Starting out with a good Service Rifle, and using SMK 77 gr at about 2670 fps, what group size should be expected at 100 yds from a supported rest?

Training? Not really.

I took my training 27 years ago, but that was M1 and M14, and I regret to say I avoided the AR15s. Back then, AR15s were not yet considered competition material.

My question stems from trying to set up a new WOA rig for my daughter and not having proximity to competitors.

I just want to give her a load that will get her up and running without being set back for ammo. I will get her to some real instructors when I can.

The groups we got the other day were about 1.4" max at 100 yds for 5 and 6 round groups. I wasn't particularly holding tight since I was just shooting over the chronograph.

The loads seemed fair so I will see what the reduced range target has for and X-ring and maybe that will be one way to judge?

Do you think I should just go with this for now, or is that too sloppy?
The advice I got was to load the SMK 77 at magazine length for 200, 300, and 80s out onto the lands for 600. Sound right?

Thanks, Dino

In standing ... probably 6-8 MOA until you find your body's sweet spot for minmizing wobble.

The other positions ..... probably 3-4 MOA based on what you've said so far.


I have a pic handy of my first offhand target. The 5 ring diameter is 18.35 inches.








Found my most recent 200yd offhand. The 7 ring is 12.35 inches.








SR is not fired from a supported rest. Just make sure your rifle/ammo combo is capable of 1 MOA and then practice your positions to get to that.

I think Appleseed is an excellent idea actually.

"Do you guys use your regular sights to do load development, or do you eliminate some issues by using a mount, scope, and rest? Am I on the wrong path by shooting the sights from a rest for load development? "

There's really no load development necessary for the AR-15 beyond verifying the standard loads are safe in your rifle. It's been done already. Load 24.0 grains of R15 or Varget behind a 75 Hornady or 77 SMK/NOSLER in a Lake City case with a Remington 7.5 primer and shoot.

Other recommendations:

http://www.whiteoakprecision.com/info-reloading.htm

http://www.njhighpower.com/cart_tech.htm

The AR-15 shoots pretty much everything well. The USAMU shoots factory ammunition across-the-course now....

If you are an arfcommer you should be shooting sub MOA. Anything less and you haz no skillz.

Old question but I'll give a new answer. From a rest, it's going to depend on a good rifle, some good ammo, and some shooting skill. A one inch group is good for a new shooter with top equipment with good skills.
Shooting service rifle in competition is a whole different animal, for a novice it's good to get all the shoots in the scoring rings. After a little practice you should be shooting in the black. After that it's just hard work......

Thanx, Russ

if you are under 2 inches at 100,that is a good start. over time it will improve. I agree 77gr is wasted at only 100 yards. you should be able to get about 3 moa with even 55gr ball to start with.

WOA rig from a supported rest at a 100yds no more than 2MOA, even for a beginner from a supported rest, if you have the fundamentals the rifle should hold pretty tight groups. Pending on what else you've done to the rifle, the barrel, trigger work etc a good AR-15's gonna be holding sub-MOA at 100.