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Posted: 1/25/2016 10:27:03 AM EDT
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I just recently finished this build and it shoots well but I still need to do some fine tuning. My goal was a tough DMR style rifle that could double as club and still shoot afterwards. So far with Hornady factory ammo I have been able to achieve sub moa results at 100yds. These were small groups of 3-5 rnds due to the amount of ammo on hand. The range trip was an initial function check, tuning and rough sight in.
Upper: 2A Balios receiver (matched) Rainier Arms 18" ultra match (Shilen blank) BCM bcg JP enhanced Bolt V7 ultra light forward assist DIamondhead Rail 15 inch SLR adjustable gas block standard ejection port cover and rod intermediate gas tube Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x44 MIL-R Aero SPR mount Silencerco ASR flash hider (for now, brake on its way) Gunfighter charging handle Mod 4 Harris Bipod Lower: 2A Balios receiver (matched) Tubbs flatwire spring Carbine Buffer Magpul UBR V7 ambi safety V7 Ti mag catch Badger Ti bolt catch 2A Ti pins Geissele SD-E Magpul K2 grip V7 Ti grip screw Small springs and detents are of the standard variety E-Lander Mags  </a>" />
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What Hornady ammo? Mine shoots its best 100-yd. groups with 123gr SST (Nosler BT is a pretty close 2nd...) But I've heard that A-max is a better choice (being a boattail bullet) at longer ranges. I used A-max in my DMR class, and was banging 18 in. steel at 500 meters pretty easily (I'd say about 80% hit ratio.) I didn't think that was bad for my first time past 200 yards. That was with a Leupold 2-8X with TMR reticle. I sold that scope and went with a Nightforce 3.5-15X, but only because I felt I would need a little more Magnification at 800 yards. I'm not a very experienced shooter, but the 8X seemed fine at 500 meters. I'm sure your 10X NF will suit you well. Oh and, gorgeous rifle! ETA - I like the look of that K2 grip. Do you like it? |
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Eracer,
The Hornady SST ammo was shooting just under 1 inch and the Amax ammo was just over 1/2 an inch. These groups were only with 3-5 rnds so further testing will be necessary. I suspect that those numbers are very close to the actual capabilities of the rifle ammo combo. Once the rifle is fully broken in and properly tuned I will run some accuracy tests to identify the preferred factory ammo. I have some Alexander Arms 123 Scenars to test out as well. Did you group the Amax load? The Magpul K2 grip is great! I have fallen in love with the ergonomics of this grip, it is more vertical. I think I read it was intended for more compact rifles but it fits well on many AR's and is much more natural for my wrists and arms. As far as the optic goes, the 2.5-10 should suit my needs well. I wanted a larger objective for low light hunting and I use the mil/mil system. The clarity and durability of the NXS should fit this role. I would have put a higher magnification optic on this rifle but there is another rifle (6.5 Creedmoor) in the works that will be better suited for longer ranges so I wanted to keep this rifle optimized for medium ranges which is also why I went with a 18 inch barrel. Banging steel at range is very addictive! Keep at it! |
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Quoted: Eracer, The Hornady SST ammo was shooting just under 1 inch and the Amax ammo was just over 1/2 an inch. These groups were only with 3-5 rnds so further testing will be necessary. I suspect that those numbers are very close to the actual capabilities of the rifle ammo combo. Once the rifle is fully broken in and properly tuned I will run some accuracy tests to identify the preferred factory ammo. I have some Alexander Arms 123 Scenars to test out as well. Did you group the Amax load? The Magpul K2 grip is great! I have fallen in love with the ergonomics of this grip, it is more vertical. I think I read it was intended for more compact rifles but it fits well on many AR's and is much more natural for my wrists and arms. As far as the optic goes, the 2.5-10 should suit my needs well. I wanted a larger objective for low light hunting and I use the mil/mil system. The clarity and durability of the NXS should fit this role. I would have put a higher magnification optic on this rifle but there is another rifle (6.5 Creedmoor) in the works that will be better suited for longer ranges so I wanted to keep this rifle optimized for medium ranges which is also why I went with a 18 inch barrel. Banging steel at range is very addictive! Keep at it! I grouped both 123gr. SST and 123gr Amax at 100 yards. My 20" Sabre Defense barrel was almost exactly the opposite of yours. The Amax shot to 1.2", and the SST shot to about .80". I haven't tested anything out past 100 yards. I just haven't been shooting much at all lately and it's a bit of a drive to get to a range that goes out past 200 yards. I need to make the time. Thanks for the opinions on the other stuff as well. |
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