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Realistic expectations of big caliber SEMI-AUTO rigs. Technique, ammo, over-all set up.

elfster1234

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
  • Jun 3, 2012
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    I figured I would post this for some fellow members starting out with new semi-auto rigs. Don't give up, and keep working towards your goal. To think you're going to get .5moa on every group is not realistic. Shoot for 1" and everything under sub-moa is a bonus. I have yet, to this day, to shoot sub-moa on 6total, 5shot groups, in a row, with my LMT (but have come damn close as you can see in my picture / target on the right)... If you can do this, then you're a better shooter than me: http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...0yard-semi-auto-6groups-30round-shootout.html

    There really is a technique to driving a bigger cal semi-auto rig (IMO, grain weights above 150grns)... Even still for .223 AR's. Recoil impulse, trigger control, follow through, heat build up in your barrel, expecting that last shot with different recoil impulse (this produces that last round flier), and not moving your head away from check weld / scope during your shots all play an important roll in getting consistent groups. Bipod or sand bag in the front, with a sandbag used in the back. There is MUCH MUCH more to this than what I'm listing here and you just need to do your homework and research it here on SH and other websites.

    Also, just as important is using the correct ammo that works well with your rig / barrel. Half of the fun, well in my opinion, is the never ending search for the ammo that works well with your rifle.

    As you can see here in my picture how much ammo can effect your groups with a gasser. Both are shot with the same bullet, BUT one is with federal brass vs nato brass, and 43grns vs 40.5grns of varget. It really is all about finding that "node" that works well with your rifle / barrel. Each rifle can have multiple "nodes" dependent upon the amount of powder you drop (low / middle / high nodes = if you don't know what i'm talking about then it is time for some research and getting into reloading!!)... There is a HUGE difference between these two targets! Keep up the practice, fine tune your technique, and find the ammo that works well with your rifle and you will be shooting SUB-MOA all day long very soon. BTW, the target on the right is the best I've EVER done with my LMT at 100yards (well, for a 30round total, 6group, 5shots, in a row, target that is)....

    Too many variables to list that go into getting kick ass groups with semi-auto gas rifles.

    IMG_5971_zps8576b5c7.jpg
     
    Last edited:
    This was shot at 300yards out of my rock river EOP which works out to about .526moa . Not too darn bad for 10shots @ 300yards. One thing is for damn sure, my rock river EOP was not even close to doing this when I first got it. Technique and Ammo development plays a HUGE role in getting this type of accuracy out of a semi-auto. Getting great results out of your rifle doesn't happen over night. Hopefully this helps:

    IMG_5960_zps744498e5.jpg
     
    The target you posted is sub-moa. Not sub-inch, but sub-moa. ;)

    And I still haven't done sub-moa on six consecutive 5-shot groups (ie. the Elfster Challenge) using my AR. Now my 6XC Savage build on the other hand....
     
    lol, yeah yeah. Hehehe, you know what i'm talking about smart ass ;)

    you should PM a pic of your savage!

    btw, still looking forward to the 50bmg groups. LOL

    The target you posted is sub-moa. Not sub-inch, but sub-moa. ;)

    And I still haven't done sub-moa on six consecutive 5-shot groups (ie. the Elfster Challenge) using my AR. Now my 6XC Savage build on the other hand....
     
    Happy to oblige! And if anyone can shoot the Elfster Challenge sub-moa with a .50BMG semi-auto, I say we all chip in and buy him/her a handful of PMags. Hell, it would cost about $50 to shoot the challenge once....
     
    Yes, ammunition can have a BIG effect on how precise your "precision rifle" shoots...
    All targets shot with a DPMS LR308...

    Federal Fusion 165 gr


    Federal Gold Medal Match 168 gr BTHP


    Hornady Match 168 gr BTHP


    The above three targets were shot on the same day.

    After some load development, this is what I settled on...
    Hornady match brass
    CCI 200 Large Rifle primers
    2.800" COAL

    0.657" edge to edge