CZ 550 Varmint 308 Range Report

[coolbox]

The CZ 550 is one of the few rifles that was reasonably priced (on comparative terms) in Pakistan, where I live, and the CZ 550 Varmint in 308 was a rifle I have waited for over 3 years now. The CZ 750 was almost always not available to me, at least not in the price I wanted, and the varmint was the next best thing I could have had. I bought the Varmint in Jan'15 (sight unseen), from a city about 1800km from my location, and it was in custody of a friend till I traveled and brought it home in June'15. I preferred the kevlar stock version, but it was not available at all.






FIRST RANGE TRIP, 25TH OCT 2015

Shot the CZ550 Varmint 308 (wood stock) for the first time. Have to really learn the basics of rifle shooting. I zeroed at 50mtrs and moved out to 100.

Rifle: CZ 550 Varmint (Wood Stock) 308Win, Leupold vx3 4.5-14x40mm, varmint reticle
Distance: 100 Mtrs (110 yards)
Technique: Prone, front bipod rest
Ammo: LC M80, surplus (150 gr)

GROUP SIZES
1st Group: Circles (not pictured completely). 3"
2nd Group: Squares, 3" (slightly less than 3")
3rd Group: Triangles, 1.1" (1MOA !!)
4th Group: Hashed square, 1.9"

Encouraging start, I say. A long way to go. I need to be shooting consistently under 1.5" at 100mtrs before I move out to 200 or 300mtrs. I was not very comfortable or consistent with cheekweld. Will need some doing on my part.





The group marked in triangles was encouraging.


SECOND RANGE TRIP, 8TH NOV 2015

I stuck to 100 mtrs, and shot 7 strings of 3 shots each, and eventually managed to be consistently about 2" average group size. I was, in between groups, trying to get a decent zero as well. Which I did, in the end, but 3.5" high at 100 meters.

Rifle: CZ 550 Varmint (Wood Stock) 308Win, Leupold vx3 4.5-14x40mm, varmint reticle
Distance: 100 Mtrs (110 yards)
Technique: Prone, front bipod rest
Ammo: LC M80, surplus (150 gr)





This was the first group, and not bad at all. Just needed adjustments, which I did over the next few groups.






This was the best group of the day. I shot two groups of about 2" in between, not pictured.




Last picture is the final two groups I shot that day, under 1.5" both. I got a couple of groups over 2", but most were under 1.5", and one of them under 1".


THIRD RANGE TRIP, 20TH DEC 2015


100 METERS

Rifle: CZ 550 Varmint 308Win, Leupold vx3 4.5-14x40mm, varmint reticle
Distance: 100 Mtrs (110 yards)
Technique: Prone, front bipod rest
Ammo: POF M80, surplus (150 gr)



The group size was a tad under 2", and I had been shooting that for the last few sessions (3 sessions in all including this one). Occasional group size was sub MOA in the past, but not consistently.
I then moved to 200 mtrs (219 yards). Below is the group without any adjustments from 100 mtrs. The drop was around 3.7", more or less as advertised in most charts. The POI is different from where it was last time, but so is the ammo!


200 METERS

Rifle: CZ 550 Varmint 308Win, Leupold vx3 4.5-14x40mm, varmint reticle
Distance: 200 Mtrs (219 yards)
Technique: Prone, front bipod rest
Ammo: LC M80, surplus (150 gr)




Group size was 1.35" center to center, which turns out to be 0.6 MOA. Pretty impressed I was. So impressed, I moved to 600 yards bay, where some senior shooters were preparing for an upcoming competition. I had to use a used target, but below are the results.


600 YARDS

Rifle: CZ 550 Varmint 308Win, Leupold vx3 4.5-14x40mm, varmint reticle
Distance: 600 yards
Technique: Prone, front sandbag rest, rear 'wobbly' sandbag rest
Ammo: LC M80, surplus (150 gr)

As mentioned, I had to use a previously used target. My first shot, after 40 clicks for elevation (10 MOA, 60"), and no adjustment for windage, missed the target by a few inches to the right. I gave a few clicks, and then the fired sighter shot is marked as '5'.

