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AR Precision Testing (Page 7 of 8)

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2/18/2021 5:24:02 PM EDT
[#1]
Thank you.  I for one appreciate all the testing you've done.
2/20/2021 11:18:15 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote History
Originally Posted By jb2c:
I have some easy questions...

*What is your favorite barrel?  
*What is your favorite cheap barrel?
*What is your favorite barrel and factory ammo combination?
View Quote


Factory ammo
Cincinnatus
“ Cats arent tactical, or very aggressive units.” Mettee
2/20/2021 11:19:21 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote History
Originally Posted By jb2c:
Thank you.  I for one appreciate all the testing you've done.
View Quote


Don’t encourage him, he’s cost me way to much already.
Cincinnatus
“ Cats arent tactical, or very aggressive units.” Mettee
3/7/2021 11:37:08 PM EDT
[#4]
Proof 18” 6ARC

The left target was the first group, with the first round impacting lower than the rest. The remaining shots grouped decent, but not as well as I’ve shot when using the suppressor. Limited time today, so I’ll add that for a future trip.







Testing of the Rainier Arms match with ammo on hand and Sierra ammo that was purchased in the past 2 weeks, so hopefully it’s available for others.

Geco 55gr target....just doesn’t shoot to the same precision as I’d hope for target ammo. It started to come into a 1moa group once the barrel was fouled (second group), but it’s just not consistent or as precise as other options.

The Sierra Prairie Enemy is Sierras factory load with the 55gr blitzking. I only have a limited supply of this, so I only tested 2 groups. With both of them performing good, I would think that others may have good luck with this ammo as well.





3/13/2021 6:46:28 PM EDT
[#5]
Ballistic Advantage, 22” 6.5creedmoor
Hornady American Gunner 140gr



First group, Clean Cold Bore




Rifle as fired. Note, if you zoom in, you can see two pieces of brass with pierced primers that occurred with the first group fired. There was likely just a trace amount of solvent within the barrel that caused pressure to spike. That’s the downside of a RLGS with a 20+” 6.5creed and factory ammo (in particular). You’re so close to being over pressure with a standard .308 bolt/firing pin that it doesn’t take much to reach the tipping point. Shots 1 and 2 impacted high and right of the central group as well.
3/14/2021 1:42:55 PM EDT
[Last Edit: SpeyRod][Edited] [#6]
I am on the learning curve when it comes to loading and shooting precision rounds. My lesson learned this week was courtesy of neck tension. I have dialed in my rifles favorite bto for this bullet but was experiencing fliers. I was suspicious of the neck tension because I could feel how loose it was when seating bullets. I changed my procedures and things have improved. My sd went down to 8.05 and the fliers have been eliminated.

Before:
Attached File


After: (group 1 includes a clean cold bore shot low left. The high right shot on group 3 was called, all me)
Attached File


Then I took it out to 600.
Attached File


On my best day I am probably a half inch shooter so I am pretty happy with this.
3/14/2021 11:35:41 PM EDT
[#7]
Whatever happened with the Larue Stealth .556 barrel?

And thanks for an entertaining and informative thread.
Ellen; Clark, I think it'd be best if everyone went home... before things get worse.
Clark; WORSE? How could things get any worse? Take a look around here, Ellen. We're at the threshold of hell.
3/15/2021 1:14:08 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Originally Posted By texashark:
Whatever happened with the Larue Stealth .556 barrel?

And thanks for an entertaining and informative thread.
View Quote


@texashark

It was sold, as was the LT 6.5grendel barrel. I’d be happy to test them further but I don’t have anymore Lt’s besides the 6.5creed. Maybe I can summon the GAHTF to loan out a few uppers in the near future as I’m pretty sure there are some members with varying stealth barrel configurations.

