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Range report first time shooting groups...

jn_fsu

jn_fsu

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Aug 8, 2011
181
0
South Texas
Friday 4-20-12 I took my rifle to the range to work on zeroing and do some test groups with different loads.
I've never had any rifle training or even any guidance with shooting rifles. This is my first scope and have used only a couple, breifly, before. So I'm learning as I go. I was shooting @100 yards from sand filled bags on a flat top table sitting in a chair. I worked on breathing, trigger pull and different hand/arm placements. Basically I sighted the target, fired, took a breath, exhaled, fired again allowing as little time possible between shots. My next plan is to research shooting technics.
The rifle has a 16" BCM SS410 barrel, Nato Match chamber, 1/8 twist, midlength gas system with a 2 stage RRA National Match trigger installed.
I tested 4 different loads I had. Tempature was in the low 70s and wind was 15-20mph constantly blowing towards me and to the right some where around my 4 or 5 oclock.
All in all I'm "ok" with my shooting but have alot of work still to do. It was fun and a learning experience which has provided me with a starting point. Have to start some where...

Here are the results. (I apologize for the crappy cell pics)

IMAG0976.jpg

IMAG0977.jpg

IMAG0975.jpg

IMAG0979.jpg

Last shots of the day.
IMAG0978.jpg

The endeavour begins!
 
Re: Range report first time shooting groups...

my first piece of advice for you would be to shoot on the ground with a Bipod. The reason why is that is more of a normal position that you will shoot from in real life. Then, as you get more proficient add in other positions such as kneeling and sitting.

What scope are you using?
 
Re: Range report first time shooting groups...

In addition to what J said, get some match ammo, that stuff you were shooting will be all over the place and make it hard to tell what your doing wrong, if anything.
 
Re: Range report first time shooting groups...

@Luke I'll be sure to read the link you posted.

@JStarsz I'll try shooting from the ground with my Modpod deployed. I'll be laying on concrete will that matter? The scope is a Leupold Mark AR 3-9x40mm Mil-Dot.

@T2CH I'll look for some match ammo. Any recommendations on what brand, grain to start with and or where to get it?

Thanks for the help and advice guys!
 
Re: Range report first time shooting groups...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jn_fsu</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
@JStarsz I'll try shooting from the ground with my Modpod deployed. I'll be laying on concrete will that matter? The scope is a Leupold Mark AR 3-9x40mm Mil-Dot.
</div></div>
watch this video on the use of a monopod:scroll down to B&T Accu-Shot Monopod Review: Great review of its use and he is a Hide member.
Mono- Pod
Oh, and get a shooting mat for the concrete - much nicer to work with
grin.gif
I love spending other peoples money.
 
Re: Range report first time shooting groups...

Not bad for the first time out. One thing you need to do is slow down, take a few breathes between shot and fire at the end of your exhale but dont hold your breath. If you try to do it quickly you will lose focus on the target or trigger or something and will hurt your performance. The Hide training is really good and might seem a little high dollar at first but you wont develop bad habits and you will save at least cost in ammo trying to figure out why you arent getting any better.
 
Re: Range report first time shooting groups...

I like to hear that you enjoyed yourself out there the most... that means that you'll be out there shooting more and working out your skills. I'm pretty sure a handful of us here will be looking forward on seeing your groups tightening up soon.

Enjoy and shoot safe!
 
Re: Range report first time shooting groups...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Luke</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for sharing! Make sure you read this: http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1904474&page=1

Remember practice, practice, practice! Keep up the good work! </div></div>
Thanks for the Link Luke!
After reading the thread I seem to have only performed one element correctly of the many steps to achieving proper marksmanship which was trigger control. I have alot of work to do but I look forward to doing it!
 
Re: Range report first time shooting groups...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JSTARSZ</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jn_fsu</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
@JStarsz I'll try shooting from the ground with my Modpod deployed. I'll be laying on concrete will that matter? The scope is a Leupold Mark AR 3-9x40mm Mil-Dot.
</div></div>
watch this video on the use of a monopod:scroll down to B&T Accu-Shot Monopod Review: Great review of its use and he is a Hide member.
Mono- Pod
Oh, and get a shooting mat for the concrete - much nicer to work with
grin.gif
I love spending other peoples money. </div></div>

Haven't watched the video yet but I will. I also look into the matt and possibly the monopod.
 