I then shot my first group without any adjustments, and it is marked as '6'. I gave 3 clicks to the right, but perhaps there was more impact of wind than I had ever experienced prior to this.

THE RANGE






THE TARGET













GROUP SIZES AT 600 YARDS

1st Group: Three shots, marked as '6'. 5.2" center to center, 0.87 MOA
2nd Group: Three shots, unmarked. 4.9" 0.82 MOA

The 10 ring is 6".

Getting Sub MOA at 600 yards, twice on the same day, that too with surplus ammo, well, I am impressed with the rifle. Particularly considering my very limited experience. The sandbag rest did help, the gun was much more stable than with a bipod. Boy am I pleased. The 550 varmint is amazing indeed.


On a side note, I will have to keep a check on the scope. I feel the windage clicks might not be spot on. But, there was a decent wind of over 5mph, and I am pretty new at this. And, I will also suggest a better bipod than the UTG that I have. It just keeps wobbling despite being tightened prior to, and, in between sessions. I will loctite it and see how it goes next time round.

 

[viking499]

Nice gun, write up and shooting. Shooting is like most things, you will get better the more you do it.

 

[redneck2]

I have two CZ's. A .22 and a .204. Both needed maybe fifty shots before they settled in. Actually I was extremely disappointed with the .204, particularly. It was awful, as in 2-3" groups @ 100 with hand loads

Now it shoots in the .4's

Looks like yours is most excellent.

 

[Gtscotty]

Welcome to The High Road! Nice writeup, it looks like you are doing quite well, especially given the fact that you're using M80.

 

[rcmodel]

You are placing both yourself and the rifle under a big handicap shooting surplus ball ammo.

It is not known for top shelf accuracy out of any rifle.

I don't know what is available to you there?
But almost anything with the jacket hole in the nose will be consistently more accurate the surplus FMJ ammo.

rc

 

[Nature Boy]

Coolbox, Nice range report. Enjoyed reading it. Looking forward to the next one.

Follow RC's advice.

 

[mrh477]

Love those CZ 550's. Favorite rifle in production probably. Enjoyed reading your report. Have fun with it, man.

 

[coolbox]

Thank you guys.
I am actually feeling I got lucky at 600 yards, twice. I am quite new to rifles actually. But I have been shooting bullseye pistol, and can apply some of the basics here.*
I will follow RC's advice. We do have some 175gr hbpt stuff here. I will try to get a hold of them and see how it goes.

 

[chris in va]

Don't be surprised if it shoots 1/2moa with good ammo. Very nice CZ.

I'll be honest I really didn't expect to see such a range and gun availability in Pakistan. Can you give a few more details as to how the gun 'culture' is there and what is necessary to get one?

 

[stubbicatt]

Good shooting Cool Box. Like other contributors have mentioned, it takes a few shots to get my 550 Varmint to shoot lights out as yours is doing. Great rifle.

I too have the walnut stock, but it was a choice I made. I didn't like the composite stock offered by CZ. The "palm swell" design doesn't do it for me, I much prefer the narrow wrist portion of the walnut stock. I see that you have the 10 rounder magazines. The 10 round CZ750 magazines make it a very friendly firearm to use. Super high quality magazines that are easily changed out with out struggling as much as it seems the 4 rounders require.

Enjoy your rifle.

 

[coolbox]

stubbicatt
Thank you. I will try my best to shoot the rifle to its potential, and keep updating here. I did get myself a CZ750 10 rd magazine just to check how it works, and its the only mag I have used to date! I might want to get one or two more!

chris in va
Thank you. I intend to shoot some 175gr hpbt we have here. Lets see how that goes.
Regarding the culture here, you will be surprised!

RANGES
We have some decent ranges around. The one in picture above is located in Karachi, and belongs to a division of Armed forces, and open to civilians through a membership process. Someone posted an intro video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_akInF0vwds

The 600 yards range is only allowed to select shooters, it is mainly reserved for LEA training or national competition practice, and since I have been a pistol champ here, I have the luxury to request its use.