I do plan on trying to get some time with the Rock River and Rainier Ultramatch (barrel #2) this week if time permits. Trying to spin up a 22GT and another 6creed barrel for my competition rifles. Then I’ll be pretty busy till mid/late April with my match schedule, which is why I’m hopeful I’ll get some range time this week.
3/16/2021 11:42:50 PM EDT
[#9]
Compiled results have been added to page 1. The table isn’t complete, but it’s a start and should have been drafted months ago. The table includes the  results, which page of the thread the test data can be found on as well as any comments that were noted.

I’ll work to have a separate table sorted by ammo/type correlating to the best group averages and the best averages overall.
6/27/2021 10:45:04 PM EDT
[#10]
I’ve been focusing mostly on precision rimfire as of late, but when I saw that ADI ammo was available again, I decided to grab some to give it a try.



Testing was initially done with my 223 bolt gun, just to get a baseline. This ammo typically averages in the 0.4-0.5moa range. This new lot, branded solely as ADI vs the previous Australian Outback, had moments of greatness followed by me scratching my head. I was almost convinced that the groups opening up was due to mirage, but I experienced similar fliers when testing with my AR’s without suppressors.

Bolt Gun


AR Testing- 18” Rainier Arms Rock Creek / 18” Rainier Arms Match
The New ADI 69smk experienced the same fliers that I noticed with my bolt gun, but they were much more pronounced.
For the 18” Rock Creek testing, the groups started to tighten up after the initial group (Top Left). I’m not sure if this was due to fouling the barrel or just some really extreme variation in the ammo. A single group of the old AO ADI 69smk was fired from the 18” RA match. While extremely limited in the sample size, this was approximately 0.2moa better than what the new ADI ammo produced in my AR’s.






After testing the New ADI in the RA rock creek, I grabbed some of my handloads to test/confirm since it’s warmer now than when I last loaded for that barrel. The handloads shot in the .49moa and .81moa range and were essentially absent of unexplained fliers. The first round of the 24.8gr charge was slightly high and the 24.9gr target being on the upper end leading out of the precision node.


Pardon the cluttered target.
6/28/2021 10:18:05 AM EDT
[#11]
Quote History
Originally Posted By SuperJlarge:
Compiled results have been added to page 1. The table isn’t complete, but it’s a start and should have been drafted months ago. The table includes the  results, which page of the thread the test data can be found on as well as any comments that were noted.

I’ll work to have a separate table sorted by ammo/type correlating to the best group averages and the best averages overall.
View Quote


On the notes for the Krieger, you should point out the barrel was pulled because it was shot out. Also the previous owner accidentally shot steel tumbling pins down the barrel (confirmed with borescope) because he’s a retard.
6/28/2021 1:26:17 PM EDT
[Last Edit: moregrip][Edited] [#12]
What a ridiculously helpful thread! I'm as new as one can be to this type of shooting and appreciate all the time and effort you've put into collecting and sharing! Thank you!
6/28/2021 2:31:15 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Originally Posted By SuperJlarge:
I’ve been focusing mostly on precision rimfire as of late, but when I saw that ADI ammo was available again, I decided to grab some to give it a try.

https://i.imgur.com/lHYC9Dl.jpg

Testing was initially done with my 223 bolt gun, just to get a baseline. This ammo typically averages in the 0.4-0.5moa range. This new lot, branded solely as ADI vs the previous Australian Outback, had moments of greatness followed by me scratching my head. I was almost convinced that the groups opening up was due to mirage, but I experienced similar fliers when testing with my AR’s without suppressors.

Bolt Gun
https://i.imgur.com/iwXIZfs.jpg

AR Testing- 18” Rainier Arms Rock Creek / 18” Rainier Arms Match
The New ADI 69smk experienced the same fliers that I noticed with my bolt gun, but they were much more pronounced.
For the 18” Rock Creek testing, the groups started to tighten up after the initial group (Top Left). I’m not sure if this was due to fouling the barrel or just some really extreme variation in the ammo. A single group of the old AO ADI 69smk was fired from the 18” RA match. While extremely limited in the sample size, this was approximately 0.2moa better than what the new ADI ammo produced in my AR’s.

https://i.imgur.com/6KdmL4Y.jpg

After testing the New ADI in the RA rock creek, I grabbed some of my handloads to test/confirm since it’s warmer now than when I last loaded for that barrel. The handloads shot in the .49moa and .81moa range and were essentially absent of unexplained fliers. The first round of the 24.8gr charge was slightly high and the 24.9gr target being on the upper end leading out of the precision node.

