and allows Qual8 to map the bullet holes automatically.
All three target options produce a usable group measurement. The Sigma8 calibrated target provides the most information to Qual8 and requires the least manual work. Other paper and steel remain useful when they better fit the shooting being done.
RecommendedSigma8 targets provide the best accuracy and automatic bullet-hole mapping.
Also SupportedOther paper and steel require the shooter to establish scale and mark the impacts.
From photo to measurement
How the Group Is Built.
The calculation follows the same path. The target determines whether Qual8 can correct the photograph and map the impacts automatically.
Calibrate
Establish Scale
Qual8 sets the physical scale. A Sigma8 target also provides the geometry used to correct the photograph’s perspective.
Map
Locate the Impacts
Qual8 automatically maps holes on a Sigma8 target. With other paper or steel, the shooter marks each impact.
Calculate
Measure the Group
Qual8 calculates the group from the scaled locations of the recorded impacts.
The part that changes
Two Ways to Calibrate the Photograph.
Both methods work. The Sigma8 calibrated-target method corrects the photographed target and requires less manual input.
Calibrated Pattern
Sigma8 calibrated paper
The recommended method.
Sigma8 Calibrated Targets use printed ChArUco patterns. Qual8 uses those patterns to establish scale and correct pan-and-tilt errors when the photograph is taken from an angle.
Qual8 then automatically maps the bullet holes for the shooter to review and refine. Because the target supplies both scale and geometry, it supports the finest measurement resolution available in Qual8.
ScalePrinted into the target
PhotoTarget angle corrected automatically
ImpactsMapped automatically by Qual8 and reviewed by the shooter
Known Reference
Other paper targets and AR500 steel
A supported method when a Sigma8 target is not being used.
Tap two marks a known distance apart. Qual8 uses that distance to establish scale, and the shooter marks each paper hole or steel impact by hand.
The two marks do not supply the geometry needed to correct an angled photograph. The method works, but it is less accurate than using a Sigma8 calibrated target and its result is reported on a coarser grid.
ScaleTwo shooter-selected reference marks
PhotoTarget angle is not corrected
ImpactsEvery hole or impact is marked by the shooter
Reporting resolution
Why the Numbers Are Reported Differently.
The calibrated-target method is more accurate, so it supports a finer reporting grid. Qual8 makes that difference visible in the result.
Sigma8 Calibrated Paper
Automatic perspective correction, printed scale, and printed geometry support the most accurate measurement and resolution to hundredths of an inch.
Other Paper and Steel
These methods do not correct the photographed target’s angle. Results land on the nearest 0.05 inch and still display with two decimals.
No False Precision
Qual8 never shows finer than the measurement method can resolve. The reporting grid makes the distinction visible in the result.
Practical choice
Use a Sigma8 Target Whenever You Can.
Qual8 supports all three target options. Use a calibrated target whenever you can because it is more accurate and requires less manual work.
Recommended: Sigma8 Calibrated Paper
Choose it for automatic photo correction and bullet-hole mapping, load development measured in hundredths, or a Load Qualification attempt.
When Another Target Is the Practical Choice
Other paper and steel still work when they better fit the drill or location. Establish scale with two known marks and map each impact by hand, understanding that the measurement will be less accurate.
Start With the Most Accurate Measurement.
Download a Sigma8 calibrated target for automatic photo correction and bullet-hole mapping. When paper or steel is already in front of you, Qual8 can measure that too.
Qual8 / Control the Process → Trust the Shot