Help w accuracy/shooting

[Robert101]

I'm new to the (what I call) causual rifle target sport. Just bought a DPMS 308 TAC20 and mounted a Nikon 3-18X40 scope for 100 yard practice. I hear about sub 1" groups and in my first outing shooting with a scope can't compare with that standard. My 5 to 8 shots per group at 100 yards from a box support are about 2.5" groups with handloads of 150 grain Hornady FMJ BT and a very light charge (36 grains) of H4895. Flash Suppressor is still attached. Everything is stock on my gun with a 1:10 twist.

So, if I start to change bullet weight to say 168 grains and bring up my charge to near max, is it possible to get maybe 1.5" groups? I think I would be satisfied with that. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Pictures of 5 to 8 shot groups.

 

[Art Eatman]

The only first change I'd make would be to load to within a grain or so of max, just as a test for that bullet.

Next, I'd likely try something like a Sierra 150-grain Game King. I've regularly had sub-MOA groups with those, from my '06.

Otherwise, I'd check the bedding of the stock, particularly the forearm. I like to make sure it's free-floated, and a light-pressure shim out at the front end to serve as a bit of a damper for the barrel vibrations.

 

[Demos]

Since you said you are new to it, you might want to let someone else get behind the trigger to see what the gun can do. Also, you might want to try getting some good factory ammo, shot off a good rest, to give you a base line for what the gun can do. FMJ bullets aren't really known for their accuracy. If you want to stick with Hornady, give some of their AMax of BTHPs a spin, or maybe some Sierra Matchkings. All of those have a good reputation for accuracy if your goal is to make small groups on paper. If that doesn't work, try switching powders, Varget is a good powder, or you could try some RL-15 among others. Or it could be as simple as making sure your scope mounts aren't loose.
Finally, just because you hear about something, doesn't mean it's true, especially when it comes to group sizes, but 1.5 inch groups seems like a very reasonable goal.

 

[Robert101]

Thanks guys. I'll incorporate the suggestions. Do you think 5 shot groups are enough rounds? Or, should I be looking more a the 8 round group sizes?

 

[Ultravox]

You could try this: http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspace.com/

 

[Ky Larry]

The most important part of target shooting is repeatability. Try to do the same things the same way every time. For insance, make sure your cheek weld on the stock is the same. Make sure your rifles position on the bags is the same. Make sure your breathing, trigger release, and posture are the same. Some rifles like some bullet-powder-primer combo's better than others. Never jump straight to a max load. Start at the lowest listed charge and work up in .5gr increments. Watch for pressure as you move up.Higher velocity does not automatically mean better accuracy. Good luck and safe shootings.

 

[USSR]

Robert101,

I would pick up a box of Federal Gold Medal Match ammo and run that through your rifle to give you a baseline for the accuracy you can expect from that rifle. Then, work on getting your reloads to meet or exceed it.

Don

 

[LoonWulf]

I just messed with the loading theory that Ultravox posted, I rather like it (the originator basis some of his ideas on the .308 gold medal match). I redid my loading for my 7mm (that i previously worked up ladder style), and i actually ended up 1/5 grn higher. I also got rid of some annoying flyers when id throw charges instead of weighing.

Ive read that the DPMS you have is a fairly accurate rifle. I would not be surprised with a practice and good ammo you get down into the 1" range.

 

[Robert101]

Great ideas. I stop by Bass Pro and pick up a couple of boxes of the Federal ammo. It makes sense to establish a base line and attempt to grow from there. As to my shooting skills, I hope they grow along with the experience. I bought some snap caps and have been dry firing at home. It seems to lend more control and repeatability to the process - its cheaper to fire per round too!