Rather unsatisfying range trip

[primalmu]

Went to the range today to sight in the SWFA SS 10x42 on my .308 Hog Hunter as well as a Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40 on my new Savage Model 10 Predator in .223.

I made the mistake of thinking I could sight in my Hog Hunter with 3 rounds, so last night I loaded up some Hornady 150gr SP (I just got 500 of them from Hornady's Lock'n'Load promotion). My first loads I used 165gr Nosler Ballistic Tips and was able to get a 0.63" group at 100 yards with a 2-7x32 Redfield scope. Perhaps it was just a combination of things (new scope, scope rings too tall, and less accurate bullet), but I feel like I was shooting minute of watermelon today with the Hog Hunter. The groups were seriously bad. I think I could do better with a Mosin and iron sights...



Next time I go to the range I'm get a cheek pad and grab some of the Nosler BT's I loaded up, a load I know is sub-MOA, and try again.

The Predator in .223 fared a bit better, but I'm not at all happy with the groups I was getting with the PMC 55gr FMJs. I know PMC isn't accurate ammo, but I had hoped for at least MOA. If I had gotten at least 1" groups I would keep the ammo, but right now its on the chopping block and much of it will likely get sold to buy reloading components. I'll give it one more try at the range, though, but I'm not hopeful.



The good news is that I'm happy with some .45 ACP loads I worked up, and was really impressed with how the Hornady HP bullets I got expanded. (Pictures to come shortly.)

Here are some bullets I found on the ground after testing some loads.

 

[Jackal]

PMC ammo is a step above WOlf in quality, but not really any better in accuracy, as far as I can tell. In fact, my CZ Varmint prefers Wolf 55gr to PMC 55gr. All depends on the rifle.

 

[browningguy]

Expecting MOA with PMC ammo is being very optimistic. If you get 2-3 MOA with it be happy.

You will find certain bullets, or bullet weights, that a particular gun just doesn't like. Just keep plugging away, or if sub MOA is what makes you happy (and it should) then stick with the first load that gets you there.

 

[Captains1911]

Hoping for at least MOA accuracy out of PMC will disappoint you every time. It's 2 MOA at best, and more like 3-4 MOA.

 

[AABEN]

Went to the range today to sight in the SWFA SS 10x42 on my .308 Hog Hunter as well as a Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40 on my new Savage Model 10 Predator in .223.

I made the mistake of thinking I could sight in my Hog Hunter with 3 rounds, so last night I loaded up some Hornady 150gr SP (I just got 500 of them from Hornady's Lock'n'Load promotion). My first loads I used 165gr Nosler Ballistic Tips and was able to get a 0.63" group at 100 yards with a 2-7x32 Redfield scope. Perhaps it was just a combination of things (new scope, scope rings too tall, and less accurate bullet), but I feel like I was shooting minute of watermelon today with the Hog Hunter. The groups were seriously bad. I think I could do better with a Mosin and iron sights...



Next time I go to the range I'm get a cheek pad and grab some of the Nosler BT's I loaded up, a load I know is sub-MOA, and try again.

The Predator in .223 fared a bit better, but I'm not at all happy with the groups I was getting with the PMC 55gr FMJs. I know PMC isn't accurate ammo, but I had hoped for at least MOA. If I had gotten at least 1" groups I would keep the ammo, but right now its on the chopping block and much of it will likely get sold to buy reloading components. I'll give it one more try at the range, though, but I'm not hopeful.



The good news is that I'm happy with some .45 ACP loads I worked up, and was really impressed with how the Hornady HP bullets I got expanded. (Pictures to come shortly.)

Here are some bullets I found on the ground after testing some loads.

I have never had a Savage that shot that bad with any ammo!! You need to start at the 25 yd set your site 1/2- of dead center then move to the 50 yd set your site at 0 then go to 100 yd and set your site at 0 then set it for 150 yd This will Put it at 50 0.1 100 0.7 150 0.0 200 2.0- 250 5.8- 300 11.4 This is for a 64 gr in a 223 You can find this at a center fire rifle ballistics chart.

 

[Liberty1776]

re: PMC ammo - except for the rifles that like it.

My Remington 788 carbine .243 shoots PMC ammo into 5/8" groups, thanks. Every rifle is different.

 

[bgrav321]

My M and P 15 does MOA with PMC 55gr as well. Guess it is all the rifle. Now I've never gotten any MOA out of anything with Wolf though...

Range trips like that are frustrating, better luck next time!

 

[Robert101]

I had a similar range trip with big fat groups. New gun and new scope. I went home very dissapointed. I took the scope off and then bore sighted it again. Next range trip, and from then on, my LR308 shot 1" MOA all day long with different all kinds of different reloads. I have not shot PCM so I can't comment on that stuff. Tighten down the scope mounts per torque specifications.

 

[GuysModel94]

What he said. ^ I believe the old adage is "curing" the barrel.

 

[Ramone]

It's my experience that a brandy new rifle will 'settle-in' in the first 100-200 rounds or so, and that groups will tighten up to half the size of the first ones in that time.

Add to that the Value brand ammo, and I wouldn't be too discouraged.

As to the .308, I'd double check EVERYTHING.

 

[LeonCarr]

IME a SP or HP will always shoot better than the exposed base FMJ or FMJBT, IMO due to less base deformation upon firing.

PMC SP/HP ammo should shoot better than FMJ. If you can find some, try some.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr