Question re: accuracy with my BCM and LPVO

[grizzlyblake]

I've read through the whole BCM accuracy thread, which is why I decided to start this thread.

I have a standard (non CHF) 16" ELW BCM factory upper that up until now has worn an Aimpoint H2. At 50yds benched I have been able to shoot around 1.5" groups with this setup using Gold Dot 62gr.

For Christmas I bought a Trijicon Credo HX 1-6 in an ADM mount and put it on this BCM. I was excited to shoot it thinking I'd really be able to dial in the accuracy.

However, my group size is exactly the same now as it was with the Aimpoint. 1.5" with the Gold Dots and 3" with Federal XM193 at 50yds.

I'm not particularly happy with this, thinking the magnification should help shrink groups.

Reading the BCM accuracy threads I'm wondering if this is just how BCMs shoot.

Should I have higher expectations of this setup?

[davidjinks]

Maybe try some match ammo.

M193 and Speer Gold Dots are not what I would use to check the accuracy/precision capability of my rifle/me.

[markm]

Bonded bullets are not that accurate. And XM193 is flat out sloppy. Definitely have ammo as a weak link in achieving accuracy.

[gunnerblue]

1.5 MOA is what I've come to expect from quality button-rifled and CHF barrels (BCM, Colt, Sionics, Centurion) with 62 grain Gold Dots. I would try some match ammo at 100 yards to really see how well your barrel shoots.

[ggammell]

1.5 MOA is what I've come to expect from quality button-rifled and CHF barrels (BCM, Colt, Sionics, Centurion) with 62 grain Gold Dots. I would try some match ammo at 100 yards to really see how well your barrel shoots.

This is what you should expect from a BCM for precision. Also a 1-6x isn’t the scope for proper precision evaluation of a platform. Something with more magnification so you can pick a specific corner of a square, not just “I can see the square” at 100.

Don’t use xm193 for anything other than punching holes in paper. The X is there for a reason. Something didn’t meet spec and got bounced. Try 69 and 77gr SMKs.

[markm]

The X is there for a reason. Something didn’t meet spec and got bounced.

The stuff definitely doesn't meet spec in that I've seen a bunch of it with no sealant and stuff. But after all these years of XM ammo, I think it's just over-run stuff. Even with America's culture of mediocrity in manufacturing, I'd still be surprised to see billions of rounds of rejects come out of a plant.

[ST911]

Maybe try some match ammo. M193 and Speer Gold Dots are not what I would use to check the accuracy/precision capability of my rifle/me.

Bonded bullets are not that accurate. And XM193 is flat out sloppy. Definitely have ammo as a weak link in achieving accuracy.

Don't underestimate that 62 Gold Dot. I was surprised to get ~1"/100yd, 5-round groups with precision barrel, optic, etc. It was repeatable over guns and lots as well. 64gr GDSP, not so good. I may have posted some of those groups here somewhere.

[T2C]

Bonded bullets are not that accurate. And XM193 is flat out sloppy. Definitely have ammo as a weak link in achieving accuracy.

I agree with your assessment re XM193. I shot quite a few rounds of it over the past 40 years. I've found it to shoot 10 shot 3" groups at 100 yards with a 16" 1:9 twist barrel. 7-1/2" groups at 300 yards was the norm. That was with iron sights, not a scope. 68g match ammunition grouped considerably better. In my experience, accuracy with the rifles I owned with 1:7 twist barrels was noticeably worse with XM193.

The BCM website indicates the OP's barrel has a 1:7 twist rate. I would try 68g projectiles to determine the barrel's accuracy potential before throwing in the towel.

[grizzlyblake]

The BCM website indicates the OP's barrel has a 1:7 twist rate. I would try 68g projectiles to determine the barrel's accuracy potential before throwing in the towel.

Are you implying that the groups I shot are not meeting a normal expectation?

I realize a better measure would be 100yds, but averaging 1.5MOA with Gold Dots, a 6x scope, and standard trigger is certainly closer to what I expected when I started all of this.

Since I have a good quantity of the 62gr GSDP, and it's what I will use for defense and hunting, I don't see much use in proofing a match load. I am only concerned with the practical accuracy of the equipment that I will use.

[T2C]

Are you implying that the groups I shot are not meeting a normal expectation?

I realize a better measure would be 100yds, but averaging 1.5MOA with Gold Dots, a 6x scope, and standard trigger is certainly closer to what I expected when I started all of this.

Since I have a good quantity of the 62gr GSDP, and it's what I will use for defense and hunting, I don't see much use in proofing a match load. I am only concerned with the practical accuracy of the equipment that I will use.

Your posts lead me to believe you were not happy with the groups you shot with a 6X scope.

50 yards is really close. Artificial light at an indoor range may not be as beneficial to you as natural light at an outdoor range. Multiplying group sizes X 2 may not give you a realistic idea of what the group sizes will be at 100 yards. Your group sizes may be larger or they may be smaller; it's hard to tell until you actually shoot at longer distances.

What is the longest distance you expect to shoot? What are your accuracy expectations?