Finally getting some decent marks at 100 yards! PICS INCLUDED

[Auburn1992]

My Setup: Remington XR-100 22-250
Millett 4-16x56mm
Leupold QRW Rings
Remington model Seven Base

Well after taking my XR to the range 3 times, I've finally been able to produce some decent groupings at 100 yards.

The first time I took it to the range, I got just under an inch with Remington UMC (22-250) 50 grammo; and just under an inch with Federal 22-250 ammo (Sierra bullet 55gr). I thought nothing of it and that it was just breaking in.

Second time at the range, I was unable to get better that .75" and all other groups were just at 1". I had tried Winchester BST 50gr, Federal 55gr, and cheap Remington UMC 50 gr. I noticed when I was cleaning it that the scope rings were decently loose (uh-oh!). I decided to tighten them (mistake #1). I got out a wrench to give them some torque (mistake #2). As I did so, the little tightening piece twisted off and broke . Thankfully the nice people at Sportsmans gave me a replacement and sent the broken one back to Leupold .

Some here comes try number 3 at the range. I start off sighting in the scope with UMC ammo, all goes well. After, I move to the 100 yard range and shoot Remington AccuTip ammo (50gr) and got a decent group of .71". I then shoot those same rounds at 100 yards on a different target and got a sweet grouping of .46" (best of the day) . I'm feelin' pretty good so I switch over to Federal 55gr ammo, and get a grouping of .58". I then try out the Win BST 50 gr, get a decent grouping of .69".

Seems as though the slow twist of my barrel (1 in 14") likes 50 gr more than the 55gr. I think I'll try out some 45 gr next and see if groups improve further.

Here are some pics of the day:



AccuTip 50gr:



Winchester BST 50gr:



Federal 55gr:



Rifle:




*NOTE: These pics were taken with a cell phone so sorry for crappy quality

 

[Chrome]

You know that someone behind me is going to make a comment on your 3 shot groups, right? Beautiful rifle though.

Later,
Chrome...

 

[Auburn1992]

Whats wrong with three shot groups?



Thanks for the comment though

 

[W.E.G.]

I use blue Loctite on all my screw-fasteners for any optic.

Loose attachments for optics are unacceptable.

 

[Auburn1992]

If I were to apply Loc Tite, but then wanted to change out to a better scope, how would I go about removing the Loctite?

 

[Matt304]

It's too bad that you are limited by your 1:14 twist barrel.

If you had 1:9, you could stabilize the much heavier match bullets, and you would likely be getting groups half that size.

 

[Auburn1992]

Matt304: I plan on adding a 1 in 12" or 9" when ever I burn out this barrel and replace it.

Any answers to teh two q's i've asked?

 

[skinewmexico]

Blue loctite can be removed by hand. At most it might need some heat, but you can usually apply a little extra torque and break it. I've never had any trouble, or had to use heat.

Don't take this as a put down, just an explanation. As to the 3 shot groups, most people feel it is relatively easy to shoot a good 3 shot group, and that only a 5 or 10 shot group gives you a real indication of what a rifle (and shooter) can do.

I am kind of surprised, I didn't know anyone even made a 1-14 barrel any more.

 

[dagger dog]

Try some of the 40 gr Vmax loads from Hornady you'll be suprised!
Or better yet pick up a Lee Loader and a Lee saftey scale and roll your own, your groups will shrink even more. Good looking rifle.

 

[NCsmitty]

Nice rifle! Your groups will probably get better if you're just breaking in a new barrel. I recommend cleaning the barrel occasionally when new.
I am guessing that you do not reload and you only shoot expensive factory loads? There is nothing wrong with the 1in14 twist, and as you probably know, it's just a matter of matching the right load.
If you did reload, you could open up a whole new level of accuracy.
I find that the Hornady 52gr. A-Max bullet is outstanding in my own 22-250. It's a great target bullet and is known to be extremely concentric & balanced.
There are many types of loctite, choose the type that does not get brittle hard.

NCsmitty

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Very nice and congrats - that's a nice rifle!