Pardon the cluttered target.
https://i.imgur.com/MfjhrvL.jpg
View Quote
I was afraid of this.  The demand for the AO ADI absolutely outstripped supply.  I knew they were coming back with a different look.  I have to assume that they've allowed QC to slip a bit in order to meet demand.  Hopefully they'll reign things in and get back to doing it the old way.
"History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives."-Abba Eban

"I like it both ways, but still mainly mouth it" -gonzo_beyondo
7/30/2021 7:01:11 PM EDT
[#14]
Time to add some new items to the mix.

Craddock Precision 22” Bartlein w/ +2 gas
Superlative Arms clamp on .875” gas block
New ZEV/MEGA MML upper/handguard (16”)
Chrome BCG w/ LaRue 6.5 grendel bolt

This was my first build using a MEGA MML upper, but I am super impressed with the fit and ease of assembly. Installation of the FA was super easy and didn’t require a hammer for installing the roll pin and the rail mated up snug. A little force was required to fully seat the rail, but it’s solid! As I expected, the upper did require heating to install the barrel, which is what I prefer. The barrel extension measured 1.02”.

I was a bit worried on how the gas block would fit due to the height of the clamp on version, but with SLR being OOS everywhere, I decided to roll the dice. Overall, the fit looks to be satisfactory and allows for enough of a gap between the block and rails for me to be comfortable with.



And thanks to the big brown truck, I’ve got a few bullets to test with over the coming month for the 6ARC and some 55 Blitzkings to test with the 223’s.


I was rained out this evening, but I should have some info with the Hornady 105 Black ammo tomorrow.
7/30/2021 7:05:40 PM EDT
[#15]
Looking forward to it!

I'm a huge 6mm fan and have been trying to keep up on the latest developments with the 6ARC.
7/31/2021 7:34:53 PM EDT
[#16]
6ARC
Craddock Precision Bartlein, 22” w+2 gas, 1:7.25t
Hornady Black 105’s
90F

First rounds. Group 1 only has 4 shots. I burned the first one on the berm to confirm my bore sight.

It started to show some promise towards the end. After group 4 I went to the clubs 300yd range and went 5/5 on the 5” plate using the box velocity estimate and accounting for being .2 Mil high with the current scope adjustment.



7/31/2021 7:45:25 PM EDT
[#17]
Looking good

How did the rifle function?
7/31/2021 7:53:22 PM EDT
[Last Edit: SuperJlarge][Edited] [#18]
Initial testing with the 55blitzkings

Rainier Arms 18” Rock Creek
IMR 8208xbr
ADI brass
Cci 400
Vortex Venom 5-25

Most groups are 3rds, aside from load 1 and 6. Based on initial results, load #1 and 3 may require further evaluation.

The charges tested spanned ~1.5grs. All loads remained under Moa, but again, most were 3 shot groups. Nothing to get excited about, but hopefully a decent indicator for future eval.

A point to note was I decided to use a Vortex Venom for this rifle today. Typically I run a bit more expensive optic, but I don’t think the glass was a huge detriment to my shooting. When just looking at the berm or steel targets, the image quality was quite nice. It does have a fairly tight eye box which was very apparent when shooting with an AR that doesn’t have an adjustable cheek riser. There is also a fair amount of chromatic aberration (purple fringe) when looking at white targets, but I was pleased with the overall visual experience for a sub 500$ optic with its feature set. The image does darken once above 21-22x, but not to a point that it affected my shooting. I ran it at 25x for today’s testing. Just tossing that out for people on a budget. With new offerings, you don’t have to spend $$$$ to get an optic with a clean reticle that will allow you to shoot good groups.



