Call me crazy... but after competing in 1K br for a bit and talking and shooting with many of the best of the best. Their opinions and experience were pretty much always on the money.

10 is the magical number for ES. Or as close as possible to it. Lower don't hurt.

Over the years I'd say I was between 10 and 15 normally.

My best rifles were between 8 and 12. the rifle I shot my best group at 1K with was an "8" rifle.

The 6.5-06 I've been shooting is a "12" rifle.