Good enough groups?

[shooter72]

So say you have an ES under 20 and nice 1/4" groups at 100 yards. If in normal 5-10 mph winds would you be ok with 7-8" groups at 1200 yards? My one edge seems to be consistent in producing those results.... my smaller cals. I seem to be able to get down around d 3-4" at same place but they don't have much after that. So that's why I am playing with the 338s at moment.
Comments or suggestions?

 

[TK50]

Are the groups 7-8" vertical or are they round and random. If they are mostly vertical you will need to do more tuning on your load. One other thing to be aware of is you will have to pay more attention to shooting form with a larger cartridge.

 

[shooter72]

No vertical staying 5" or less at that distance. do you think it's just the larger caliber with me and that gun or is the slightly larger grouping normal for the larger caliber?

 

[TK50]

The 338's are capable of shooting groups with any of the smaller calibers especially at longer ranges when everything is right. There are some tradeoffs when you are shooting some of the larger calibers especially when it comes to lighter weight rifles. You didn't say how heavy the rifle was in your post. Recoil and shooter form are more of a factor on heavy recoiling rifles. Is the vertical comparable to the smaller calibers that you have tested at that same location or does the 338 have more? If so you may need to try to tune your loads a little more. Bullets can also be a factor 1/4" groups at 100 are very nice but that doesn't always transfer to longer distance. You didn't specify what projectiles you were shooting in the 338 or what weight. Would be helpful to have a little more info.

 

[shooter72]

17lbs rig
300 grain hybrid tactical

I swappedal the trigger out today to a jewel and it really came alive. I have jewels in most of my guns but this one had a rifle Basix that was around 1lbs. The jewel is 2 ounces like all my other jewels. I think that might have been my biggest issue. It shot 4.78" today with less than 2" of vertical and it was a tad windy.

 

[TK50]

Triggers and firing pin springs are two good culprits when it comes to causing vertical in groups. You know that your shooting form is good and the gun is capable with the group you posted this session. If you can shoot a couple more groups that are to your satisfaction you know you are where you want to be with this combination.

 

[redneckclimbing]

TK50-

Don't mean to change the subject but what effect do firing springs have? I'm just starting to get some loads put together for a .338 as well, just curious.

 

[shooter72]

TK50-

Don't mean to change the subject but what effect do firing springs have? I'm just starting to get some loads put together for a .338 as well, just curious.

Speed of lock time.
The less pressure on trigger and the faster the bullet is fired and leaves barrel from time trigger is pulled the less chance the shooter has to mess it up.

 

[TK50]

Firing pin springs can have a huge effect on vertical in groups at longer ranges. It may not show up as much at 100 yards but begins to show as range increases. Most times a spring that is on the heavy side will help with firing pin strike and primer ignition.

 

[Zen Archery]

I don't shoot groups. But If you hit a 10" target @ 1000 yards you are good in my opinion.
That's actually how I practice. I put old tiles out from 0-1000 yards make my target diameter on target from 1" @ 100yds - 10" @ 1000 yards. I try my best to hit range with first shot.

 

[TK50]

Groups are very important for a starting point. The smaller you are able to make your gun group the higher the odds are for you to hit your target especially at long range. If you can get your gun to shoot 1/2 moa at 1000 your going to hit way more targets at that distance than you will with a 1 moa gun. One other big advantage is having the confidence in your weapons ability to hit your target at 1000 yards will let you focus more on wind reading and other variables and not wonder if you missed because you made a poor wind call or the gun just didn't shoot well enough.

 

[majohnson]

Go to Geissele website, he talks about springs and lock time. He goes into how the military won't use triggers that use less then a full strength hammer spring, becuase of the verical stringing you get.

 

[tankgijohn72]

If you are shooting 7-8" groups at 1200 yds in 5-10mph wind conditions just keep pulling the trigger. More range time/wind reading etc will increase your probability of hitting a target than chasing the last few fps ES.

 

[FearNoWind]

... The jewel is 2 ounces like all my other jewels. ..

For a bench rest rifle perhaps ..... but that is waaaaay to light for a hunting rifle