7/31/2021 8:01:31 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote History
Originally Posted By sigman68:
Looking good

How did the rifle function?
View Quote



Very smooth and soft shooting even while adjusting the gas block (group 3).

When I went to the 300yd range, I fired my 5 shots in well under 30seconds without using a brake or suppressor. It was very easy to keep it on or close to the target between shots.

I did experience high “fliers” on the last round for groups 1/2, but I think that may be magazine related. I switched to a new mag for the last groups. I’ve also got a few anti tilt buffer tubes to try out as well. I’m curious if that will help with fliers with some mags/configurations.
9/18/2021 10:25:10 PM EDT
[Last Edit: SuperJlarge][Edited] [#20]
Confirmatory testing with the 55blitzkings

Rainier Arms 18” Rock Creek, 223wylde
IMR 8208xbr
ADI brass
Cci 400
Vortex Venom 5-25

I chose the median charge between the previous best groups since they grouped decent and had no significant shift in POI.

The 8rd group was intended to be 10, but there was a feeding issue with one of my magazines which dinged up two cases to the point I wasn’t willing to fire them.

Avg. group size for all 3 groups, 18rds: .58moa.

9/19/2021 6:27:29 AM EDT
[#21]
How’s the Mega MML build working out?

I had the same Craddock Bartlien barrel that had wandering zero issues until I figured out the MML needs to be torqued much higher than normal. The barrel nut had backed out when using 40-50 ft/lb. Needed to go to 80.
9/19/2021 8:19:17 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote History
Originally Posted By SuperJlarge:
Confirmatory testing with the 55blitzkings

Rainier Arms 18” Rock Creek
IMR 8208xbr
ADI brass
Cci 400
Vortex Venom 5-25

I chose the median charge between the previous best groups since they grouped decent and had no significant shift in POI.

The 8rd group was intended to be 10, but there was a feeding issue with one of my magazines which dinged up two cases to the point I wasn’t willing to fire them.

Avg. group size for all 3 groups, 18rds: .58moa.

https://i.imgur.com/QnA6akx.jpg
View Quote

Is that the .223rem or the .224 Valerie? I lost track.
Chicken Farmer by choice hunter of shade tree's and hiding spots by nature.
9/19/2021 9:27:49 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Lennyo3034:
How’s the Mega MML build working out?

I had the same Craddock Bartlien barrel that had wandering zero issues until I figured out the MML needs to be torqued much higher than normal. The barrel nut had backed out when using 40-50 ft/lb. Needed to go to 80.
View Quote


I haven’t shot it for groups lately. I did take it out last weekend on Sat/Sun to shoot at 300yds to generate 6arc brass. I don’t recall a single shot dropping from the 5” plate on Sat. with my known dope. We went back on Sunday and my girlfriend used the same dope and cleaned the KYL rack with it back to back (2” is the smallest plate). Based on that, I think it’s holding true, I just hope it groups decent the next time I take it out.

But….I may pull the rail just to check that the barrel nut still meets the German spec.
1/7/2022 9:09:24 PM EDT
[#24]
Any new testing?

I have a 18in 1-7.7 Bartlien in order with CLE I’m waiting on.
I found a older 16 Rainer Arms Select I forgot I had that is the above barrels place holder for now.  I shot a few quick 3 rd groups after I zeroed the scope and both were pretty decent.
.93 and I think like a .87 I didn’t save anything.
Ammo was some magtech 77g
I loaded up some .77 with 24.5 CFE and will see how it does.  I can’t believe I forgot I had the barrel I thought I sold it.

Never begins it, never, but once engaged never surrenders, showing the fangs of rage.
1/8/2022 12:41:23 AM EDT
[Last Edit: SuperJlarge][Edited] [#25]
Unfortunately I haven’t lately. I did shoot an AR at the GAHTF MOA challenge, but it was a pretty windy day, so it isn’t a great representation of what the rifle was capable of.

Rainier Arms Rock Creek, 1:8t, 18” 223wylde, 55gr Blitzkings



I’ll use these as teasers for upcoming tests.

