I have much to learn and am grateful for having the ability to own, shoot and and enjoy my rifles. Also, much respect to the resources, advice, and excellent shooters in the Hide.
This weekend I finally got around to shooting and enjoying time with my boys. They are progressing nicely in the shooting discipline and I am certain that they will out shoot me in a few years.
Today I chanced the rain and winds to go to the range alone to practice some fundamentals. The 200 yard range was empty, but the 600 yard F-Class competition was on and the flags gave me some reason to question whether I should be shooting groups today. (The 10 MPH flags were pointed in 3 different directions at the same time!) Prevailing headwind but switching conditions to say the least. Temp 59F, humidity 99%, DA 968 ft.
Attached are the 6x5 groups at 50 yards with the CZ 457 Pro Varmint, Athlon Argos BTR Gen2, Atlas CAL bipod and SK Standard+ and SK Rifle Match. The rifle now has approximately 750 rounds and it is settling in nicely. Of note, earlier groups with the SK Standard+ shot an average of .520” 5 shot group shortly after purchase.
I must have been temporarily possessed by the spirit of Carlos Hathcock as I felt like I was able to read wind at my face and observe the mirage down range to time my shots. I also noticed that when I waited with a round in the chamber, that shot would usually end up as one of the higher hole in the group. The groups were shot prone with a bipod and a home made bean bag.
Results:
SK Std + (yellow box) 6x5 at 50 yards = .427"
SK Rifle Match (red box) 6x5 at 50 yards = .361"
I’m sure the rifle can do better in good weather conditions and with a more competent shooter.
Happy to answer questions and I’d appreciate any suggestions on how to progress on my shooting journey.
YMMV and happy shooting.
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