Thanks guys. I’m very satisfied with 1/2 MOA, to say the least. Just hoping velocity will be acceptable. Which shouldn’t be a problem, since I don’t plan to shoot this thing far enough to need top end velocity.
Couple of things.... I seem to remember someone saying something about a H4895 load making you smile
Concerning adjusting the gas block. I like the instructions that came with my Superlative Arms adjustable block. I'll paraphrase them here Load one round in a mag. Fire, if bolt locks back, close block 1 click. Repeat until you get to the first failure to lock back. Then open it 2 (yes TWO) clicks and call it good for that load
You were definitely correct on that. 😎 Thanks.
Sounds like that procedure should work on mine. Although, all of the test loads I tried today pretty much landed in about an 8” circle at my 4 o’clock, a few feet away. That’s with the gas block almost half open and not a single malfunction so far. Once I get an allen wrench long enough to reach the gas block, I might try closing it down a click at a time as your instructions state.
A couple of days ago I loaded some test loads for the 308. After getting some advice in my thread about gas gun loads and consulting my Hornady manual, I came up with 40.5, 41, 41.5 and 42 grains of H4895. I got out this morning before the heat got too bad and tried them. The gun did ok with the 40.5 grain loads. The hole to the left was my third and I felt like I pulled it just a touch before I saw it on the board I think that one could have been a little better. I didn’t take my caliper with me, but comparing it to the 1” paster, it looks to me like it’s pretty close to 1” even with the flier.
The next two loads opened up pretty dramatically. I won’t even bother posting pics. 2”+ groups. It definitely didn’t like those loads. I had a feeling it would find another accurate spot somewhere higher and was hoping the 42 grain load would be it. I wasn’t disappointed.
I cut that section of the target backer out and out and took it home to measure it. .49” center to center. Thats at 2.175” BTO length. I’ll take that. Now, I need to load up the rest of my brass with that load and check velocity next time out. Then I can get my initial ranges on the BDC reticle marks and verify them.
Just as a follow up to this, I was finally able to get out and chronograph this load. I went out yesterday afternoon, only to find that my chronograph battery was dying and wouldn’t read anything. Not having a spare 9v battery, I had to go out again this morning. My load of 42 grains of H4895 and a 168 Amax averaged right at 2500 FPS out of my 16” barrel.
I used that velocity and the following info in the Vortex ballistic calculator; Elevtion-2500 ft temp- 80 degrees humidity- 40% ballistic coefficient- .475 50 yard zero 3” sight over bore
The Vortex ballistic reticle look so like this, with the MOA noted for each mark.
Based on the ballistic calculator info and those MOA measurements on the scope, it gives me the following. Main reticle- 20-220 yards (+/- ~1.5”) 2.4 MOA mark - 280 yards 5.6 MOA - 375 yards 9.5 MOA - 480 yards 14.6 MOA - 595 yards
Whether or not that is correct, I’ll have to find out. Next trip out, I’ll check and verify and adjust as needed.
FWIW, I was able to shoot steel at 270 yards this morning. Holding the 2.4 moa mark just under the center of the steel had it ringing with every shot with ease.
300-600 yards should really start getting interesting.
I have a theory about load development. Have you ever noticed most “ best” loads are at the higher end? We get more used to shooting the rifle and when we get to the top end we have “got it”. Great fourth group by the way!
"A patriot is mocked, scorned and hated; yet when his cause succeeds, all men will join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot." Mark Twain
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.... now who's bringing the hot wings? :jester:
Hopefully, the reticle is not to thick to make shooting your target at 400+ yards a trying task.
I don’t think that will be as much of a problem until past 400. At least not for MOA hits. Just guessing. The reticle on this scope is actually surprisingly sharp from what I’ve seen so far. Not a thin reticle, for sure. Aiming st those 1” pasters at 100 yards, I can actually aim at the center circle and use the cross hairs on the paster, rather than just aiming at an orange dot. But, guess we’ll see. The steel target I’m using is 10”x12”. Going to try that out to 600.
I have a theory about load development. Have you ever noticed most “ best” loads are at the higher end? We get more used to shooting the rifle and when we get to the top end we have “got it”. Great fourth group by the way!
For the most part, I’ve seen good accuracy at the lower end, then it comes apart a little, then better groups at the top end again. Doesn’t always work that way. But I see it quite a bit. This load is approaching the higher end, but still could go higher. For what I’m doing, out to 300 reliably with up to 600 as the top end goal, I’m good with 2500fps right now. Thanks.
Replies
You built yourself a keeper
Sounds like that procedure should work on mine. Although, all of the test loads I tried today pretty much landed in about an 8” circle at my 4 o’clock, a few feet away. That’s with the gas block almost half open and not a single malfunction so far. Once I get an allen wrench long enough to reach the gas block, I might try closing it down a click at a time as your instructions state.
Killed a pig with mine tonight.
220yrds w/ Sierra HPBT-GK
My pig wasn’t nearly as big and was funny looking... And it wasn’t edible.
Elevtion-2500 ft
temp- 80 degrees
humidity- 40%
ballistic coefficient- .475
50 yard zero
3” sight over bore
The Vortex ballistic reticle look so like this, with the MOA noted for each mark.
Based on the ballistic calculator info and those MOA measurements on the scope, it gives me the following.
Main reticle- 20-220 yards (+/- ~1.5”)
2.4 MOA mark - 280 yards
5.6 MOA - 375 yards
9.5 MOA - 480 yards
14.6 MOA - 595 yards
Whether or not that is correct, I’ll have to find out. Next trip out, I’ll check and verify and adjust as needed.
300-600 yards should really start getting interesting.
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.... now who's bringing the hot wings? :jester:
Thanks.