Any AR that shoots "consistently half moa", I would leave exactly as it is. Most bolt guns won't shoot that good.
I have been shooting AR's since 1982 and have owned quite a few. I only have one that is capable of that kind of accuracy. It is a Noveske N4 Gen III. It only shoots this well using my precision hand loads. It really likes Berger 77 VLD Hybrids.
These 3 shot groups were shot one right after the other the third one was with my Surefire SOCOM suppressor attached. Also, I was using a Leupold MK8 (8 power max) scope with bipod and rear bag. Might shoot even better with a higher power optic and better rest.
Agreed - I am lucky enough to have 3 AR platforms that are consistently in that range and only one bolt gun.
AR Variants:
1. Daniel Defense M4V11 shooting either 75 BTHP over Varget or factory 69 BTHP - I will never sell this rifle as it shoots so far above my expectations.
2. Radian 6mm ARC Build - has 18" Proof tube, JP BCG, Radian Builder Kit, SLR Adj Gas, trued lockup. Shoots best with 108 EDLM over Varget but also shoots 105 Hybrids with near identical results
3. Desert Tech MDRx shooting the same 75 BTHP over Varget load I use in all my ARs. I was completely shocked at the accuracy I've been getting with both 5.56 and 6.5 Creedmoor out of this platform.
Bolt Gun:
1. Desert Tech SRS-A1 - shoots lights out all the time.
I am the limiting factor for all of my rifles, but when I find some talent, each of these deliver very repeatable groups in the half minute range of .4-.6 (my definition) for 3 shot groups. The SRS has delivered 3-shot groups under .2" but that is a 1 in 10 thing.
First 7 shots from the Radian 6mm ARC - 100 yards, 1" squares (finger included for scale)
Here's 2 shots to zero and 5 shots to confirm with the same rifle, but a different scope - same range, same distance.
Here's the SRS doing a load test with Reloder 17. I REALLY, REALLY wish it was a reliable load with our temperature swings here in Utah...but alas...
