I've Almost Done It IV: A New HELP!

[Josh Smith]

Hello,

Yes, I skipped the "I've Almost Done It II" & III because the pun was just too good

In my ongoing quest to get sub-MOA 100yd groups from bulk ammo, I sort by weight and modify using D Rock's tool. I've recently switched to <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: red">American Eagle</span> 38gn HP</span>. The bullet weight and powder charge are very consistent, but the cases are not - they seem to vary largely on the amount of priming compound, and some are therefore louder than others.

I come sooo close to sub-MOA 5 shot groups many times, and have broken it numerous occasions if I throw out a flier or two, but there always seems to be one or two that prevent the sub-MOA five shot group.

Here are two of the best groups I managed tonight, out of a total of three groups:

As you can see, three are sub-MOA (with one three shot group being almost 1/2 MOA at 100yds!). However, I have vertical stringing.

I need to see if I can get some help with that.

My front rest was the rifle's bipod, and the rear rest was a squeeze sock.

I shot prone, sniper style (vs the one leg bent position I'd been taught).

I know I had a little vertical movement, but this much?

The wind was dead calm. I didn't have to adjust windage at all.

Do you suppose I'm at the mechanical limits of the gun, my own limits, the limits of the ammo due to the inconsistency of the primer charges and the whole sonic barrier thing, or all or none of the above?

My 'scope is a Mueller 4.5-14x APV. The rifle is a Savage MkII BTVS that I pillar bedded. The barrel is definitely free floating.

Torque on the action screws are 55in-lb front (this one has been modified to take a main bolt) and the rear, being stock, takes about 25in-lb or so.

Is there something I should be doing that I am not? Or am I just pressing the limits too much?

What do you all think?

Thanks,

Josh

 

[Inline6]

Re: I've Almost Done It IV: A New HELP!

"Do you suppose I'm at the mechanical limits of the gun, my own limits, the limits of the ammo due to the inconsistency of the primer charges and the whole sonic barrier thing, or all or none of the above?"

Get some Wolf MT of SK Match and that will take care of your ammo. Then you can look at the others you listed after you see what the new ammo does.

 

[Josh Smith]

Re: I've Almost Done It IV: A New HELP!

Hello,

I've shot several sub-1" groups with subsonic stuff, both match and non-match grades.

This exercise is to see if it could be done consistently with bulk ammo.

This is just for feedback. I wanted something more challenging too, and I do not have a 200 yard range. Maxes at 100.

Thanks!

Josh

 

[TOP PREDATOR]

Re: I've Almost Done It IV: A New HELP!

weigh them, it'll help.

lube them with alox bullet lube or beeswax (bowstring wax)

CCI blazers are about the best you are going to get in bulk ammo for what you are trying to accomplish, you should be on average 1.75" to 2" consistantly. federal champion is probably your next best bet, followed by fed bulk pack and winchester 333.

shoot a box or two of wolf mt or et, if that doesn't produce 1.25" or under groups for nearly the whole box at 100, then it's something you are doing. but i doubt it's your equipment, and i doubt it's you.