M1A load

[Cosmoline]

So you hate FCD's. But I'm pretty sure FCD imprints aren't throwing him off 4 MOA, then giving him 1 MOA groups. The theory doesn't make much sense.

But, back to the thread, he needs to rule that out then look to stock interference or some other factor significant enough to cause that kind of variation in groups.

First, shoot some factory match ammo to rule out any handloading issues.

 

[kestak]

Hesding to the range with a bunch of different ammo...ccrimped and not crimped.
Will keep you posted.

 

[kestak]

I am back from the range!!!

First a question: Any of you chrono Sierra 2200 with 41.5 grains of I4895 out of their M1A? I would appreciate to know how much you clocked.

First my shooting was quite crappy and some guys came and began to talk with me. They could not understand that 2 groups were 4 MOA and one group 1/2 MOA at 100 yards. We looked at everything we saw nothing really wrong. So, one of the guy said let's put the target at 200 yards and he shot the gun...getting a 3 inch group. I shot it after him and I got....a 3 1/2 inch group but a little bit off were he put it. He was about 5 o'clock and I was 5.30 about 2 inches further from the center. I used the non crimped rounds.

BTW, the guy is a disabled US Army sniper. I was shooting at the club range of the base. Soooo... the guy found out a few things:
1 - I was shooting initially from a led sled. He made me shoot from a sandbag.
2 - The trigger sucks on my M1A (I could not notice, I am used to AR triggers and mil surp triggers...hehehehehe) and he told me to take it lower on the trigger.
3 - My scope with my prescription glasses, if I do not put my head exactly at the same place each time, makes a tiny variation that could translate to 1/2-1 MOA.

So, the lesson: This weekend I head to my friend who will make a little job on my trigger. Also, I change the scope for a better one and get and alignment cover (can't recall the name) that helps center my eyes on the scope. I think it si made by a British company. A friend has it and it does wonders.

Another thing. My bullet drop was 1 inch more than it should for a 308 168 grains sierra 2200 he said. It may be because my zero is not ok or my speed. I need to check that.

I plan to go again next week with the new setup and see if there are improvements.

Thank you

 

[jr_roosa]

The trigger sucks on my M1A

This makes a big difference.

My bullet drop was 1 inch more than it should for a 308 168 grains sierra 2200 he said

Don't sweat 1" at 200yd. That's why the scope and sights are adjustable.

a 3 inch group

This is spectacular. How many shots?

Now it's time do do some clinics, or even pop that scope off and shoot with the irons if the scope is giving you trouble. Get a good solid position, either off bags or sling supported prone, and you'll find that you can shoot pretty decent groups with the iron sights and not have the problems with scope alignment.

get and alignment cover

Cheek piece? Or do you mean something that goes on the scope itself?

You can even tape some foam padding to the top of the stock to get an idea of how high you need for good alignment. A scope on an M1A can be a challenge sometimes.

I hope you enjoy your rifle more now that you have a glimpse of what it can do.

-J.

 

[kestak]

All my groups are 5 shots. Ideally I would like 10 shots, but it would be too timely and cost prohibitive...hehehe

I'll provide a link for the gizmo. You put that on the scope rear reticule, can't recall name will have to ask my friend.

 

[Swampman]

My Standard M1A used to suffer from the same problem, great groups one day and lousy the next. Putting a couple of shims between the trigger group and stock helped quite a bit short term, but Devcon 10110 and a bedding job is what really made it behave. It's not a match rifle by any stretch of the imagination, but as long as I do my part, it'll stack 'em in inch and a half 5 shot groups all day. The only Mods to the rifle are the scope and mount, a trigger job and the bedding. I did the bedding last, but in my opinion, it made a far greater impact on the consistent accuracy I now enjoy than the scope or trigger job.

I load the "standard" 41.5 grains of IMR 4895 with a 168 grain MatchKing.

I use standard RCBS dies with a Hornady carbide expander ball.

I don't crimp the rounds that I load for maximum accuracy.

I do use sealant and a collet type crimping die on my "social" ammo.

Just like Lake City AAP does.

A place for everything, and everything in it's place...

Have fun, shoot straight and stay safe,
Swampman