How accurate are Cooper rifles?

[codybrown]

We have all seen the factory 3 shot 100 yard targets that come with the rifles. How many of you have these rifles that you shoot on a regular basis that shoot that well? I'm thinking about buying one but wanted to get some reviews of them first.

 

[dah605]

I recently shot a 3-shot .228" group from my 300 Win Mag with 200 grain Barnes LRX bullets. The rifle is accurate, I'm usually not that accurate. I've been watching lots of videos on shooting position and techniques and it took my groups down from about 3/4".

-David

 

[varmintH8R]

I have two Cooper rifles.

A M54 Varminter in 22-250 and a M52 Jackson Game in 280AI. The fit and finish of both is superb. Both shoot really well.

The 22-250 shoots 5 shot half MOA groups all day long. It is the most accurate rifle I own out to 300 yards. Once in a while it will just seem "tuned in" - way under half minute (maybe always capable of that and I'm not). I had a pre-load development box of reloads that I decided to burn on my new 4" square AR500 plate. While I'd like to blame the verticle spread (1.2") on the fact that they weren't optimal reloads, I think it speaks for itself. 280yds.

The 280AI is also a shooter. It shot a 10 shot MOA group at 100yds while I was doing a pressure work-up. Load development was a cinch - not picky at all. It is a solid half MOA rifle with both 160NABs as well as 168 Berger VLDs. Good example of not-picky.

My experience with Cooper rifles has been awesome. I have several high-end, known builder customs that don't shoot any better. I would bet you will not have any buyers remorse if you go that route.

 

[varmintH8R]

Here is a five shot group from the 280AI at 100, 160NAB's.

 

[codybrown]

Impressive shooting varmintH8R, goes along with the factory targets I have seen. I'm debating selling a couple rifles to buy a Cooper 6.5x284 for a long range hunting rifle, and your experience is helping me take the plunge.

 

[varmintH8R]

Impressive shooting varmintH8R, goes along with the factory targets I have seen. I'm debating selling a couple rifles to buy a Cooper 6.5x284 for a long range hunting rifle, and your experience is helping me take the plunge.

Thanks. I am a big fan, for sure. That said, if you are looking for a heavy, tactical-style LR rig (long, heavy barrel and LR specific stock) I believe you are better off going custom. If you want a more conventional weight/style rifle for easier carry, I think a Cooper is a very good choice. You lose the benefits of a super stable heavy rig, it'll still shoot LR it's just less forgiving.

Post some pics, regardless of which way you go!

Brandon

 

[codybrown]

I'm strictly looking for a carry rifle capable of long range shots. Not sure which model yet, but I'm thinking the chambering is going to be 6.5x284

 

[varmintH8R]

Nice. My next rifle is going to be a 6.5. I'm trying to decide which one - there are about 20 that are interesting.

 

[MontanaRifleman]

We have all seen the factory 3 shot 100 yard targets that come with the rifles.

Those targets are actually shot at a little less than 50 yds. Still some very accurate rifles.

 

[codybrown]

Those targets are actually shot at a little less than 50 yds. Still some very accurate rifles.

Are you sure?

 

[MontanaRifleman]

Are you sure?

Yup, give them a call.

 

[varmintH8R]

I've heard the same thing.

The test targets sent with my rifles were BARELY more than caliber-sized holes. To do that at 100 with any non-dedicated benchrest rifle would be something.

 

[codybrown]

****. I guess I just figured it was at 100 yards.

 

[MontanaRifleman]

It's an indoor range that's a little less than 50 yds. The guarantee is 1/2 MOA at100. A lot of Coopers will shoot 1/4 MOA