What kind of groups should I be getting?

[BenY 2013]

I have a new Marlin XT-22RZ, has a rimfiretech 1 piece rail on it and a Mueller APV. It is bedded and free floated. I was shooting today and not quite getting satisfactory results. I was curious to know what I should be getting out of the gun at 50yds? Thanks guys!

Shooting SK standard plus by the way.

 

[FAL1123]

Re: What kind of groups should I be getting?

I haven't seen anyone shooting that model rifle, but in general for rimfires at 50 yards around 1/2 inch groups would be good. If SK is all you've put through it try testing as many different types of ammo as you can get your hands on. A lot of .22's are known for being very picky about what particular kind ammo they like. Once you find the ammo your rifle likes stock up on as much of that lot # as you can find and when you run out start testing again.

 

[BenY 2013]

Re: What kind of groups should I be getting?

Ok thank you, I will try several different ammo. I would still like better groupings at 50. I have considered trading to a CZ, but I'm not quite sure.

 

[TOP PREDATOR]

Re: What kind of groups should I be getting?

i've lately been "converted" to CZ from mostly everything else, have not looked back.

*BUT.... not to sound like a "brand name snob", most rimfires will or at least should give you under 1" at 50 10 round groups with ammo it likes, and mostly around or under 1" at 50 with ammo it doesn't like, and even bulk ammo.

before swapping a rifle out, you really should try a few different ammos ....SK, Wolf, fed. gold medal match, CCI standard vel to name a few on the Lower FPS side, CCI blazer, fed champion (blue box) on the high velocity side.

the lower subsonic (match) velocity stuff should give you the best results at multiple ranges, the HV starts to destabilize (depending on temp / humidity / altitude) at further distances when it goes transsonic (slows down around the 1080 FPS mark).

if keeping around 50 yards, remington subsonics should also be considered, and are usually more easily accessable, i think even walmart has them on the shelf.

what kind of groups are you getting that's not satisfying you?

EDIT: OoPS just noticed your using SK standard. you should be an 1" or less, again what are your groups?

 

[BenY 2013]

Re: What kind of groups should I be getting?

My groups were around an inch with the SK ammo at 50. However I only shot 5rds then something came up and I had to stop. I just thought it shoulds been better than 1". I will shoot more rounds of SK and try a few more brands.

What did you mean when you say you've "converted" CZ rifles? Thanks for the input!

 

[steve123]

Re: What kind of groups should I be getting?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BenY 2013</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a new Marlin XT-22RZ, has a rimfiretech 1 piece rail on it and a Mueller APV. It is bedded and free floated. I was shooting today and not quite getting satisfactory results. I was curious to know what I should be getting out of the gun at 50yds? Thanks guys!

Shooting SK standard plus by the way. </div></div>

It's raining today so I'm bored and feel like rambling for a while.

I think a average group size for most standard "non match" rimfires is around 1" at 50Y with good ammo.

The way it goes is that a guy could go and buy 3 standard 22's of the exact same model and have different accuracy results with each. They are mass produced. It's a gamble as to what you get. The better quality the rifle, the odds will go up that you'll get one that shoots well. So...

Over the years I've bought, sold and traded into better guns. Very glad I did because I learned a lot about different guns and ended up with some keepers. I think you're on the right track though. looks like it's time for a upgrade to CZ or the like.

Some of the better 22 rifles I've seen for the money are used Anschutz 64's, used Kimber of America's and CZ's.

I have a old Savage Anschutz 141 (64 action series/70's era) that I bought used for $425 a few years ago that is very high quality, has nice wood and shoots really well. I've kept it because there's only a few nice rimfires out there that I'd consider selling the 141 to upgrade into. If I went that route the venture would cost me another $1000 at least. If I had a custom 22 trainer built to match my centerfire it would cost me $2000 more.

Get a higher quality rimfire and you'll likely be happy you did.

 

[BenY 2013]

Re: What kind of groups should I be getting?

That is a good point!

 

[bobtodrick]

Re: What kind of groups should I be getting?

Ammo, ammo, ammo.
We have two of the XT-22's...the stock, no frills version for my two young sons, topped with an inexpensive Bushnell 3-9 Banner.
Here's what we've gotten so far, 50 yds, 5 shot groups.
Federal Eagle...($3/50 in Canada)...1.5 - 2" groups
CCI Maxi...($7/50)...right around an inch
RWS Target...($8/50)...solid 1/2" groups
Which means we're doomed to spend the big bucks...as Mr. Whelen said 'the only interesting gun is an accurate gun'.

 

[Suresperance]

Re: What kind of groups should I be getting?

What are you shooting from? bipod bags or full rest setup? 1"@ 50yrds is not terrible and some of the spread could be from you. people that are getting .5" or less at 50 are shooting modded rifles from benchrests. also most .22s shoot better when there Is a good coating of wax in the barrel ... how many rounds do you have down range? If its a new rifle try putting a box of bulk federals down range to "lube" and "break in" the barrel then switch to premium ammo like wolf or sk. most people don't clean a rimfire barrel until accuracy drops most shoot better dirty. if you're still unhappy with the accuracy get a cz and call it a day.

 

[BenY 2013]

Re: What kind of groups should I be getting?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Suresperance</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What are you shooting from? bipod bags or full rest setup? 1"@ 50yrds is not terrible and some of the spread could be from you. people that are getting .5" or less at 50 are shooting modded rifles from benchrests. also most .22s shoot better when there Is a good coating of wax in the barrel ... how many rounds do you have down range? If its a new rifle try putting a box of bulk federals down range to "lube" and "break in" the barrel then switch to premium ammo like wolf or sk. most people don't clean a rimfire barrel until accuracy drops most shoot better dirty. if you're still unhappy with the accuracy get a cz and call it a day. </div></div>

Shooting from a bipod and rear bag. I think I will take that advice, it is fairly new only a couple hundred rounds thru it. I think this week I will also be shortening the barrel to 18" guess I'll see if that helps any. If not looks like I will be buying a CZ 455 Varmint.

