I should have retested at 100 yards but I wanted to see how this bullet handles groups at 150 yards. I want to shoot competitively in F class at 600 yards. I expect that this .223 is not ideal but I am new to long range rifle competition but an inexpensive way to try it!
Earlier test show a best 100 yard group at 5/8 inch with 77 grain Nosler Competition hollow point bullets but the second group a few days back was much larger and I blamed myself and not the set-up. I thought the 77 grain deserved more attention as it can punch paper at 1000 yard targets and favored weight for the caliber.
I used the same powder and volume and Cartridge Overall Length at 2.256 inches to fit the clip length. It was a bit windy 5 to 10mph swirling but coming from behind at 160 degrees. But also added a Vortex bubble level to the scope and used it. Works great and I can see it as I aim. I used a plumb line to get the cross hairs straight at 50 yards and adjusted the bubble to match it. At long range it will pay big dividends.
Groups below:
I took 5 shots Group 1 with PMC 55g fmj to warm me and the rifle up and surprisingly at 150 yards the group was 2.5 inches “if I throw out the first shot.” Not bad for off the shelf ammo.
Group 2 was 15/16inch for 3 shots at 150 yards. This is Sub MOA for sure. Wow!
Group 3 was 2 1/8 inch for 3 shot group but a bit more windy and gusting.
When I left the wind was 15 mph gusts but I was done by then..
So there you have it! A winning combination!
And I am better at my cheek weld too and that can explain a lot with a collapsable stock not really designed for Lon Range Shooting. The Colt upper barrel is very accurate, the Timney Trigger was essential to pull groups in as I have stated before, I loved the drop-in mode for the trigger, Scope, Bubble, Nosler Competition heads and Custom Brass made this Rifle “jump to light speed” for an off the shelf rifle.
I want to thank my friends at Nosler, Leupold and Timney for their products to be evaluated at New Hampshire Rifleman. Outstanding products all!!
Bragging rights “perhaps” here at 100 yards 5/8 inch at 150 yards 15/16 inch for best shots and different days. I clean it every 100 to 200 shots and just feel it out. I run a dry snake through each session. No more tests to confirm what some data suggests is sub-MOA we need to shoot it at 600 yards and then we shall see.
Good Shooting!
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