Craddock Precision 22” Bartlein,1:7.25t 6ARC


A LaRue 20” upper with a long and storied pedigree….
This barrel has over 2k rounds through it. I received it on loan to clean and evaluate it. The initial results were very promising.
1/11/2022 10:56:03 AM EDT
[#26]
As always, Thanks for sharing all your results.

Any thoughts / comments on the PRS Lite ?
*Hold on to your AR-15s. Their magic must be very powerful, or they wouldn’t want them.*
JAFOM.... Just another fat old man.

________________________________

TOGC,IADC
1/11/2022 11:00:49 AM EDT
[#27]
Looking forward to more of your reviews!
Thanks for keeping the thread going.
1/12/2022 1:59:17 AM EDT
[#28]
Quote History
Originally Posted By bfoosh06:
Any thoughts / comments on the PRS Lite ?
View Quote


I really like it with the limited time I’ve had with it. Sure the buttpad is firm and isn’t as soft as the Gen3 PRS, and the adjustments for LOP/comb height can’t be done tool less or as quickly, but at 120$, it’s a bargain for what you get.

While I think it’s a great precision stock, there are 2 potential things to consider, imo. The first is the buttpad isn’t as thick/soft as the Gen3. On a 5.56/224Valkyrie and other small frame gassers, this shouldn’t be an issue at all. The “potential” issue would be when using a large frame gasser that has more pronounced recoil, combined with a large volume of fire during a range session. I say potential as I don’t foresee it as being any worse than a typical carbine style stock, despite being very firm.

The second issue, and this was an issue to me, is that the comb height adjustment is controlled by a narrow polymer tab at the rear of the cheek riser. When adjusted off of the main stock body, the cheek riser has a very minimal amount of flex/tilt downwards when you place your cheek on the stock. An easy remedy was to apply a small piece of foam under the cheek riser to ensure that the riser could not flex/tilt downward. If you have an old mousepad….that could be a great way to repurpose it for a solution.



Some have complained that the adjustment for the riser is difficult to access/adjust, but if you extend out the length of pull, it’s pretty easy to get to the screw that controls the comb height adjustment. It takes less than 5 minutes to adjust, and probably closer to 3 minutes after the first time.

Even with the potential items listed above, I think Magpul hit a home run with this. I’ve got another 1 ordered and plan to run it on a 6.5creed to see how the large frame recoil feels after 75-125rds (typical 1 day match COF).
1/12/2022 11:45:29 AM EDT
[#29]
Thanks !
*Hold on to your AR-15s. Their magic must be very powerful, or they wouldn’t want them.*
JAFOM.... Just another fat old man.

________________________________

TOGC,IADC
5/1/2022 4:59:59 PM EDT
[#30]
18” Rainier Arms Ultramatch
Older version, Shilen blank, Intermediate gas
Vortex Venom 5-25

IMI Razorcore 77gr

I dug into the back of the safe and decided to give this one a go since I haven’t shot it in quite awhile. It was cleaned prior to storage, which may have accounted for the “abnormal” first group, but it settled in quickly. I fired 3 rounds to confirm the zero and season the barrel on a separate target, but I think it probably needed 5.

Targets 2, 4 and 5 really demonstrate, to me at least, where this ammo wanted to group when things were consistent. All 3 targets had 3rds go into a very tight cluster.

Results- 25rd average of .699moa
Results excluding the first round on target (24rd avg)- .590moa



5/1/2022 6:46:04 PM EDT
[#31]
That is a good shooting barrel, especially with factory ammo
2/7/2024 12:34:55 AM EDT
[#32]
Bump to keep from the archives:


The end of 2022 and 2023 was super busy…. If you’re ever considering being on the board for your local gun club and have a job and family, seriously consider how much you enjoy shooting, as your limited time at the range may be filled with more Q/A than shooting!

A few new barrels rifles to be tested soon; hopefully with some videos as well.

