I know I'm new to this forum, so I figured after lurking and reading the posts for a while I'd make my contribution. Here goes.
So I went out to the range to test my new 700 tactical .308 for the first time using my handloads. It went better than I expected. The recoil is surprisingly different than my M1A Socom but I quickly got used to it.
Here's a pic of her (doesn't do her justice, stupid phone):
Nikon Buckmaster 6-18x40
Harris bipod
Tac Ops cheekpad
That square is approximately 3/4" wide, 1" tall. This is the best 3 shot group I got. The load was:
IMR 4895 41.3 grains
175 grain SMK (seated to appx. COAL of 2.83 since I don't have match/competition dies yet)
Winchester LR primer
LC brass case
The range was only out to 100 yards.
I do know that 3 shot groups don't really say much for the load's accuracy and consistency. However, I was simply trying to duplicate M118LR rounds by working up to 41.5 grains, and then I figured out that even that probably wouldn't put me at the same level of velocity as the M118LR round considering the 20" barrel.
Overall I'm very pleased with this rifle and I'm looking forward to stretching her legs out to 500+ yards... I have decided to name her Irene since it goes with Valerie and Roxanne. The only thing I wish, was that it came with a mil dot reticle scope (I got it from a guy via trade).
So I went out to the range to test my new 700 tactical .308 for the first time using my handloads. It went better than I expected. The recoil is surprisingly different than my M1A Socom but I quickly got used to it.
Here's a pic of her (doesn't do her justice, stupid phone):
Nikon Buckmaster 6-18x40
Harris bipod
Tac Ops cheekpad
That square is approximately 3/4" wide, 1" tall. This is the best 3 shot group I got. The load was:
IMR 4895 41.3 grains
175 grain SMK (seated to appx. COAL of 2.83 since I don't have match/competition dies yet)
Winchester LR primer
LC brass case
The range was only out to 100 yards.
I do know that 3 shot groups don't really say much for the load's accuracy and consistency. However, I was simply trying to duplicate M118LR rounds by working up to 41.5 grains, and then I figured out that even that probably wouldn't put me at the same level of velocity as the M118LR round considering the 20" barrel.
Overall I'm very pleased with this rifle and I'm looking forward to stretching her legs out to 500+ yards... I have decided to name her Irene since it goes with Valerie and Roxanne. The only thing I wish, was that it came with a mil dot reticle scope (I got it from a guy via trade).