 

[Chrome]

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=118&t=279218

Here is a link explaining three shot grouping. If you notice, your groups hint at the problem being explained in the link. If you overlay the groups on center of target, the groups are a bit larger.

Don't despair though, the groups are great for a new rifle with factory ammo. Any time I shoot around MOA with an unfamiliar (or new) rifle I'm happy.

.22-250 is an excellent round to hand load for. Ammo is relatively pricey and hand loading cuts the cost and increases the consistency (read accuracy).

In reference to the rings, I personally would buy a set of the regular Leupold and have them lapped.

Later,
Chrome...

 

[Dave P]

and I hope you are measuring your groups, center to center.

 

[Auburn1992]

Actually, I was measuring the whole group (side to side) then subtracting .22"

 

[lionking]

arghh!!!Are going to tell me now that I how have been doing 5 shot groups to check a rifle need to start doing a 10 shot group?

 

[SSN Vet]

Though I always go for five or ten shot groups myself, that's still darn fine shooting, and better than I've ever achieved.

Congrats..

 

[Auburn1992]

/\ thanks SSN


I guess I'll start testing some 5 shot groupings... What would be a decent 5 shot group measure?

Which would you think would be more stable for me to shoot with. Either some Caldwell front and rear sand bags, or a cheap ADG benchrest?

 

[Matt304]

Which would you think would be more stable for me to shoot with.

An adjustable 3-leg rest in the front, and a heavy bag in the rear.

 

[JFettig]

You should still be able to keep your groups in that .75-1" area with 5 shot groups, hopefuly, I like to shoot 5 and 10round groups, it tells you quite a bit more but shooting 10 round groups your barrel will get quite hot and they will open up. my SPS tactical shot a 1.25" 10 shot group when I was blazing away, also shot a 1.25" 5 shot group at 200 yards, I took my time with that one though.

Jon

 

[Horsemany]

I am kind of surprised, I didn't know anyone even made a 1-14 barrel any more.

Every factory 22-250 I've ever seen or owned was 1 in 14". You will be able to shoot up to 55 grain pills. Tighter twist will allow for longer bullets but WILL NOT necessarilly improve accuracy. Feed your 250 some 55 grain Bergers and I think you'll be impressed.

Now for the 3 shot groups. Don't let others make you feel like an amatuer for shooting 3 shot groups. Myself and others I shoot with(who shoot Benchrest nationally) shoot 3 shot groups for load development in many guns. The idea being..........If my barrel heats up and the groups open up, what have I learned about the accuracy of my load? THe idea of Benchrest is to understand the potential of my equipment, loading, and shooting ability. To add barrel heat to the mix is a variable that cannot be controlled. This is why myself and others I shoot with shoot short shot strings more often than not. I will shoot longer strings practicing just before a match to get a sense how hot I can push it before accuracy fades.


It does not mean those who shoot 5 shot groups are wrong. It just means they aren't as superior as they sometimes think.

 

[skinewmexico]

Every factory 22-250 I've ever seen or owned was 1 in 14".

I jsut found it odd, all the Savages I've seen are 1-9, or 1-12.

 

[Horsemany]

Looks like Savage uses 1 in 12" on their 22-250's that I found. That's unusual. The norm is 1 in 14" and that's what gives the 223 the advantage if you want to shoot long range with a small cal. The 1 in 14" twist rate is why there are so many 52 grain match .224 bullets available.

You have to hand it to Savage for having their finger on the pulse of the market. They seem to offer the popular cartridges (6.5 x 284 for example) with an appropriate twist rate most of the time.

 

[Auburn1992]

I was actually getting ready to get a Savage but decided (after some research) that I'd be happier with a Rem XR

 

[Horsemany]

You made the right choice. My 700 22-250 shoots in the .2's and .3's with 55 grain Berger Moly Match. 1 in 14 works just fine. Mine shot several prairie dogs over 500 yds this summer. And while there are some target bullets in the heavier 62 and 77 grain weight, the VAST majority of target .224 bullets are in the 52, 53, and 55 grain weights. Your gun will handle those fine.

 

[Auburn1992]

/\ What load are you using? Do you think the groupings will be just as good if I didn't get the Moly coated version? (don't want to deal with the cleaning)