Builds/barrels on deck:

PSA M110 (.308)
PSA Jakl (223/5.56)
Larue 20” 7.62
Proof 24” 6creedmoor

Potential test items:
X-caliber 6GT
Craddock Precision 22ARC (one or two 22ARC’s will likely be tested as I’m very interested in this cartridge. Still evaluating offerings).


2/7/2024 12:44:07 AM EDT
[#33]
I would be interested in seeing the results of the 6GT test.

6x47L has been my choice in a bolt gun for a while, but I'm seriously considering switching to 6GT now that Lapua is supporting it.
2/8/2024 12:44:59 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote History
Originally Posted By SuperJlarge:
Bump to keep from the archives:


The end of 2022 and 2023 was super busy…. If you’re ever considering being on the board for your local gun club and have a job and family, seriously consider how much you enjoy shooting, as your limited time at the range may be filled with more Q/A than shooting!

A few new barrels rifles to be tested soon; hopefully with some videos as well.

Builds/barrels on deck:

PSA M110 (.308)
PSA Jakl (223/5.56)
Larue 20” 7.62
Proof 24” 6creedmoor

Potential test items:
X-caliber 6GT
Craddock Precision 22ARC (one or two 22ARC’s will likely be tested as I’m very interested in this cartridge. Still evaluating offerings).


View Quote


In for the arc results. I am mildly curious about it but put off on how the 6Arc brass and loads are almost vaporware. Way to support a cartridge Hornady. I wonder what is keeping others from producing the brass? What’s going to happen with the 22 arc?
4/9/2024 8:08:53 AM EDT
[#35]
What ever happened to that 16" Daniel Defense barrel? Is it a S2W profile or a government profile?  Was it just not exciting enough to test?
4/9/2024 11:57:31 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote History
Originally Posted By DevL:
What ever happened to that 16" Daniel Defense barrel? Is it a S2W profile or a government profile?  Was it just not exciting enough to test?
View Quote


Govt Profile. It was tested in a limited capacity several months ago before work got in the way. Iirc, it printed back to back 10shot groups that were right at 1-1.2moa with ADI 69smk and a Vortex PST 1-4 optic.

Due to some good friends that have lowers that support a higher rate of fire, it may not perform as well as it once did, but I’ll take it out soon.

Hopefully the weather will cooperate and I’ll get to the range this weekend. I’ve just received some 22ARC ammo, sized 6.5g to 22ARC and bought some 168 otm and smk AAC ammo.
12/7/2024 8:07:11 PM EDT
[#37]
I'd be interested in how the Delta Team Tactical ELD Performance 20" hbar barrel pans out.
12/9/2024 12:42:48 AM EDT
[#38]
I’d be happy to test one if you’d like to send it out for evaluation. I was burnt out on the cheaper barrels after testing the BCA, so I’m not really looking to purchase options that have limited info.

4/17/2025 11:38:17 PM EDT
[Last Edit: SuperJlarge][Edited] [#39]
PSA Sabre, M110 we have at home

Vortex PST II, 5-25 optic
APA lil bastard brake (this is a light gun for an AR-10, a brake or suppressor makes it much more enjoyable to shoot)
Atlas Super Cal bipod

For a sub 1500$ AR-10, it performed quite respectable with the FGMM 175gr center strike once the barrel was fouled. Shot 4 of the first group (top right) had a point of impact shift, but the POI did not shift significantly for the remaining 4 groups.

The AAC ammo had respectable SD/ES numbers, but the precision just wasn’t there for this ammo/barrel combo.

I’ll have a video of the testing soon, as well as testing this with some additional match ammo.




Fgmm 175 center strike






The first group of 168’s was low and off target. The group looked to be in the 1.25-1.4moa range.




This is actually the AAC175smk version, not the OTM version as mentioned on the target.





4/21/2025 9:37:22 PM EDT
[Last Edit: SuperJlarge][Edited] [#40]
If you watch with low expectations of my editing skills, you probably won’t be disappointed!

PSA Sabre, M110 we have at home precision testing



4/22/2025 1:26:52 PM EDT
[#41]
Well Done !

