Long Range Gas Gun - Feedback?

[loadsandlattes]

Hey guys, looking for feedback. Been kicking around the idea of a long range gas gun for a while - went back and forth on large and small frame AR’s and caliber, and then back and forth on building vs buying factory built.

This is what I landed on:

- JP Enterprise SCR-11 in .223 wylde
- Nightforce NXS 2.5-10 MilR
- Spuhr cantilever 1.5” mount

I’m not a reloader, so I’ll be shooting factory.
- any recommendations on factory ammo that shoots well out of this rig?
- I’m going to be mostly shooting coyotes, pigs, cats, raccoons, and maybe a groundhog or twenty.

Any other advice? I know, it’s a lot of coin on a rifle but that isn’t really a big concern. The side charger is a big sell for me, as is the reputation that JP carries. For context, I went back and forth for about a week on JP, KAC, and LMT. I also kicked around the idea of building an MK12 for nostalgia sake back from my military days as well. I’m not completely committed, so any advice would be appreciated.

Also - bonus points to anyone who can recommend a thermal that I can swap out with the scope easily for night hunting, which we do plenty of. That would be for pigs/coyotes. I’m more of a day hunter, but would like to be able to take my own (even limited rig) out when we go. I hunt with my buddy’s pulsars & Trijicon thermals so I’m familiar with limitations. I’d like to keep it under $4k.

 

[justinspicher]

What’s long range?

 

[loadsandlattes]

For a gas gun? I figure if I’m shooting coyotes with consistently at 500-600yds, I’m doing alright.

 

[BeastOfTheTrees]

You want all the info your eyes can handle, go to snipershide.com

Wealth of knowledge

I built a clone ish mk12 specifically for precision gas gun.

I shoot mainly just normal m855 62grain green tip

Or cheap AAC 55gr FMJ

Got a some good 77gr Black Hills SMK ammo for when I want more accuracy

 

[justinspicher]

For a gas gun? I figure if I’m shooting coyotes with consistently at 500-600yds, I’m doing alright.

I’d say you’re doing alright as well.

 

[RockAndSage]

OP, you might consider an RH25 for the thermal - it's a dual-purpose clip-on that mounts directly in front of your normal optic with quick detach, and also mounts to a helmet mount or use as a stand-alone monocular.

If you're looking at a genuine top of the line long-range, small-frame gas gun, Ridgeline Defense has an extremely promising one they released not too long ago. The RD-15 LPR. I came very close to picking one up recently, but at 10.8lbs it's a couple of pounds heavier than I want for my use. But for you - pigs, coyotes, etc, it would be a top performer. The design improvements over normal precision ARs are extremely well thought-out, and the QC from the shop is spectacular.

 

[loadsandlattes]

OP, you might consider an RH25 for the thermal - it's a dual-purpose clip-on that mounts directly in front of your normal optic with quick detach, and also mounts to a helmet mount or use as a stand-alone monocular.

If you're looking at a genuine top of the line long-range, small-frame gas gun, Ridgeline Defense has an extremely promising one they released not too long ago. The RD-15 LPR. I came very close to picking one up recently, but at 10.8lbs it's a couple of pounds heavier than I want for my use. But for you - pigs, coyotes, etc, it would be a top performer. The design improvements over normal precision ARs are extremely well thought-out, and the QC from the shop is spectacular.

I’ll have a look at that thermal.

The rifle…. I’ve never heard of these folks before. Sub MOA guaranteed and the built in ARCA are sweeeet though. Food for thought!

 

[loadsandlattes]

Pulled the trigger, fellas. Ordered everything listed above and 500 rounds of Black Hills 77gr TMK. Once I get it set up and chrono’d I’ll report back with results.

Thanks!

 

[justinspicher]

Nice! I’m anxious to hear about it.

 

[shax2lex]

I’d take a hard look at the Seekins Precision DMR rifle. I like the flat foreend and the price is better too. You get a lot for the price and its quality.

 

[loadsandlattes]

I’d take a hard look at the Seekins Precision DMR rifle. I like the flat foreend and the price is better too. You get a lot for the price and its quality.

I neglected to mention it above, but I also considered it along with the others!

I think that the truth is, I’ve always wanted a JP and finally decided to just spend the coin. Good news is, if I dislike it for whatever reason the resale is wonderful.

 

[bowrunner81]

Has anyone hunted with 73grain Eld-M bullets? i have a couple hundred that I am going to try with my MK12, and who knows maybe I will take it deer hunting.

 

[Formidilosus]

Has anyone hunted with 73grain Eld-M bullets? i have a couple hundred that I am going to try with my MK12, and who knows maybe I will take it deer hunting.

Have you read this?

https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/223-for-bear-deer-elk-and-moose.130488/

 

[bowrunner81]

Have you read this?

https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/223-for-bear-deer-elk-and-moose.130488/

I have not. Thanks. I’ll check it out.

 

[Formidilosus]

I have not. Thanks. I’ll check it out.

Yes sir. There are multiple deer, bear, elk, and I believe a moose in there with 73gr ELD-M’s.

 

[Big_wals]

I have not. Thanks. I’ll check it out.

Oh boy. Hope you have some spare time on your hands.

 

[loadsandlattes]

Will keep yall posted. It should all be here by Monday, going to zero on Monday eve. I’ll post chrono and spreads Monday evening!

 

[Long Cut]

Heck yeah!

I’m actually doing the same thing, but with an old Palmetto State Armory upper/lower in .223 Wylde.

Changed out the trigger, buffer system, grips, CH, safety and stock… Waiting for WOA to bring 18” barrels in 1-7 twist/rifle length gas system back in stock.

Topping it with an SWFA 5-20 and either a NF, Geisselle or Badger Ordinance mount.

Main goal for this rifle will be “long range” shooting practice and deer/coyote hunting on power & gas lines, with shots from 100 out to 500 yards.

Let us know how you like the new rifle!

 

[B23]

Just a thought but have you given any consideration to going with a 22 ARC instead of 223?

This is Hornady's information on both and the chart is based off of using a 24in barrel in both cartridges and the loss in both should be relatively proportional.

22 ARC 75 gr ELD® Match Hornady Black™ - Hornady Manufacturing, Inc

...

www.hornady.com

223 Rem 73 gr ELD® Match - Hornady Manufacturing, Inc

...

www.hornady.com

For a predator AR15 build especially shooting factory ammo the 22 ARC shooting Hornady's 62gr ELD-VT ammo is pretty impressive.

22 ARC 62 gr ELD-VT™ V-Match™ - Hornady Manufacturing, Inc

...

www.hornady.com

 

[loadsandlattes]

Ok. So I’ll start by saying I’m impressed. We were just messing around getting it zero’s and were getting sub MOA groups. I bet with a bit more zoom, we could have got .5 MOA pretty easily.

Recoil - what’s that?
Groups - see picture
Sex appeal - high
Weight - 8.13lbs
Cartridge - Factory Black HillS 77gr TMK

I shot a 20 round mag at 200 at a 2” plate and was like 18/20. I’m good with that, didn’t know gas guns could do it.

Build:

- JP SCR-11 in 223 Wylde, 16” and side charge
- NF NXS 2.5 - 10 MilR
- Spuhr 1.5 Cantilever rings
- Omega 300 Suppressor