Tell me what I'm doing wrong or is it just my rifle

[rta308]

.223 groups 62 grn bullets | Flickr ? Condivisione di foto!
.223 groups 62 grn bullets | Flickr ? Condivisione di foto!
Here is two groups that I have shot out of my Mossberg MVP Predator .223. I just can't get all five shots in one hole. I was shooting the pmc x-tac green tip 62 grn bullets in these groups. I have tried 55 grain and they shoot even worse. Is it something that I can fix or is it just a bum rifle? I want to shoot one whole groups but it's just not happening as of yet. I have three shots in one whole on both targets. Which leads me to think that it is more me pulling the other two off and not the rifle. Is this right? Thanks, Travis

http://www.flickr.com/photos/101765884@N03/9791761405/
Well I purchased some Hornady 55 grn v-max bullets and shot them this evening. Let me say that I was well pleased with the grouping. I pulled one shot but other than that i was excited to see it shoot so well.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/101765884@N03/9791835603/
Also shot some handloads that a friend gave me and this was the result. I pulled the one. I can say I know it wasn't the rifle.

 

[diego-ted]

Ammo is not the best, and 5 in a hole ain't as easy as it seems!

Diego

 

[rta308]

Is the Hornady match ammo a good one to use to see the real potential of a rifle? I am new to the precision shooting and trying to figure out what's the best to use since I don't reload yet. I at least want to shoot m.o.a. as I have access to a five hundred yard range. But I'm thinking if I can't get it to shoot that at one hundred I will be wasting my time to try to hit a 12x12 steel target at five hundred.

 

[E. Bryant]

The Hornady "Varmint Express" Vmax 55gr ammo shoots reasonably well in my Rem700 .223 (factory barreled action in bedded Manners MCS-T stock).

How well does the rifle shoot with someone else behind the trigger? How well can you shoot other rifles?

 

[Cubbetm]

You're going to need to try different brands of ammo. It is highly unlikely you'll get 5 in 1 with factory ammo.

Also you said you're just starting out. It takes a lot of practice and patience. You don't expect to get a hole in one every time you go golfing do you?

 

[cal50]

5 in one hole is not typical accuracy, its more along the lines of bench rest accuracy with applied equipment.
Something to shoot for....pun intended.

 

[ZLBubba]

I think your accuracy expectations are off. I've got a feeling you may never see five shot, one hole accuracy out of that rifle. I had a Savage 223 back in the day and there wasn't any type of ammo that could get me under .75 MOA. I'd get some very good match ammo and see how it shoots. If you're new to the precision game, then you should definitely take a chance to get some good training to make sure you're fundamentals are solid.

 

[gstaylorg]

Your rifle has a 1:9" twist barrel, but which length did you go with, 18.5" or 20"?. The longer barrel might help increase your muzzle velocity and let you get the most out of a given load. Regardless of barrel length, match ammo in the 68/69 gr range is probably going to be the best you can do without actually reloading your own. I'd try Federal Gold Medal Match 69 gr Sierra Matchkings, or Black Hills (same flavor), or possibly the Black Hills 68 gr match load. Those bullets are well suited to a 1:9" twist barrel. Alternatively, you might consider the Hornady 75 gr match load. It's just barely possible you could get away shooting 77 gr Sierras, but your twist rate may be a little too slow for those to shine past 300-400 yd. In any case, try a few if possible, match loads with either 68/69 gr or 75gr, or possibly even 77 gr projectiles. See what the rifle likes; it will let you know what it wants. The main thing to remember is that if there is much wind at all, a lighweight .223 bullet (ie. 55 gr or less) is going to be very difficult to shoot well past 400 yd or so. The wind just pushes them around too much. The heavier (longer) 68/69/75 projectiles will help you if there's any wind when you stretch it out past 100 yd . Good luck.

BTW - your groups aren't bad, particularly considering the ammo. With a good match round like I mentioned above, and a little practice with them on your part, you should be able to tighten those groups up considerably. One hole? Maybe that's expecting a lot, but stranger things have happened. I suspect if you find the load the rifle likes, it should shoot well under 1 MOA, so maybe clover leafs, rather than a single ragged hole, but tight shooting nonetheless.

 

[rta308]

Thanks fellows for the advice. I understand the fact that I won't be getting a hole in one everytime. But hey' I'm having fun shooting and I just want to be sure that it's going where I want it. I would like to try to kill me a doe this year with a head shot as I have never done it before. I'm not a guy that takes unethical shots on game. If I feel I can't make the shot then I don't take it. But this is the first .223 I have ever owned and just trying to figure out what I can expect from it. Thanks again, I can use all the help I can get. Travis

 

[Alpha2]

Sometimes you'll see that when a barrel warms up.

 

[rta308]

Thanks guys for the info. I tried some new ammo and it shot great. Check out the added pics and tell me what ya'll think.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/101765...w.flickr.com/photos/101765884@N03/9791761405/