We have another similar range in Karachi, even more versatile, managed by Pakistan Navy.
Islamabad Gun club is even better, its a proper club with all sorts of shooting facilities.

But, thats about it, one to two ranges per major city. Not much compared to US.

We don't exactly have IPDA/IPSC type shooting here, although my group of friends is trying to start IDPA properly, and we are about 40 odd IDPA members.

GUN COMMUNITY

The general gun owning public is actually as very educated and 'cultured'. When I first visited a shooting range, I was surprised at the warm ethics and helping attitude. We have over 2 million licensed gun owners. This data is from 4 years ago, and the figure could be much higher now. I mostly find educated professionals or businessmen out here. Well, the hobby isn't exactly a cheap one!

GUN LAWS

-The gun laws in Pakistan are very strict (surprised?). One needs either a provincial (state) license if mobility with weapon within that specific province is required, or a Nationwide license (called MOI- ministry of interior) if he needs mobility in the entire country.
-There are two categories, NPB (non-prohibited bore) and PB (prohibited bore, basically all fully automatics). Any license requires identity card, so any one under 18 cannot own a gun legally!
-Common pistol calibres are 7.62 tokarev, 9mm, 0.45ACP, .22LR, and some makarov as well as .32acp. Only semiautomatic pistols are permitted, for select fire (Glock 18), PB license is requried. Revolvers are preferred in 357mag. Hunting rifles in bolt action are allowed up to 8mm caliber in all non-military calibres (eg 50 bmg is banned!). Semi auto rifles upto .22 are also permitted. Above .22, semi-auto rifles are also PB. Shotguns mainly exist in 12gauge, and semi auto as well as pump are all permitted in NPB category (i am looking to get a benelli M4 someday).
These days, considering our on going war on terror (Zarb-e-Azb), licenses are closed, they have been for the most part of last couple of years.

Yes, we do have some warring factions and terrorists, and some drug/human trafficking gangs (that you mostly see on media!!), that do not abide by any laws and own guns without any licensing. Thats why we need our own war against terror. Trust me, that is not the true image of Pakistan. We are just like any other people, families and all.


WAR ON TERROR
I think I should mention a bit of detail here. Over last 2 years, the Armed forces have gone hard against terrorists that have been carrying out anti-state activities. Terror related incidents have been on a high since the Afghan war, and our country has been impacted the most. Attacks on air-bases, airports, schools (there was even a small bomb explosion 200 yards from my daughter's school 3 years ago, and I had to rush to pick her up, armed with my CZ75 Shadow). However, regardless of what the politicians or media try, the civilians are behind the Armed forces on this, and want to get done with the war on terror. The last 8 to 10 months have been much peaceful, regardless of what the media shows.

GUN AVAILABILITY
Since the nuclear tests in May '98, we have been embargoed, and weapons from EU or US can almost not be had here, unless they are under a defense contract, or in limited import quantities. Rifles are next to impossible to get.

In handguns we have Taurus, Zastava, Turkish (Sarsilmaz, Canik etc). CZ75/Dan Wesson was available from 2010 through 2014. Import is now halted, perhaps due to some government policy.
We do occasionally get Glocks (17, 19, 26), Sig 226 (different variants including X series), Beretta 92, etc etc.

We pay 1.5-2 times from CZ, Taurus etc, 2.5-3 times for Sig, HK, and 4-5 times for a Glock.

In Rifles we had CZ 550/527 series from 2010 through 2014, but in very limited quantities. I got the last 550 varmint sold !! People get AI, Surgeon, Rangemaster, Remington m24, Blaser, Steyr, Steel-core, etc but they are very few and very very far in between.

Dont ask the prices. . but rifles are usually prices 4 to 5 times their US price.

Basically, very low supply, so one should get whenever he gets a hand on something he wants. I got mine in good times (comparatively) from 2010-2014.

I hope I didn't bore you all that much.

