md7
Member
Got a bergara ridge SP in 308 Win a year ago. Here’s some feedback for anyone that’s in the market for a hunting rig.
The process began with barrel break in. Necessary or not, it’s just what I like to do. Bore was cleaned after each shot for the first 10 rounds. Bore was cleaned every 2 shots for rounds 11-20. Following the first 20, I ran another 15-20 just to get rounds through and maybe to help smoothen any imperfections.
Around 40 rounds in, I started shooting 3 shot groups with assorted ammo and varying grains. Groups below:
- Barnes VorTx 130 gr was 2+” at 100 yards.
- Winchester XP 150 gr. 3/4” to 7/8” groups at 100 yards. I was surprised it ran so well
- Norma Whitetail 150 gr. 1.75” to 2” at 100 yards
- Federal Gold Medal Match 168 gr. Slightly less than 3/4” and pretty consistent.
- Federal Fusion 165 gr. Approximately 1.75” at 100
It’s pretty clear the rifle works well with the XP 150 gr and the 168 gr Federal Gold Medal Match. It did not like the others listed. Maybe this is limited to my case, but if you get one be prepared to experiment with ammo to find a good load.
For now, I’m hunting with the 150 gr XP. I wish I had used cold bore 3 shot groups. All groups listed above were not cold bore. After season, I’ll be running other types of ammo and weights AND allowing the barrel to cool between shots. For no other reason than I think this rifle has potential, I’m interested to see if a cold bore tightens the groups, and I’m curious. Plus I like to shoot, so why not?
Don’t have a trigger gauge, and will subjectively say the trigger borders on excellent in my opinion and I like it.
The bolt is smooth, and no extraction issues as of yet. I like the stock. It’s the right amount of grip and texture without being gooey or abrasive. Goldy Locks….. just right. Barrel is threaded. So if you’re looking for a suppressed rig, this may be a good option to consider.
My personal thoughts. Very pleased with the rifle, would get another one, and look forward to deer season.
Hope this is helpful to someone.
The process began with barrel break in. Necessary or not, it’s just what I like to do. Bore was cleaned after each shot for the first 10 rounds. Bore was cleaned every 2 shots for rounds 11-20. Following the first 20, I ran another 15-20 just to get rounds through and maybe to help smoothen any imperfections.
Around 40 rounds in, I started shooting 3 shot groups with assorted ammo and varying grains. Groups below:
- Barnes VorTx 130 gr was 2+” at 100 yards.
- Winchester XP 150 gr. 3/4” to 7/8” groups at 100 yards. I was surprised it ran so well
- Norma Whitetail 150 gr. 1.75” to 2” at 100 yards
- Federal Gold Medal Match 168 gr. Slightly less than 3/4” and pretty consistent.
- Federal Fusion 165 gr. Approximately 1.75” at 100
It’s pretty clear the rifle works well with the XP 150 gr and the 168 gr Federal Gold Medal Match. It did not like the others listed. Maybe this is limited to my case, but if you get one be prepared to experiment with ammo to find a good load.
For now, I’m hunting with the 150 gr XP. I wish I had used cold bore 3 shot groups. All groups listed above were not cold bore. After season, I’ll be running other types of ammo and weights AND allowing the barrel to cool between shots. For no other reason than I think this rifle has potential, I’m interested to see if a cold bore tightens the groups, and I’m curious. Plus I like to shoot, so why not?
Don’t have a trigger gauge, and will subjectively say the trigger borders on excellent in my opinion and I like it.
The bolt is smooth, and no extraction issues as of yet. I like the stock. It’s the right amount of grip and texture without being gooey or abrasive. Goldy Locks….. just right. Barrel is threaded. So if you’re looking for a suppressed rig, this may be a good option to consider.
My personal thoughts. Very pleased with the rifle, would get another one, and look forward to deer season.
Hope this is helpful to someone.
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