I am pretty sure no one is expecting a Steven Spielberg PSA shooting video ! Lol

IMHO, pretty good bang for the buck performance.

How much was the PSA ?

If... after further testing, the PSA barrel doesn't quite met your overall accuracy expectations..... maybe a Criterion 20" CL or Nitrided 20" would be a worthwhile investment.

*Hold on to your AR-15s. Their magic must be very powerful, or they wouldn’t want them.*
JAFOM.... Just another fat old man.

________________________________

TOGC,IADC
4/26/2025 7:46:03 AM EDT
[#42]
Great performance in your 22" BA / PSA 140gr 6.5CM

22” Ballistic Advantage 6.5creedmoor, AAC 140gr BTHP, 557yds
*Hold on to your AR-15s. Their magic must be very powerful, or they wouldn’t want them.*
JAFOM.... Just another fat old man.

________________________________

TOGC,IADC
4/29/2025 10:27:33 PM EDT
[#43]
Larue 16” MGU
5.56
Vortex RZR Gen 3
Atlas Super Cal bipod

All of the shots broke clean, but the groups weren’t quite as tight as I was hoping for. I have seen some variability with the newer ADI, so I’ll likely test again with an older lot that I know shoots well. I’ll also be testing it again with Hornady and Federal offerings.



ADI 55gr Blitzking



ADI 69gr SMK
4/29/2025 10:34:39 PM EDT
[#44]
The PSA Sabre continues to show promise, but it does appear a bit picky with ammo options. It has struggled with 168gr loadings, but the Federal 175gr offerings have shot good.

Top left was the first target, with the low right rd being shot #1. In the top right Target, shots 4 and 5 went low right. Purely speculative, but since the second group had 2 that were “fliers” but stacked together, I think it’s more with the ammo having some variance and the barrel being a bit picky (I.e, Base to ogive/base to shoulder variations resulting in a POI shift).

FGMM 175gr SMK


Velocity numbers (30 shots, 5 to foul the barrel, 25 for groups)
5/20/2025 9:14:02 PM EDT
[#45]
PSA Sabre testing, pt 2

PSA Sabre Precision Testing, Pt. 2
5/30/2025 7:43:22 AM EDT
[#46]
Impressive results from the 175gr FGMM.

Funny how barrels can be... I have had much better results, in numerous 308 semi autos ( grudgingly, since the 175gr BC is so much better ) with the 168gr FGMM.

Goes to show... you gotta try various ammo's , to see which your barrel prefers.

Thank You for sharing !
*Hold on to your AR-15s. Their magic must be very powerful, or they wouldn’t want them.*
JAFOM.... Just another fat old man.

________________________________

TOGC,IADC
5/30/2025 2:55:04 PM EDT
[#47]
I also have access to a very large number of .308 ammo to test in the future thanks to a VERY generous forum member. It’s literally just about every match ammo that you can buy.

Still not sure what the best way to test will be. 10rds per barrel, bolt gun vs a precise gas gun? While the PSA Sabre has grouped well, it appears too picky for that type of test. I may swap out a new LaRue barrel to see how it does and go from there. If it doesn’t group, a Criterion or Craddock may be ordered.
5/31/2025 11:24:07 PM EDT
[#48]
Most accurate 308 gasser I have shot was a LaRue an 18” PredaTar that shot 178 factory eldx’s cloverleaf at 100.

I am curious how a Craddock would shoot for you. I just ordered my second from them. The first is an excellent Bartlien they cut for me.
6/2/2025 12:48:13 PM EDT
[Last Edit: bfoosh06][Edited] [#49]
Quote History
Originally Posted By SuperJlarge:
I also have access to a very large number of .308 ammo to test in the future thanks to a VERY generous forum member. It’s literally just about every match ammo that you can buy.

Still not sure what the best way to test will be. 10rds per barrel, bolt gun vs a precise gas gun? While the PSA Sabre has grouped well, it appears too picky for that type of test. I may swap out a new LaRue barrel to see how it does and go from there. If it doesn’t group, a Criterion or Craddock may be ordered.
View Quote


Assuming, you have only 20rds of "each"... I'd just see if the various rifles have a "preference" to any ammo.. or flat out hates a load.
We saw your PSA really didn't like the 168gr OTM... but did better with the 175gr OTM... so now you know kind of a thing.

