New Rifle, .223 Rem Factory Groups Test

[xring]

So, I've been without a 'decent' .223 'target' rifle for awhile, and last week picked up one in my price range and desired configuration (AR platform).

This isn't a multi-thousand dollar 'sniper rifle' but is a factory rifle with a halfway decent trigger and the following groups were shot with a bipod, only a balled-up fist for a rear rest, and it was 28°F outside, so not entirely the best situation.
However, I'm fairly impressed with the apparent potential. These were all shot at 100yds, about 5 seconds between shots.
The scope is a Nikon UCC Monarch 6.5-20x44 AO.
I'm not going to reveal the brand of rifle just yet, it isn't one that most people assume is a great gun, but looking at the groups, I think it certainly has room to grow, especially with handloads.

(The sticker slipped after the first shot, adhesives don't do well in sub-freezing temps, that's why that hole doesn't quite line up.)

Obviously does NOT like this load!

Yeah, baby!

Only 3 shots on this one, but hey, I was out of ammo!

Due to the table and rear-rest I was unable to settle the crosshairs completely, they were still wandering within the 1" dot upon trigger-release.
I'm pretty good at controlling my breathing, but settling the pulse is taking a little more doing, especially after walking back from the target stand.

Anyway, due to having a toddler I don't get the range-time that I used to, but this rifle is re-kindling my enthusiasm for precision riflery.
It is quite calming.


-K

 

[shamrockcattleco]

Nice shooting, I don't reload... Yet... And have found similar results with an ar as well. makes it more fun to know its a stock gun and ammo that is holding 1 MOA all the way to 500 if I do my part.

 

[xring]

Thanks, hopefully the groups tighten up a bit with a better rest setup and some barrel break in. Right now still under a hundred rounds through it, closer to 50 actually.
Too cold in MN right now for extended range time.

The rifle is a DPMS (I know, no big whoop) with a 20" FF bull barrel and .223 Rem chamber.
It came with a JP trigger, just needed to tweak the overtravel a bit, it breaks consistently at 3 lbs.

I like the Nikon well enough, right now I'm zeroed at 100yds, but I may switch that to 200 when it's warmer out.

As long as I can keep groups a bit under 1 MOA out to 300 yds I'll be satisfied, I know DPMS is not known for sub-1/2-MOA consistency at longer distances and this rifle is mainly intended for groundhoggin', coyotes and general recreation.

(I'll also be a little interested to pop my .22 LR conversion in there and check the groups with the 60gr SSS, should do okay with the 1:9.)