Browning A-Bolt 3 in 300WM range report - 100 yd

[metroplex]

This AB3 has just been an ongoing side project, more of something to try different stuff with than an ultimate end goal. My current scope (Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x) is like 3-4 times the cost of the rifle as an example. I had the barrel threaded 1/2-28 (no other options due to the sporter contour barrel) a few years ago and have tried different brakes (APA Little B, PA Hypertap etc) and now have the Q Cherry Bomb mainly to use the Plan B threading for a can that is waiting for Form 4 approval. I found out about the Bottle Rocket so I took it out to the range to check dispersion and recoil. With the base Cherry Bomb, the recoil reduction was definitely noticeable versus a bare muzzle but the light rifle was still bruising my shoulder. I threw on the Bottle Rocket and instantly saw the recoil reduced to about the same levels as with an APA Little B or PA Hypertap maybe slightly more recoil but totally manageable.

I noticed with the Cherry Bomb my dispersion was more consistent so long as the barrel wasn't overheating. I know this rifle tends to perform better with 180gr Nosler Accubond and 190gr SMK but has shown that it can do fairly well with 200gr-230gr. Norma may not shoot the tightest groups in this rifle, but has been the most consistent even down to the 139gr lead-free hunting rounds.

Here are some 5-shot groups at 100 yd. One of each flavor: 180gr Barnes VOR-TX, Berger 185gr Hybrid hunter, and Barnes 220gr OTM. Definitely not on par with Christensen arms and other precision guns but the base rifle itself was under $500 new.

I may try my Razor Gen II 4.5-27 or Athlon Cronus 4.5-29 scopes next time but this Razor HD LHT has been working extremely well.