200yd group test

[kroppr77]

Today I ran an 18 shot group at 200 yds at 4inches. It was off a bag, on a bench, flat range, calm conditions. I was doing this test because I’ve had lots of troubles with this rifle. This was the last test to see if I trade it in.
I have a Christensen 300wm for example that can shoot MOA or even slightly sub MOA at 200 in 5 shot groups. Which feels hard with this gun, and is disappointing considering the Christensen was a fraction of the cost.

For some rifle information, it’s a 6.5 prc I had built about 2 yrs ago. I have not ran tons of ammo through it as I haven’t enjoyed the shooting. There is a 16 inch barrel on it(I didn’t know better at the time, I was told to get this by the gunsmith), and it is shooting factory ammo. I have shot ELDM 147, ELDX 143, nosler accubonds, and some Berger 144. It seems to like the ELDM the best, which is what I’d prefer, and is what was used in the test above. 18 shots is a large test I know, and obviously there was better sub groups from the 18. In a real world, large group size, this may be the norm? Anyways I’m doing this to see if shooting this gun is feasible at 500 and in. I don’t think I’ll bother re-barreling it if I move on. I will go a stock tika route.

 

[V00D00]

Not acceptable

 

[khuber84]

4" at 200y will be 10" at 500y from a bench, likely bigger than that from field positions.

For science purposes, try shooting a cold bore shot, plus 3 more. Repeat this test at 4 different aim point at same distance. See if the rifle aggs together for a tighter cone of fire. It likely won't, but possibly. There could be a lot of contributing factors affecting the accuracy. Are groups mostly vertical, horizontal or just big shotgun pattern?

 

[Wolfshead]

Are groups mostly vertical, horizontal or just big shotgun pattern?

In the interest of learning, what would the different causes be for vertical, horizontal, shotgun?
Vertical pattern = causes
Horizontal pattern = causes
Shotgun….

 

[Q_Sertorius]

What do the 100-yard groups look like?

Can you post a picture of the group?

What does this rifle weigh?

Is it suppressed? An unsuppressed 16” 6.5 PRC sounds very unpleasant to shoot. A 16” 6.5 PRC with a 6” or 7” suppressor on the end sounds much more pleasant.


____________________
“Keep on keepin’ on…”

 

[kroppr77]

4" at 200y will be 10" at 500y from a bench, likely bigger than that from field positions.

For science purposes, try shooting a cold bore shot, plus 3 more. Repeat this test at 4 different aim point at same distance. See if the rifle aggs together for a tighter cone of fire. It likely won't, but possibly. There could be a lot of contributing factors affecting the accuracy. Are groups mostly vertical, horizontal or just big shotgun pattern?

The group was 4 inches horizontally and about 2 1/2 inches vertically. Slightly tighter vertically than horizontal.

 

[kroppr77]

What do the 100-yard groups look like?

Can you post a picture of the group?

What does this rifle weigh?

Is it suppressed? An unsuppressed 16” 6.5 PRC sounds very unpleasant to shoot. A 16” 6.5 PRC with a 6” or 7” suppressor on the end sounds much more pleasant.


____________________
“Keep on keepin’ on…”

It is not suppressed, just has a brake. I didn’t take any pictures, just measured for reference. The weight is a little over 7lbs, so it’s not like it’s crazy light for the size.
Judging off the fact that it has shot 4 different factory ammo selections like crap, I take it this gun is junk.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

It is not suppressed, just has a brake. I didn’t take any pictures, just measured for reference. The weight is a little over 7lbs, so it’s not like it’s crazy light for the size.
Judging off the fact that it has shot 4 different factory ammo selections like crap, I take it this gun is junk.

A 7# 16” 6.5 PRC with a brake sounds horrible to shoot.

I think you need to try it with a suppressor before you decide it is junk.


____________________
“Keep on keepin’ on…”

 

[SC HUNTER]

Have someone else shoot it without knowing your thoughts. I'm not saying you can't shoot but maybe it doesn't fit your properly? Just a thought.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

Have someone else shoot it without knowing your thoughts. I'm not saying you can't shoot but maybe it doesn't fit your properly? Just a thought.

That is an excellent suggestion, but finding anyone who shoots spectacularly with a 7# 16” 6.5 PRC with a brake sounds a tall task to me.