Re: Range report first time shooting groups...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigJohn141</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Not bad for the first time out. One thing you need to do is slow down, take a few breathes between shot and fire at the end of your exhale but dont hold your breath. If you try to do it quickly you will lose focus on the target or trigger or something and will hurt your performance. The Hide training is really good and might seem a little high dollar at first but you wont develop bad habits and you will save at least cost in ammo trying to figure out why you arent getting any better. </div></div>

Thanks BigJohn141 I'll look into the hide training and see if is something that I can feesiable do. I thought about getting the Magpul Precision Shooting video to see if there is any benifit to be gained by it for me but I'm not sure if that's premature at this point...
 
Re: Range report first time shooting groups...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: islandermyk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like to hear that you enjoyed yourself out there the most... that means that you'll be out there shooting more and working out your skills. I'm pretty sure a handful of us here will be looking forward on seeing your groups tightening up soon.

Enjoy and shoot safe! </div></div>

Thanks islandermyk! I look forward to more practice and improvement. I'll post results of my next shoot to compare. Improvement is the goal but fun is the objective!
 
Re: Range report first time shooting groups...

jn_fsu - you might want to try Black Hills 68 gr or 69 gr match, or FGMM 69 gr match with that setup. If that doesn't group better than the XM193 ball ammo, you could go up/down in projectile weight with match ammo from either of those manufacturers (ie. 77 gr/52 gr). Although FGMM/BH rounds will be more expensive, you'll be happy with the results and you can always use less expensive ammo for everyday range use. The key is to find a load your rifle likes in terms of velocity, projectile, etc.
 
Re: Range report first time shooting groups...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gstaylorg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">jn_fsu - you might want to try Black Hills 68 gr or 69 gr match, or FGMM 69 gr match with that setup. If that doesn't group better than the XM193 ball ammo, you could go up/down in projectile weight with match ammo from either of those manufacturers (ie. 77 gr/52 gr). Although FGMM/BH rounds will be more expensive, you'll be happy with the results and you can always use less expensive ammo for everyday range use. The key is to find a load your rifle likes in terms of velocity, projectile, etc. </div></div>

I plan on running several different loads and brands eventually. So far the 62gr steel core seem to shoot the best but I need to test some more 69+/- gr loads. I'm wondering if the fact that the 62gr steel core are slightly longer bullet make a difference?
Also after reading the marksmanship thread I'm not sure if I'd benifit much from match grade ammo yet. I need to work ALOT on my technique starting with proper form. So I was thinking about purchasing bulk ammo and focusing on technique/form. Then once I've mastered or atleast developed a proper technique move to match grade ammo.
 
Re: Range report first time shooting groups...

Lee thats about a half dozen times now I've read that the BCM 16" ss410 barrel loves match grade 69gr ammo. I guess I just need grab some boxes and see what happens.
Wheres a good place to pick up Black Hills 69gr match ammo. I have a feeling this is going to hurt the wallet a little... But I'll do what I must!
 
Re: Range report first time shooting groups...

Something to keep in mind is that although you are new to rifle shooting and have a lot to learn the less varibles you have when you are learning the better hence advantage to match ammo. If you are using a match barrel and match ammo then you know your rifle should probably be capable of at leas around MOA so aprox an inch at 100 yards if not better I have seen plenty of ARs shooting closer to 3/4" groups or better at 100 yards. The advantage to having less variables is its easier to see your own improvement. If the ammo you are shooting will only shoot 2-3 MOA groups on a good day but your gun can shoot 1 MOA or better you will never know your improving once you are capapble of shooting sub 2-3 moa if that makes sense.

The short answer is Shoot match ammo if you can afford it it will help you learn to be a better shot.
 
Re: Range report first time shooting groups...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: B3dlam</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Something to keep in mind is that although you are new to rifle shooting and have a lot to learn the less varibles you have when you are learning the better hence advantage to match ammo. If you are using a match barrel and match ammo then you know your rifle should probably be capable of at leas around MOA so aprox an inch at 100 yards if not better I have seen plenty of ARs shooting closer to 3/4" groups or better at 100 yards. The advantage to having less variables is its easier to see your own improvement. If the ammo you are shooting will only shoot 2-3 MOA groups on a good day but your gun can shoot 1 MOA or better you will never know your improving once you are capapble of shooting sub 2-3 moa if that makes sense.

The short answer is Shoot match ammo if you can afford it it will help you learn to be a better shot. </div></div>

Very good point! I didn't think about it like that... Thanks! Looks like Match grade ammo investing time.
 
Re: Range report first time shooting groups...

Show us how you shoot with those match grade ammo.
 
Re: Range report first time shooting groups...

Deffinatly sign up for the online training here. You will learn more in the first 4 video/lessons to justify the $ and the other 30+ are a bonus.
 
Re: Range report first time shooting groups...

Deffinatly sign up for the online training here. You will learn more in the first 4 video/lessons to justify the $ and the other 30+ are a bonus.
 
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