 

[TOP PREDATOR]

Re: What kind of groups should I be getting?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BenY 2013</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What did you mean when you say you've "converted" CZ rifles? Thanks for the input!</div></div>

was a die hard savage fan, almost went back to marlin with the advent of the XT. always wanted a CZ, saved up my nickels and got a 455 varmint.

the savages are nice rifles, but the cz is a "fine" rifle. for around $100.00 more, you get ALOT more, not only in looks and feel, but also in consistancy.

i have not had any experience behind an XT, so i can't objectively give an opinion of that platform.

 

[HathcockProtege]

Re: What kind of groups should I be getting?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BenY 2013</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My groups were around an inch with the SK ammo at 50. However <span style="font-weight: bold">I only shot 5rds then something came up and I had to stop</span>. I just thought it shoulds been better than 1". I will shoot more rounds of SK and try a few more brands.

What did you mean when you say you've "converted" CZ rifles? Thanks for the input! </div></div>

Not to sound like a jerk, but...five shots won't tell you squat. Shoot another ten, five-shot groups with that ammo and see what happens. Has the rifle been shot a lot before that group? Have you really broken it in by putting a thousand rounds or so through it? I'd start by giving it a fair shake and see if it doesn't improve. Do YOU shoot well enough to know that you are capable of better accuracy from 50 yards? I know lots of people will come on here saying that 1" @ 50 yards is all you ought to expect from a .22, but I do not consider that to be acceptable accuracy from shooter/rifle combo. I'd start with shooting a few more groups with that ammo, then try a full box of each of the ammo's that TP mentioned, then see what that rifle will do.

 

[GunKnowledge]

Re: What kind of groups should I be getting?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BenY 2013</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My groups were around an inch with the SK ammo at 50. However I only shot 5rds then something came up and I had to stop. I just thought it shoulds been better than 1". I will shoot more rounds of SK and try a few more brands.

</div></div>

You shot 1 lousy group of 5 rounds and now you think you know the rifle's accuracy?

Go away and come back when you learn how to shoot.

 

[BenY 2013]

Re: What kind of groups should I be getting?

I see. The marlin is a nice rifle, just looking for better accuracy!

Altough I found 9 types of ammo that I have sitting around so I am going to see what types of groupings I get with that. May end up trading up to a CZ anyhow. Love the idea of being able to swap the barrel.

 

[BenY 2013]

Re: What kind of groups should I be getting?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KSwift</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BenY 2013</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My groups were around an inch with the SK ammo at 50. However I only shot 5rds then something came up and I had to stop. I just thought it shoulds been better than 1". I will shoot more rounds of SK and try a few more brands.

</div></div>

You shot 1 lousy group of 5 rounds and now you think you know the rifle's accuracy?

Go away and come back when you learn how to shoot. </div></div>


Not to be an ass but I know how to shoot, I said something came up and I could shoot no more that day. I've put plenty of rounds through plenty of guns. Although I can always learn to shoot better, but I am by no means new to shooting!

 

[TOP PREDATOR]

Re: What kind of groups should I be getting?

yeah, 5 rounds isn't going to tell you much.

when you try a different ammo, dry swab the barrel to get rid of most of the lube left from the previous ammo.

take at least 5-10 shots off your test target before you start analying the groups.

somtimes it takes up to 50 rounds for an ammo to "settle in" (leaving enough lube and fouling to where it becomes consistant).

 

[BenY 2013]

Re: What kind of groups should I be getting?

I am planning on putting many rounds through the gun before making any big decisions. I would have shot it this evening but we got much needed rain the would not let me shoot. Thank you guys for all the help on this subject.

 

[TOP PREDATOR]

Re: What kind of groups should I be getting?

when you get it squared away, post up some range report, there's not much out there when it comes to the XT's other than 25 or 50 yards. heck, it doesn't get interesting till 150

 

[HathcockProtege]

Re: What kind of groups should I be getting?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TOP PREDATOR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">when you get it squared away, post up some range report, there's not much out there when it comes to the XT's other than 25 or 50 yards. heck, it doesn't get interesting till 150 </div></div>

Roger that on both accounts.

To the OP: I'm just saying that I'd hate to see a good rifle get traded off when it just needs a little coaxing to perform up to your expectations. No offense intended by the shooting skill comment. Just asking.

Hope everything turns out well. Be sure to let us know how it performs once you have a few more miles on it, 'eh?

-The Kid.

 

[BenY 2013]

Re: What kind of groups should I be getting?

I will definantly post a review once I am done with it, it may be awhile before it happens though. Thank you all for the feedback and I'll keep you guys updated!

 

[clayne_b]

Re: What kind of groups should I be getting?

+1
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TOP PREDATOR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">yeah, 5 rounds isn't going to tell you much.

when you try a different ammo, dry swab the barrel to get rid of most of the lube left from the previous ammo.

take at least 5-10 shots off your test target before you start analying the groups.

somtimes it takes up to 50 rounds for an ammo to "settle in" (leaving enough lube and fouling to where it becomes consistant).
</div></div>

I have done some testing with switching ammo and shooting 5 shot groups, total of 50 rounds then switching ammo and shooting 5 shot groups, 50 rounds. It takes a bit to settle in.

the only thing i have found that is not a huge difference is shooting CCI SV and blazers. but i think that is because they are both from cci and use the same lube.