(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
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