 

[coolbox]

Another range trip

A bit over 2 months since I last shot rifle, but here goes:

Rifle: CZ 550 Varmint 308Win, Leupold vx3 4.5-14x40mm, varmint reticle
Distance: 200 Mtrs (219 yards)
Technique: Prone, front bipod rest, rear sand bag rest.
Ammo: LC M80, surplus (150 gr)


FIRST GROUP, including 'cold bore shot'



SECOND GROUP




I last shot the rifle at 600 yards, but had to shoot 200 mtrs (219 yards) first today, so the clicks on the scope were almost acceptable. Adjusted further for 2nd group, but overadjusted a bit. Windage was off, but that is ok.

GROUP SIZES

First group: 2.25" (1.02 MOA)

Second group: 1.5" (0.69 MOA)


I am quite please with this rifle and ammo combo at these distances.
I will now be shooting a bit more at 200 and 300 mtrs for shorter range, and 600 meters for longer range, and hopefully push out to 800 meters as I progress. I might need a heavier bullet for such distances rather than just cheapo milsurp.








Now, as I did move to 600 mtrs (658 yards), the groups opened to 2-2.5 MOA region. We had a gusting tail wind of 18mph, headed between 1'0'clock and 2'0'clock. That could have been me, the ammo, or the wind, or all three. I am not sure, unless I shoot on a calm day. 2 months ago, I was sub MOA at 600 yards with the same ammo/rifle combo. I dont think 60 more yards could throw the results off by so much. Will try to find out next week.

 

[ifit]

Nice Rifle....once you start using quality ammo you'd be surprised how well it shoots. Picked up a 750 last year and trying different loads/bullets I found the sierras 168gr hpbt match more consistent in my rifle than the 175gr and 150gr. but only shot at 100y....that's an awesome range by the way. my brass and bullets came in last week...shot this 5 shot group couple days ago outa the 750 at 100y, at the same time fire forming my new brass...will be neck sizing only next round

If you have 168s available, give them a try.

 

[MattB]

Great range and information about Pakistan and the culture. You have an excellent shooter with the CZ550. As said in other posts, get some good match grade ammo/reloads and you will see a major difference. I have a CZ550 in 6.5x55 and hand loads improved my groups by 400%. I am getting one hole groups now with hand loads whereas the Wolf gold was scattered and over 2" @100yds.

 

[coolbox]

Ifit & MattB
Thank you. I have already asked my range to arrange some match ammo. This is a Rangers run setup (open to civilians through an expensive paid membership process that involves background security checks), and there are 5 more long ranges to the right, run by the Army, not open to civilians. Interestingly, 'my' range is now good for 800 mtrs (880 yards) while the army ranges are 600mtr (660yds).
I can NOT emphasize enough on how eager I am to get the match ammo ready, and to improve my shooting in general at longer ranges.

 

[MASTARBLASTER]

Eternal Vigilance Is The Cost......

The first hand reports of the citizens opposition to terrorists is appreciated.
Perhaps if more law abiding citizens had more access to firearms in Pakistan there would be far fewer strongholds of terrorist camps in the country, not because the government might need help to combat terrorist threats but because the government will recognize if it does not act, to oppose terrorists, the armed citizen militias will and in that process discover they need new government of like minded patriots.





________________________________________________________________
"Friend let this be enough. If thou wouldst go on reading. Go and thyself become the writing and the meaning." -Angelus Silesius

The well armed citizens of a nation that has emerged like refined gold from a crucible of fire for the sake of FREEDOM and LIBERTY as well as law and order will not tolerate any terrorist aims or acts that threaten our land, liberty and life in the building anf fulfilling of our manifest destiny, eternal bonds of true brotherhood. Furthermore, we who form this band of citizens do support those who oppose and overcome hateful oppression both at home and abroad.

- MASTARBLASTER

 

[coolbox]

MASTARBLASTAR
Well, people say there are camps (wuch as WMDs in Iraq..)..but there aren't. Its a bit different. Those guys live in normal towns or villages as normal citizens, and aid the cross-border terrorists by providing logistics and shelter..anyways, the point has been understood by the Armed forces, and they have taken matter in their own good hands. If it isn't controlled, it could go south for the government.

 

[coolbox]

800 mtrs(875 yards)

We had a club match, vaguely based on F class rules. 5 shots at 600 mtrs (656 yards) and 5 at 800 mtrs (875 yards).

