Got out this morning to give the lightweight 7mm AM its first real long range test run.
I filed up my usual targets, one gallon milk jugs and headed out with my dad and brother as spotters. We set them up on the side of a steep side hill with very short grass so we would get an accurate idea of how close the impacts were to the jugs.
Then we drove back and found a good overlook to shoot from. I wanted to shoot at around 800 yards, this spot lazered right at 905 yards so I figured if the rounds shot well at this range they would work at any range.
I had loaded 15 rounds up at 102.0 gr which was good for right at 3150 fps. I figured in the cooler temps the slightly higher load would be totally fine and it proved to be 100% reliable and effortless in bolt lift and extraction, still well under the limits of this rifle and even the soft Norma brass I am using.
Plugged the numbers into Exbal. At 100 yards, I am printing 2.3" high. At 905 yards, it told me to use the fourth mil line down in the 3.5-10x 40mm Mk4 scope.
I got the rifle level and asked if my spotters were ready and they replied yes. At the brake of the trigger, the big 200 gr ULD RBBT landed about 4" low and 4" to the left of the jug I was targeting. This was out of a totally clean, oiled bore.
I took the same dead on hold for shot number two and at the bark of the rifle, dust kicked up right behind the jug. The report came back from my spotters that I was "JUST" high of the top of the jug.
I wanted to check the consistancy of the load so I lined up for shot #3 with the same hold. As I was concentrating on the 4th mil line down, I noticed something that made a smile come to my face, the dirt under the jug was turning black with mositure!!! A Hit on the first fouled shot though the barrel at 905 yards!!!
Onto jug two. Took the same hold to check consistancy. This shot landed dead center horizontally but just inches in front of the jug. For the next shot I held up about 1/3 of the jug and let another big 200 gr ULD RBBT rip down range.
At the impact I saw the jug roll back at the impact. The first four shots had landed in a group smaller then 1/2 of a milk jug at 905 yards and out of a sub 9 lb rifle as well. I was happy to say the least /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif!!
We had other rifles to test at closer range so we loaded back up and headed to a closer shooting location. Ranged it at 390 yards and my Dad commenced to hammer two jugs in three shots. Even the miss would have easily been a kill shot on a pronghorn size target. He was using his 25-284 loaded with 100 gr Bonded Core FBHP loaded to right at 3350 fps.
After he was done I broke out the 7mm AM again to test the drop predictions. At 390 yards Exbal said to take a 3/4 mil hold. I did and the shot took the cap off the jug!!
I held slightly lower on the second shot and popped the jug dead center.
I shot four more times at rocks at various ranges and all landed totally predictable and easily under 1/2 moa from the desired point of impact.
I think I just fell in love with my new big game rifle!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif And no this one is not for said, at least not until about the end of December /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif!!!
ACtually, I think this one may stay in the herd for a long time.
I still have to do some slight tweaking on the ballistics but she is pretty **** close as is right now!!
More to come soon. From this first long range test, I see no reason why this rifle will not offer legit 1000 yard big game performance. If my receiver does not get here from BAT, you may be able to see her at work in Idaho this fall on TV!!!
We will see.
Kirby Allen(50)
