The results of the range test did not disappoint. The rifle proved extremely accurate, easily more accurate than I’m capable of shooting. I included a picture of the best group of the day, .110” 3-shot group with Black Hills Gold 168gr Hornady Amax ammo. I wish I could say I can shoot every group as tight as this one, but my eyesight, physical capability, along with shooting off a bench outside in the elements, usually limits me to .300” to .500” groups maximum---which still ain’t bad. Keep in mind, to me, this initial range session is simply a starting point, a first impression of how I did my job as the builder and what the rifle will ultimately be capable of. I’m not trying to fine tune the rifle this first time out, I leave that enjoyment to the proud new owner. My goal is to gauge the rifle’s accuracy potential, at the same time testing its overall function and reliability. To do this, I like to shoot a variety of premium ammo appropriate for the rifle’s design and intended use. Below are the results, total of three, 3-shot groups with each type of ammo:
1) Black Hills Gold 168gr Hornady Amax----average group size was .321”
2) Lapua 170gr FMJ----average group size was .361”
3) Hornady Match 168gr BTHP----average group size was .479”
4) Hornady 168gr TAP FPD----average group size was .548”
5) Federal Match168gr BTHP----average group size was .770”
Total of fifteen 3-shot groups with five different brands/types of ammo, overall average was .469”. Best group was the .110” with the Black Hills 168gr Hornady Amax, worst group was .995” with the Federal Match 168gr BTHP. Not bad, less than half inch average with a variety of ammo. I suppose I could’ve went a little tighter on headspace, and maybe used a 1 in 14 barrel. Not to mention, I probably should’ve spent more money on the optics, went with a match reamer, and why did I open up the bolt face to accept the slightly larger diameter Lapua cases? These are the things that keep me up at night. Being a perfectionist, it’s really not possible for me to be completely satisfied with any rifle I build---but this one comes pretty darn close!
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