Barrel wise... I would expect a Craddock to shot.

I have had very good results from my Criterions, and have always felt like those are within the average guys budget.  I would get a matched / headspace bolt with the barrel.

( Just got a complete Criterion 20" .223 W upper, I am looking forward to trying out, along with a WOA 18" )

I would use as many accuracy tuning tricks the average guy can do with any build, lap the receiver face, Loctite in the barrel ( or shim ) , snug upper to lower fit ( easy to fix ) ... nothing making contact with the gas block or Mlok screws.. smooth gas tube to gas key interface and no contact with the upper.... adj. GB to help fine tune the action.


Myself... I would suggest sorting the various ammo into piles of "expectations" first.  

IE, least expensive, for gas guns just to see what the various ones would do. Maybe save 5rds for a bolt gun ?

Anything expensive... I would tend to want to try in a bolt gun.  Again, just to see if the rounds "like" your barrel.... maybe saving some for a gas gun, if you are curious

Anything like "FGMM" like... I would like to know if my barrel "likes" the round.  So a full on test, could be done later with more of that specific ammo.

Ultimately , if you have limited rounds of a specific load... then I would consider it "general" testing, looking for dismal groups v. wow groups.

And just have fun.... some of the ammo might shoot great for either and or both gas guns or bolt guns.

I have been ( over the years ) surprised by various loads... inexpensive and expensive.  

The only way I would have found out if my barrel liked them, was by trying them.


Some surprises over the years ( decades ) in 308... 2003 GGG Ball, shot as well as 168gr FGMM... ADI 308 165gr GameKing, also wildly accurate... Hornady AG 155gr , wonderful precision.

I'm sure I could come up with other examples.. Lol

My favorite "surprise" ammo of all time... Fed. .223 Tipped Varmint, shot right at 1MOA 10rd groups, out of every rifle I tried it in... and it cost $5.29/ 20 rounds, talk about cheap 100yd practice !

I would try not to over think it... just shoot and see if something is promising.
*Hold on to your AR-15s. Their magic must be very powerful, or they wouldn’t want them.*
JAFOM.... Just another fat old man.

________________________________

TOGC,IADC
11/10/2025 4:55:14 PM EDT
[Last Edit: SuperJlarge][Edited] [#50]
Testing has resumed…

Larue 20” .308 stealth barrel (0 rounds prior to this range trip)
Optic: Vortex Razor Gen III, 6x36x56
Superlative Arms Adj Gas block
TBAC 30p suppressor

Still waiting on a match barrel, but decided to try a LaRue stealth barrel that I picked up a few months ago. Based on these initial results, it may prove suitable for overall testing. As expected, it shot the FGMM smk loads very well. Those are the loads I typically use to serve as a baseline for .308 performance, so we’ll see how this goes. No extended travel on my plans for the remainder of the year, so hopefully I can get some testing knocked out!

Three to five shots were fired between ammo for seasoning the barrel to not skew the results.

Chrono data, 10rds each:

FGMM 175 Center strike: 2542fps, 12.9sd, 46.2es
FGMM 175 smk: 2454fps, 13.2sd, 43.4es
FGMM 168smk: 2516fps, 14.1sd, 41.2es
AAC 168SMK: 2591fps, 16.0sd, 49.6es
AAC 175smk: 2510fps, 8.4sd, 25.1es
Hornady 168 HPBT: 2520fps, 8.4sd, 32.2es

The slow FGMM smk loads had the best groups :) It’ll be interesting to see if this barrel speeds up, or if the ammo is just running that much slower in the colder temps, but it looks like the LT barrel is about 100fps slower than when I tested the PSA M110 barrel.

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Confirmed via video…it’s the AAC 168smk load. Looks like the 168otm box made it into picture, but not the testing for the day.
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