Accuracy Comparison

[komifornian]

I'm sure if this question gets any responses at all some of them will be snide. However I'm curious so I'm going to ask anyway.

What makes (in general) a bolt gun more accurate than a semi-auto? I ask because I have a JP LRP 07 (7.62-51) and a Rem. 40X in 6.5 Creedmoor. It has new Hart barrel, Jewell trigger, McMillan A5 stock ect ect... Both guns use USO Tpal mil mil 3.2-17x scopes.

One semi-auto and one bolt gun and both are pretty much top in their categories. (I’m sure many here will disagree with that statement) but let’s leave that for another string. Calibers are different but with that aside I shoot roughly the same with both guns, about 3/8-1/2 MOA.

So back to the original question, from a technical standpoint what actually makes a bolt gun more accurate? I’m sure there are a plethora of variables but I’m just looking for a general answer. If you compare the best in each category and both are the same caliber and use the same optic, rings, bases ect.

If you don’t have anything constructive to contribute please don’t respond. What I don’t want are answers like “seriously” “have you done your research” or any answer that’s derogatory or condescending.

Thanks for your help -

 

[danieljay]

Re: Accuracy Comparison

From what I can tell there are two major factors:

1. Enthusiastic cycling of the action: If I chamber a round in my LRP (by far the most accurate semi I've ever handled) then take it out and check concentricity, there's always more runout than there was before the round was chambered. You'll notice that bench-rest rifles generally are single-shot and feed the cartidges straight into the chamber.

2. Significantly longer lock time. While this isn't a problem in and of itself, it magnifies any problems with your form (breath control, NPA issues or trigger control).

I'm sure someone much more qualified than myself can give more input, but these two seem like they make the biggest difference to me. I know that I've seen Lowlight talking about three recoils in a gas gun, but I can't wrap my head around these things happening while the bullet is still in the barrel. I know I can't drive a gas gun as well as him, so he's probably right.

 

[SpenceDaddy]

Re: Accuracy Comparison

to put it very simply the bolt action has less moving parts