CZ Bolt First Shots with Target Pics

[12many]

I took my CZ 527 varmint bolt out to the range for the first time this weekend. For all you folks up north, it was about 60, sunny, and no wind. Pretty much perfect and the sun was going down.

This was the first time out with this rifle. It has an Nikon Buckmaster MilDot 6-18 that I got a deal on. I may upgrade sometime, but it works for now.

These are the targets. Nothing great, but I got on paper and then got some close to the center. I shot 2 1/2 boxes over the course of 50 minutes and these were the only targets I shot. I had a bag under the front of the rifle. Just thought I would share. It was only about 37 yards away. There were a few flyer and even at the short range it is hard to keep them all together. Seems like it could be an MOA shooter with better ammo and a better shooter or more bags.

I had fun and was glad everything worked. The rifle has been sitting for a long while. The non-set trigger is good but I have shot better (hopping it breaks in a bit), BUT when I use the set trigger, it is very light and crisp. Perfect really. Overall I am very happy with this rifle.

I would like to use lighter weight rounds. Does anyone have any recommendation for a low to mid priced round that is in the 40 to 50 grn weight all around shooting?? Balance of price and accuracy. Thanks.

Thanks.

 

[fireman 9731]

A quality hunting/target round, or quality reload, could provide maximum accuracy. Almost anything is better than an FMJ. Thats still good shooting though for a first time outing.

 

[CB900F]

12many;

I'll strongly suggest finding out what the twist rate is in the barrel. It may be a 1:12, or it may be a 1:9. The cleaning rod patch is the easiest way to find out if it isn't marked on the barrel. With the newer guns it is, but you've stated that the gun has been sitting for a long while & therefore it may very well not be marked. In any case, the twist rate can markedly affect the bullet weights that the gun will prefer. Slower twist, 1:12, lighter bullets tend to work better, up to maybe 60 grains. The 1:9 twist will stabilize bullets up to about 66 - 69 grains.

900F

 

[viking499]

Since it is a varmint, I would guess it is a 1:9 twist. Try some heavier bullets and see if that makes a difference.

 

[chris in va]

Yeah, the varmint (and all 223/556) are now 1:9".

 

[12many]

I am 99% sure it is 1:12. I would not have bought it if it was 1:9, . . . well might have anyway. Auction said 1:12, I checked with the seller it was 1:12, and I believe the box said 1:12 twist when I got it. I will find out when I start shooting the 40 grn rounds !!

I have the lower ratios 1:8 or 1:9 in my AR. I think a varmint rifle is better with 1:12 and I don't understand why they would tailor the twist to higher bullet weights, although the heavier 223 rounds are popular now. Maybe for larger varmints they are a better option, I don't know.

I ordered the 40 grn rounds and will work up a drop table and sight in again with the lighter rounds. I am going to tie the info to the rifle or in the rifle case. Seems like otherwise I forget otherwise.

Thanks.

 

[Cee Zee]

For all you folks up north, it was about 60, sunny, and no wind.

OK I stopped reading at this point. I had to go cry for a while.

My .223 loves Black Hills Sierra boat tail rounds. I think you'll find the heavier rounds stay true in the wind better but at shorter distances the light weight stuff can certainly be accurate. What is the twist on your barrel? It matters a good bit.

I love my CZ 453 BTW. My .223 is a Savage and I love it too. The trigger on the 453 is hard to beat. It's even better than the target AccuTrigger on my Savage IMO. Both are nice.

CZ makes some fine rifles though. Congrats and I hope you have as much fun with yours as I do with mine.