Realistic accuracy expectations(constructive criticism wanted)

[N183CS]

I just took my new build out for the second time and tried really hard to get some solid targets so I know how the gun shoots with my handloads. I started at 200 yards and recorded 2 targets. The first was a 5 shot group, with 1 scope adjustment and the second was a ten shot group with no corrections. All were shot off a bipod with a rear sandbag and I tried my hardest to hold still. I just sunk a boatload of money into this gun and am still fairly new at the accuracy game. The rifle is a Stag build with CMMG 1-8" 18" SPR barrel and a 3# Jard trigger, optic is a Leupold Mk4 LRt 4.5-14x50mm.
Load specs were Lake City brass trimmed to 1.755 and chamfered, 25.7gr varget with a 69gr sierra match king seated to to 2.260 with a +- .002 runout.

Here are the targets. The bottom shot on target #1 was the first followed by a 2MOA up and 1MOA left correction to get the last 4. Second target is same settings, same load and 10 shots, it really opened up. I was spacing shots about 30 seconds apart. According to my Kestral the weather didn't change much, calm winds the whole time, constant pressure, temp and humidity.
Are these good groups or do I need improvement?

[thopkins22]

I just wanted to chime in that your Defender is the pinnacle of badass.

Removed a sentence here because I re-read that you were at 200...

[N183CS]

Thanks for the compliment, it is actually a Series III V8, not a Defender. Hopefully I can punch out a few more targets tomorrow. This thing is almost becoming a science project for me.

[WS6]

You need improvement. Not because the groups are bad (They are great, especially for a self-admitted noob), but because the day you stop improving, you begin degrading.

Try some 77gr stuff, I think the rifle will like it and the wind drift will be considerably less. Awesome setup and awesome vehicle!

[Failure2Stop]

What a barrel should do and what it can do are often very different things, and the only way to determine exactly what your gun is caipable of is to rest it. Once you firmly establish that baseline with the highest performing ammuniton in your weapon you work to shoot as close to mechanical perfection as possible.

It does help to record group sizes, as shooters tend to remember themselves as better shooters than they actually were/are. I do not think that your 10 round string was necessarily bad, but without knowing the inherant accuracy of the weapon without you as a factor it is difficult to gauge. You very well may be a 1/4 MOA shooter (meaning that your ability will only add 1/4 MOA to group size over ammunition and weapon) shooting a 1.75 MOA gun and ammuniton combination. The ammo you selected may not necessarily be the "best" ammunition for your gun- try out a few different ones and see what your gun likes the best. You very well may be shooting just over the actual potential of the combination.

I am sure that Molon will have a slew of info if he drops into this.

In conclusion I would say that you are shooting OK, and may benefit from some dedicated accuracy teting and ammuition selection.

[Iraqgunz]

Nice Coast Guard sticker on the bottom left part of the windshield.

[mark5pt56]

Just adding to what has been said. If you are reloading, try some different charge weights. You will be amazed of how that can change things.

The bipod vs rest issue might come up. You decide on how you want to run your set up and deal with it. I have seen a measurable difference between a bag vs bipod. 200 yards will also give you some external factors as well.

I would go with the smallest traget that you can hold on, it reduces the margin or error with your hold. Check the first shot from the mag on a separate target, it may impact different. At least record where it goes-and don't chase your group around by shooting at the first shot if it's consistently hitting off from point of aim.

oh-remember, there's good and bad days! I'm happy provided my bad day was no worse than 1moa

[ra2bach]

my guess is you would have done better with the 10-shot group if you had used the same style of target as the 5-shot.

I'm betting that the rifle is capable of better accuracy than you are getting and it's only a matter of your technique.

a case in point - I have a heavy barrel .243 that is capable of sub-1/2" groups but often will not shoot much better moa. in this case, it's the Indian, not the arrow...

[OldNavyGuy]

Load specs were Lake City brass trimmed to 1.755 and chamfered, 25.7gr varget with a 69gr sierra match king seated to to 2.260 with a +- .002 runout.

using the same specs.., try 24.7 Gr. TAC powder with the 69gr sierra match king, i am a bit shakey, but i can manage 1" - 1 1/2" groups from my 20" 1/7 Colt HB barrel.

for your gun you can play around with 23 to 26 gr. loads using the 69 gr. bullet, my rifle likes the TAC 24.7 load

one advantage of using TAC powder is that is has a copper removing agent in it and barrel cleaning is at a minimum i have shot that load with a bit of tweaking in 6 different rifles and carbines.

[Cohibra45]

Well, here goes my opinion...for what it's worth.

I would start out with making sure everything shoots well at 50yds. Yes, 50yds!!! The reason being that you will see your groups well from your bench with binoculars and you can see if you are moving your scope or if your rifle is throwing, trailing, or spewing your group. It is a lot easier to sight in at 50 than it is 200. When you know you and your rifle are shooting small tight groups at 50, then move on to 100, then to 200. Really, 200yd bench shooting is advanced if you are trying to get your groups down below MOA. I know I will get some here that say, they shoot gnats ass at 1000yds and I don't know what I'm talking about, but trust me, start out close and make sure you and your rifle are shooting good. Then move out to your ranges. You might want to use the shoot-n-see targets. Makes it very much easier to see hits!!! Also, you might want to try a few different loads to see which your rifle might like. Some barrels, even from the same maker, will shoot different.

Take care and good luck.

Kelly (Cohibra45)

[taliv]

maybe i misread, but was your first target really at 200 yrds? are those 1" grids? if so, 2 MOA up would be 4" and it looks like you only moved maybe 1.5". maybe you've got M3 turrets instead of m1?


varget and 69g SMKs are definitely an extremely popular combo for NRA HP/CMP short lines (200, 300 yrds). I've been using this load for a couple years now with fantastic results.

LOAD 40 – 223 Rem Match – 200/300 yrd
25.6g Varget, 69g SMK, Lapua Brass, GM205M
OAL:: 2.26” Mean Velocity: 2787 FPS


but then, i'm usually shooting in 90* + weather. no idea what works in Alaska in the winter.

+1 on the bag instead of bipod

but if you want to use HP/CMP as a standard, you need to get those 10 shots in a 3" circle in 60 seconds (with a mag change) from sitting, using a sling. (normally with iron sights)

[boltcatch]

Originally Posted by WS6

You need improvement. Not because the groups are bad (They are great, especially for a self-admitted noob), but because the day you stop improving, you begin degrading.

Try some 77gr stuff, I think the rifle will like it and the wind drift will be considerably less. Awesome setup and awesome vehicle!

Fun experiment to try when it's really windy out - 20-30mph - take some 55gr rounds and some 77gr rounds and compare how they handle the wind at 200 yards. Big eye opener, because I, like many I shoot with, didn't quite appreciate how much more deflection the lighter rounds will have.

[bograu223]

here's my criticism.....your gay!!! and can't be helped. Nice truck

[JStor]

I've found 24.5 or 25 grs. Varget gives best accuracy with the 69 SMK bullet in more than one rifle.