What did you do at the range today?

[Q_Sertorius]

I searched, but did not find an existing thread on this topic (maybe I didn't search hard enough?). Anyway, here's my attempt to share some of what I did at the range and some of the data I recorded. Feel free to add your pictures and reports, if you like.

I finally got admitted to the local range - Rivanna Rifle and Pistol Club - so I no longer need to drive four hours to the farm whenever I want to shoot. To celebrate the occasion, I got out three rifles that needed to be sighted in. It was a glorious morning and some of the most fun I have had in a while. Never mind the dudes shooting something large with a brake... at least they had the decency to set up at the other end of the range from me and only fire about 10 rounds total before declaring that "it was all sighted in and ready for the season."

I'm going to put a separate post for each rifle.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

My new semi-custom Tikka T3X 6.5 CM w/ 20" barrel, wooden RokStok, SWFA 6x, AB Raptor 8 w/ 3" reflex. 10.0 pounds. 45.75" long.

This rifle also experienced an unexpected drop test. The magnum rifle shooters interrupted my string to ask me to please go cold. Flustered, but not wanting to offend anyone since I literally joined yesterday, I left it on the bag. And it promptly fell three feet onto concrete. Zero did not shift (but the brand new AB suppressor took the brunt of the fall).

Shooting AAC 140-grain FMJs (cheapest ammo I could find at the time). On the box velocity of 2700 FPS. Fired 54 rounds, got an average FPS of 2508 with Std Dev of 31.

I had a bit of mirage, despite the suppressor cover, by the time I got to this group. That, and I suck.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

My old reliable Mauser 98 .270 Win with 21" barrel, old B&L 3-9x40 scope, US/UM OG. This rifle just got cut, threaded, and a different scope. Weighs 10.1 pounds. 46.5" long.

I was shooting Hornady Whitetail 130-grain. On the box velocity of 3060 FPS. Fired 30 rounds, got an average FPS of 2,875 with Std Dev of 19.5.

I am not sure why this group seems to have migrated a bit higher and to the right.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

My lovely little CZ 527 6.5 Grendel, which just got a new scope. She has an 18" Pac-Nor barrel, Trijicon Accupoint 3-9x40, Scythe Ti. 8.0 pounds. 42.5" long.

I tried out three different loads in her:

AAC 123-grain FMJ on the box velocity of 2525. Today's average for 20 rounds was 2405.1with Std Dev of 13.95.

At the very end of my range day, I decided to shoot two more five round groups at the top left and right of this target with the AAC 123-grain FMJs (I had just fired the .270 and wanted to end on a gentle note).

Hornady Custom 123-grain SST on the box velocity of 2580. Today's average for 20 rounds was 2496.2 FPS with Std Dev of 11.2.

Hornady Black 123-grain ELDM on the box velocity of 2580. Today's average for 11 rounds was 2507 with Std Dev of 9.1. I deeply regret taking shot #11. It was the last one left in the box and I pulled it.

 

[Fitz]

What was your impression of the raptor vs your other suppressors?

 

[Q_Sertorius]

What was your impression of the raptor vs your other suppressors?

Quieter and heavier. But very pleasant. I think the 6+3 configuration is an excellent combination. The OG is a far better hunting can, but it’s hard to beat the Raptor for a day at the range.


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