3" group 200 yards, GAP .300 WSM, Berger VLD not cutting it? Need advice pls

mjm0073 · #1 07-31-2011, 07:57 PM

Shot my new GA Precision .300 WSM for the first time this weekend. This is a big game rifle for me so, naturally, I chose a hunting cartridge -- HSM's Berger VLD in 168 grain. Below is a photo of the best group I could get at 200 yards (picture uploaded sideways). It was about 100 degrees and humid outside today with wind gusts of up to 10 mph or so at times. I know it's not the rifle and some of it could be me, but I don't think I was off this bad. Am I being too demanding, or is this the best group I can expect?

I've read several posts where people are getting great results from this HSM round, and I've read relatively few where other folks are not getting great results. Thinking maybe my rifle doesn't like this round and that I might try some match grade ammo for comparison as well as another hunting round.
What hunting cartridges are you folks using/what would you suggest for me?

ICANHITHIMMAN · #2 07-31-2011, 08:07 PM

I would say 98% of the members hear handload the ammo for their rifles. What is the twist rate on your barrel? What are you using for a rest and how long are you waiting between shots? I would try some bigger bullets if it was me 210 VLD etc.....

jmason · #3 07-31-2011, 08:10 PM

I do think you can expect better, but I don't think it's you or your smith at fault here. HSM is a type of factory ammo right? most of us here hand load(tune) our ammo. You may find some factory stuff that works well in your gun but I'm not sure you'll find stuff that shoots like black hills or federal GM match does from a 308.

mjm0073 · #4 07-31-2011, 09:09 PM

Bartlein 1-10.5 twist, 5R 25" barrel. Waiting couple minutes at most between shots. Using a Caldwell Lead Sled as a rest. I'm not sure how HSM ammo is classified---Hunting Shack Montana is a local manufacturer that loads a lot of different ammo, and provides ammo to law enforcement. They have a web page at www.thehuntingshack.com . The ammo is a good price and, I think the general consensus is that "quality is pretty good."

DUKFVR · #5 07-31-2011, 09:25 PM

I think it should do better. I have a 300WSM from a builder on here & I am getting 2in to 2 1/2 with Barnes 165 gr TTSX's factory loads. This is shooting off sandbags. You might just need a different bullet if you are gonna shoot factory. I know the rifle would do better with a better rest , custom load & shooter. Keep experimenting & I bet you will find a better combo for your rifle. Good luck!!

ICANHITHIMMAN · #6 07-31-2011, 09:35 PM

Ditch the lead sled, shoot your rifle over a pack or off a bipod. Wait 10 min between shots its a hunting rilfe not a machine gun. Your zeroing for one shot two at the very most.

Did you break the barrel in? Are you shooting a clean or fouled bore? Did you mount the scope, lap the rings tourqe them to specs?

I watch guys at the range chase their zero around the target all the time its kind of fun cause afterwards I take all their brass.

7stwnut · #7 07-31-2011, 09:40 PM

Don't stress out, I tried the HSM Berger ammo in one of my 7 mags and it was terrible, 2" groups at 100 yds. The guy on the bench next to me was shooting the HSM Berger ammo out of his 30-378 and it was grouping over 3" at 100. I think their intentions were good, but it seems like the Berger VLDs are more sensitive to seating depth to acheive acceptable accuracy. When I shot the same Berger 168 VLD bullets out of the same 7 mag rifle in my reloads, the accuracy was much better. Try a few other brands and weights. Good luck.