____________________
“Keep on keepin’ on…”

 

[ResearchinStuff]

Need more details on the overall set up to help you out.

 

[kroppr77]

A 7# 16” 6.5 PRC with a brake sounds horrible to shoot.

I think you need to try it with a suppressor before you decide it is junk.


____________________
“Keep on keepin’ on…”

I’m 6’4” so that might have something to do with it not fitting me? I have noticed it is hard to track impact, especially with it being a smaller caliber.
I’m not really keen on having someone else shoot it. I don’t plan on them filling my tags. I don’t see the point.

 

[kroppr77]

Need more details on the overall set up to help you out.

What would you like to know?

 

[Q_Sertorius]

I’m 6’4” so that might have something to do with it not fitting me? I have noticed it is hard to track impact, especially with it being a smaller caliber.
I’m not really keen on having someone else shoot it. I don’t plan on them filling my tags. I don’t see the point.

The rifle has a full-sized cartridge, a short barrel, and a muzzle brake. The blast from that is going to be terrific. That would affect anyone’s shooting ability. Get the stupid brake off it and try it with a nice long suppressor.

As for having someone else shoot it, stop being proud and let them give it a shot. If the other person shoots it better than you, then you just have to admit to yourself that you don’t shoot it well. There’s no shame in that. And if they shoot it just as poorly, then you have a better idea that the fault lies with the rifle.

Or, if your pride won’t let you admit that the combination of the rifle and you isn’t a good one, just sell it. Someone else can put a 7” suppressor on it (like an AB Raptor 10 w/ 3” reflex) and shoot it well.


____________________
“Keep on keepin’ on…”

 

[ResearchinStuff]

What would you like to know?

scope, stock, mount, rings, free float, barrel make, barrel twist, barrel material, bottom metal, bottom screw torque, action make

 

[kroppr77]

The rifle has a full-sized cartridge, a short barrel, and a muzzle brake. The blast from that is going to be terrific. That would affect anyone’s shooting ability. Get the stupid brake off it and try it with a nice long suppressor.

As for having someone else shoot it, stop being proud and let them give it a shot. If the other person shoots it better than you, then you just have to admit to yourself that you don’t shoot it well. There’s no shame in that. And if they shoot it just as poorly, then you have a better idea that the fault lies with the rifle.

Or, if your pride won’t let you admit that the combination of the rifle and you isn’t a good one, just sell it. Someone else can put a 7” suppressor on it (like an AB Raptor 10 w/ 3” reflex) and shoot it well.


____________________
“Keep on keepin’ on…”

Didn’t mean it as pride. Was just saying it is a hunting rifle. If I can’t take it hunting myself it’s worthless to me. This is the only rifle I’ve had this problem with. It having 4 reputable factory ammo selections ran through it, is definitely hurting the “shoot ability.”
I don’t have a specific can for a 6mm, so I can quickly run a test with that. I have a can for a .338

 

[Q_Sertorius]

Didn’t mean it as pride. Was just saying it is a hunting rifle. If I can’t take it hunting myself it’s worthless to me. This is the only rifle I’ve had this problem with. It having 4 reputable factory ammo selections ran through it, is definitely hurting the “shoot ability.”
I don’t have a specific can for a 6mm, so I can quickly run a test with that. I have a can for a .338

A .338 suppressor will certainly do better than nothing.

Another question worth considering is the twist rate. If it has a 1:10 twist, for example, it might shoot better with 120-grain bullets than the longer 140+ bullets. But I am willing to bet that the blast from the short barrel is creating most of the problems and that a suppressor may help tame it a lot. I certainly hope it does.

 

[kroppr77]

scope, stock, mount, rings, free float, barrel make, barrel twist, barrel material, bottom metal, bottom screw torque, action make

Remington 700 action, hart barrel, 1:8 twist on barrel, bedded to stock, stock is rem 700 for now, accutrigger, leupold vx3 4.5-14, with leupold rings. I know he worked on the action, and don’t know tons of specifics. I wasn’t very knowledgeable on firearms at the time, much more of an archery guy.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

that is a very suspect scope and mounting system in terms of holding zero. if you can, swap over what is on one of your rifles that shoots better. be meticulous about degreasing, torqueing, and using thread locker. while you're at it, check the action screw torque and make sure the barrel is free floated