So I finally received my handload supplies and had the opportunity to work up a few different loads after doing a little research on this site. Since my goal is to get out to 1000 yards, I decided on the 175 MatchKing for my first load. I already had a bunch of Varget for my .223 so I figured what the heck. Last week I fired about 40 rounds of some cheap store bought Winchester ammo and came away very nervous about the future performance of this rifle. Granted, I was just trying to break in the barrel, but I could only manage to keep things in the 1-2 inch range. Luckily, I was a in a little better mood today after firing a few handloads. All shots were fired at 100 yards using a bench, bipod and rear sandbag.
The first picture is my two fouling shots followed by my first 3 shot group with 43 grains of powder. I had to walk down to the target because I couldn't believe my eyes.
This next picture is my first 5 shot group using 43.5 grains of powder. As I stepped up the powder my groups really started to open up. By the time I got to 44.5 grains of powder the groups were hovering around an inch or slightly larger.
So far the only thing I have done to the rifle is swap out the crappy stock with a McMillan A-5. I have a cheap Simmons Whitetail Classic scope until I can decide on what to get for a better scope. Overall, I am very happy with the rifle and can't wait to see how it performs once I trick it out a little more. Thanks to everyone out there that makes this such a great site. I would have certainly been spinning my wheels without all the knowledge others have provided.
The first picture is my two fouling shots followed by my first 3 shot group with 43 grains of powder. I had to walk down to the target because I couldn't believe my eyes.
This next picture is my first 5 shot group using 43.5 grains of powder. As I stepped up the powder my groups really started to open up. By the time I got to 44.5 grains of powder the groups were hovering around an inch or slightly larger.
So far the only thing I have done to the rifle is swap out the crappy stock with a McMillan A-5. I have a cheap Simmons Whitetail Classic scope until I can decide on what to get for a better scope. Overall, I am very happy with the rifle and can't wait to see how it performs once I trick it out a little more. Thanks to everyone out there that makes this such a great site. I would have certainly been spinning my wheels without all the knowledge others have provided.
