.223 - RRA 16" Varmint 1/8" Rand Report

acrsaved · #1 08-13-2006, 04:11 PM

Hey Folks -

Thought I would post the data from last week's outing with our coyote rig. Compared 7 different factory loads. The rig is a 16" bull barreled Wilson air-gauged .223 A4 Varmint from Rock River Arms, with a 1/8" twist and a 2-stage trigger; perfect for what we use it for: coyotes. As you will expect, the heavier grain loads did much better. I replaced the standard A2 stock with a Fiberite 6-pt collapsible so we could witch between shooters. The glass is a 4-12x80 ATN day/night scope. I only use Harris S-series Bi-pods. The scope is mounted via a B-Square elevation weaver mount that is the middle man between the 40mm rings and the A4 flattop. This is proof positive that barrel length does not equate to accuracy - just velocity!

Again, 3-shot groups, 2min cool downs, working her way through the loads in sequence. Bipod and sandbags. 100 yds. My wife is a darn good shot. She should be; she learned to shoot on the Island.

#1 - 77gr Federal Gold Match - 0.363"
#2 - 73gr Berger BT Black Hills - 0.370"
#3 - 69gr Rem Match King - 0.693"
#4 - 67gr Berger BT Black Hills - 0.858"
#5 - 64gr Winchester - 1.093"
#6 - 69gr Fed Gold Match - 1.106"
#7 - 64gr Fed Gold Match - 1.493" Poo-pooh!

Gunslinger2005 · #2 08-14-2006, 03:52 AM

Very nice shooting there, Alec!

acrsaved · #3 08-14-2006, 07:37 AM

Thanks Gunslinger! She's an oustanding shootist. I ordered a 243 WSSM Ultramatch 1/10" upper from Olyarms (who knows when it will get here) to go on top of this receiver, that I think with my handloading efforts will take her closer to the 1/4" mark. She wants that ragged hole at 100yd (don't we all!). I think I will work around the higher weight VLD Bergers over IMR4350 and CCI BR primers. The 115 gr is for 1/7" or faster, and the 105gr is for 1/8" or faster. So I think I'll start at 95 grainers and work my way down in BC. Funny thing is my 'regular' 243 Win has a 1/10" twist but really like the lower weight bullets better. I'm hoping the WSSM likes the heavier ones so she can do some longer range shooting with it. I might have ordered it in 1/8" but I wanted to be less restrictive and went with the 1/10". Range reports will follo! I plan to snap some pictures of these targets and post them.

Have a great day,