S&W M&P-10 Range Report

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Geno

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(Originally posted on my FB Acct)

RANGE REPORT #1, Date: 2015SEP17

Test Type: Weapon Function & Ammunition Reliability
Range distance: 25 yards

FIREARM SETUP:
Firearm Tested: Smith & Wesson, M&P-10
Caliber: .308 Winchester / 7.62X51 NATO
Optic used: Leupold 4X
Rings used: Leupold Mark 4, M1913, torque 65 inch pounds

TEST AMMUNITIONS(3):
1) PMC Bronze, 147 grain, FMJ (11 rounds)
2) Federal Fusion 150 grain, soft point (5 rounds)
3) Federal Premium, 168 grain, Sierra Match King, BTHP (5 rounds)

TEST IMPRESSIONS:
In reviewing various on-line posts at The High Road [ www (dot) thehighroad (dot) org ], I had noted several references to the Smith & Wesson, M&P-10 failing to properly eject fired cartridges when using 150 grain, factory loaded hunting types of ammunitions. Such a failure is called a “short-stroke”, resulting in the rifle’s inability to strip the next round from the magazine and into the chamber. As such, my intent was merely to test this particular M&P-10 for function, and for ammunition reliability. I do intend to use this rifle to hunt this November.

In preparation for the test, as the rifle never had been fired yet, I performed a field strip to the rifle’s basic components, cleaned, lubricated with all springs and hinged parts with M-Pro 7, and with Rig Grease, then reassembled. I will note that the M&P-10’s bolt seems massive, given that I am accustomed to breaking down AR15 platforms. The ProMag magazines load easily, insert into the magazine well easily, and eject cleanly. Too, I appreciated the ambidextrous controls on the rifle, including both magazine release, and safety. The trigger does seem to be set at the approximately 6 pound pull, and it breaks very clean and crisp…so play.

The M&P-10 functioned flawlessly, feeding, firing and ejecting all three types of factory ammunition listed above. Since I do believe in breaking-in my weapons, I wasn’t interested in seeing how it shoots yet at 100 yards. This test was function and reliability of various ammunitions. I did note that the PMC Bronze “grouped” well at 25 yards. What ammunition wouldn’t at that distance, right? Well, Federal Fusion 150 grain soft points seemed to me, to produce a lack-luster groups even at a mere 25 yards. I will test it later at 100, 200 and 300 yards. But, given the performance at 25 yards, it doesn’t leave me with the impression that it is a good hunting load for this rifle. The Federal Premium, 168 grain, Sierra Match King, BTHPs seemed consistent.

In reviewing the 21 pieces of spent brass, none presented with any excessive pressure signs in the fired primers, and the cartridges mouths remained smooth and concentric. Too, the cartridge bases remained smooth, and were not chewed-up or deformed by the ejection. I appears that this rifle is cartridge-friendly, and does not beat the ejected brass to the point that is rendered no longer re-loadable.

Difficulties included the fact that these particular Leupold Mark 4, M1913 rings were far too low. To get into the optic, I felt like I was having to crush my right cheek bone into the stock. Without a doubt, I will have to employ higher rings. The rifle’s recoil was mild, and very tolerable.

By the way, if you don’t find me here at FB, I’m probably over at The High Road, under the screen name: “Geno”. I have been a member there for a bit over 10 years. Yes, shameless “plug” for THR, a fantastic shooting website, friendly, knowledgeable and professional. We always welcome new members, so please create an account and participate often.

What range trip would be complete without shooting one’s handguns, right? After testing the M&P-10, I fired three, 17-round magazines through my concealed carry pistol, a Glock 17. I should have taken my Glock 26 also, but I still had fun! Good times; safe times at the range! Take a friend or a family member to the range, and share the experience!

Geno
 
I believe most of the functioning issues I've read of people having with the M&P 10 have occurred while using lower powered M80 clone ammo, like CBC. Commercial full power hunting loads seem to be largely problem free, although I've never had functioning issues with mine using any ammo.
 
Regarding your scope height... you can get a rail spacer (nice ones at GG&G or EGW) that will allow you to use standard rifle rings on an AR. I use these (with Leupold QRW rings) so that I can move scopes from an AR to a "traditional" rifle should the need arise. That will get the scope high enough for you.
 
Oh.. one more comment... Gtscotty is right. I have a RRA LAR-8 (.308) and it came with a little card attached to the trigger guard that said something to the effect, "Magtech ammo will not function correctly in this rifle. We recommend that you NOT use Magtech ammo." Something like that.
 
I found out about the Magtech the hard way. I found the MP10 to be a reliable rifle that kept POI even when warm.
 
I did mount the Nightforce 12-42X56 on the M&P-10, but the fit was too tight (low). The adjustable objective barely brushed on the forend, and so I didn't want to risk exposing a $1,500 scope to excessive barrel heat.

A riser for this rifle, as others mentioned here, great idea. As such, I can continue to use the scopes with current rings across all of my rifles. Then, I'll remount that Nightforce, and stretch-out those distances, as well as test some handloads.

Geno
 
Better yet, get an Aero Precision scope mount. Not only will it set the scope at the right height, if will give you more latitude in setting the eye relief. The mount is light weight, rugged and dollar for dollar, the best value out there
 
MistWolf:

I don't know, I just looked at it, and I think it would leave the optic too high for my Winchester, M70 Stealth. I think the riser is going to be the way to go, about 0.50" one. I'll have to take the rifle and optic and see. But thanks for the suggestion!!

Geno
 
I believe most of the functioning issues I've read of people having with the M&P 10 have occurred while using lower powered M80 clone ammo, like CBC.
I've shot M80 spec ammo just fine-PMC and ZQ. Maybe some of the other brands are more underpowered than those?
 
MistWolf:

I don't know, I just looked at it, and I think it would leave the optic too high for my Winchester, M70 Stealth. I think the riser is going to be the way to go, about 0.50" one. I'll have to take the rifle and optic and see. But thanks for the suggestion!!

Geno

You are right, the Aero Precision mount would be to high for your Winny. I don't often swap optics between rifles and missed that part. A riser SHOULD work. Get a cantilever style riser. It will let you push the scope forward and let you shorten up the stock, if needed
 
I use a Nikon M308 scope on my M&P10 and it comes with a 20moa mount built for AR's. My rifle is most accurate with 168great boat tails. I have found it to be a great hunting rifle.
 
Thanks, guys! I appreciate your time in posting. I, hopefully, will get to the range tomorrow, if I can get a riser, and try some 100 yard shots. I hope that that some 165 grain load will surface as accurate. It will make a great deer and boar rifle!

Geno
 
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