I was using 175gr HPBT factory ammo.

The results at 600mtrs were just average, about 2MOA. The score was still good.

Then at 800mtrs, I out did myself, or rather just got lucky. This was my 3rd time at 600mtrs and first time beyond it. The sighters were encouraging, on paper from 1st shot, and the 5 shots were 7.5", or 0.82 MOA.

The total combined score got me 1st position. Made my day!!


Rifle: CZ 550 Varmint 308Win, Leupold vx3 4.5-14x40mm, varmint reticle
Distance: 600/800 Mtrs (656/875 yards)
Technique: Prone, front fixed rest, rear sand bag rest.
Ammo: 175gr HPBT factory ammo







(red stickers were sighters)

Group size:
7.5" (0.82 MOA). 5 shot group.

I my (inexperienced) view, the 550 varmint 308 is a winner. My competition was using Dolphin 308 30" bbl, Steyr 338 Lapua mag, Remington m700 (heavy bbl version), CZ 750, and some more. Not world class shooters, but a couple of them were top level shooters in our region (the dolphin guy in particular).
With a stock more suited to F-class, the CZ 550 Varmint could do much better in such matches.

 

[ifit]

That's some great shooting CB, that group is 8 Football fields away....I would be all giddy getting those groups, and once again envious of your access to long ranges like that.

 

[stubbicatt]

Wow. That's some good shooting. The CZ550 Varminter is a good rifle to be sure, but the shooter is the one who pulled off this performance. Good job Cool Box.

 

[coolbox]

ifit & stubbicat

Thank you for the appreciation. Looking back at the 800mtrs (875 yards) I can't stop thinking that maybe I got lucky with the group size! I have not made a log, but I am at about 140 rounds with this rifle now.
The good thing is, I was on paper from the first sighting round. I need to work on my technique and practice more to get better groups with my rifle (cheek weld, shoulder pressure, etc). I also have to adjust the trigger for creep and pull weight, it is in factory mode, and at 3.5# with quite a bit of grit & pre-travel. I would like to minimize pre-travel and have it set at 2.5#. Lets see where it takes me.

Just today I was talking to the range master to use some of the another 150 yards we have available at the range, and try 1000 yards (915mtrs) someday in coming weeks. He has agreed!! We will need to make some makeshift arrangements though. So, while I don't expect much in terms of groups at this time, I do hope we get some hits at 1000 yards. It will be fun. A friend has an M24 with B&C adjustable stock and timney trigger. I would want to shoot that too.. Hopefully some real fun days ahead.

 

[Snejdarek]

Great info on the Pakistani gun culture.

Enjoy your rifle!

 

[ifit]

1000y....we know you can do it, for the meantime some inspirational videos. If you have time check out Mark and Sams other incredible teamwork to get hits way out. I just picked up a Howa in .243 same rifle they also used

.308 long shot video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rRIO7jnOr0

 

[coolbox]

snejdarek, ifit, biancaliza

Thank you for kind words

@ifit
I will update once I have shot some at 1000 yards. I still think I got lucky at 800mtrs, and don't expect much about 1000 yards. I am not even sure if my scope has enough elevation clicks to get there. The experience will be worthwhile, regardless of hits or misses!!
That mile shot..I would love to try that. Unfortunately, I am already at the longest shooting range in the country, which is limited to 800 mtrs (875 yards), and make shift arrangements can take it to 1000 yards.

 

[MASTARBLASTER]

coolbox,
Personally, I appreciate the first hand accounts and well informed view of what are the actual facts on the ground. Such appreciation is in line with my overall world view, "aim for accuracy" by being well informed You can reasonably see the relationship in precision firearms performance. Others have recommended match ammo which is another strength of the 308 because of several match loads where readily available.

COOLBOX, just as I was writing this post, a report came across of another terrorist bombing in Lahore, Pakistan killing 67 people. I had deleted a previous paragraph that replied to the fact that not all news reported by the west is accurate in reference to no WMD's but wanted to maintain focus on firearms proficiency and only posted the first sentence above.