range day

Elkman · Mar 7, 2013

I did some shooting a couple of days ago, and found something really interesting (to me at least). Probably more so because I own the rifle. Here are two groups with the new tactical, the top picture was the first group I shot with rifle. AOL was 2.810. Loading was as stated on the target. My previous 308 (marlin) liked a longer AOL. and did not care for BT bullets. Just for fun I fired 3 of my olde Marlin reloads the day before yesterday (yes these loads chamber in both rifles). Two entirely different bullets, and cases, primers and powder. Th groups as you can see are very close in size and they vertually overlap!!!!! What I learned I am not sure, but I have not seen this before.

What should I have learned ?

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SJB358 · Mar 7, 2013

I am not sure either Bill, other than good rifles aren't entirely picky to what they will shoot well, with really little load work. Seems like that Remington is a good one and runs everything pretty well.

OU812 · Mar 7, 2013

Good looking groups right there. It's always nice to know you have 2 and some times more loads that over lap at the same POI. The lessen I would take away from this that rifle is a shooter.

DrMike · Mar 7, 2013

You are a fortunate man in that rifle. It looks as if it isn't going to be particularly fussy, and that is a good thing.

Elkman · Mar 7, 2013

What I think I got out of it was, that it really doesn't like the 2.810 AOL that much, (assuming that .700 or so groups are bad!), but seemingly as others here stated its not picky about cases, powder, nor bullets. Tomorrow I am trying the identical load with the168 and the AOL screwed down to 2.780 and see what happens. I saw little difference between the Federal and CCI primers, with the Federal being slightly more accurate. I will reduce the load and try CCI Magnum primers at whichever AOL seems the best. Coming up I will be testing the Nosler 168 custom comp bullet with the same loading. It has a little different profile so I am thinking they will seat up a little closer. I am still looking for three touching at 118 yards.