Advice for a new guy.

[Mitchzilla]

I just recently got into precision shooting. I have a Remington 700 sps varmint in .223. It has a vortex viper 6.5-20x44 on top. I'm shooting from a bipod with a rear bag. I'm just wondering what kind of groups I can expect from factory ammo at 100yards. I was at the range today and I feel like I'm doing my part with the solid rests and I'm squeezing the trigger really easy not jerking it. But I can't seem to get that good of groups. I'm using Winchester white box 45gr jhp. This is what my average group was looking like. Some were a little better. Thanks for any input.

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[Dsniper22]

For just starting out and shooting cheap factory ammo that is decent. Obviously for best results, take up reloading. If you are looking for better results without reloading try a few different brands and loads of factory ammo. The more time you put in behind the gun the tighter they will get as well. Take your time and have fun experimenting.

 

[Mitchzilla]

Thanks that's good to hear that that group isn't to bad. I think I just see lots of the groups on here where there is 3 bullets pretty much in the same hole and I guess I kinda expected that. But I know that comes with practice. I am also just starting to get set up to do some reloading so hopefully I can start to work on some accurate loads.

 

[nemesisincanada]

Try some match ammo.

 

[roberti11]

Buy one box of Federal Gold match ammo, this will tell you what the gun can do, then you will know if the groups are you, or the gun

When I started I compared my reloads to the match ammo, and kept working on them until I got as good as the match ammo

 

[Mitchzilla]

Thanks for the tips. Im gonna go buy some match grade ammo and see how I do with that.What would you guys suggest I do to the gun to make it more accurate that isn't going to be to expensive.

 

[JayCarver]

Best bang for your buck on a stock sps varmit would be to look for a take off HS precision stock on the EE, it would be a large upgrade of the flimsy original. If you have one of the old non x-mark triggers it can be tuned somewhat light and quite crisp, u could do this yourself or have a good gunsmith do it for about $45. I'm not sure about the xmark thou, might be SOL on that.

 

[Mitchzilla]

Im not sure what trigger is on the gun but I really like it. It has a really clean break and is really light. But I will keep my eye open for one of those stocks.

 

[aheppner]

depending on your twist rate on that gun 45 gr bullets might be too light, i would try some 55 or 60 grainers and see if it likes those better

i think you should be able to shoot about an inch at 100y with that gun

do you know what the barrel twist is?

 

[9x19p]

.What would you guys suggest I do to the gun to make it more accurate that isn't going to be to expensive.

I would suggest you bed the action/stock. Bedding isn't a cure all fix all, but it will definitely reduce the flyers and tighten your groups. You can do it yourself for under $30, or send it out to someone like Jerry at Mystic Precision.

Bedding is the least expensive upgrade you can do, and it will make a difference.

Your next upgraded should be a press.....

Your target looks good, it's honest. Keep it for comparison a year from now. I will say; it should be better! My factory 700 Tactical .223 with white box ammo shot 1/4 minute all day long, uphill both ways in the snow.

 

[Mitchzilla]

depending on your twist rate on that gun 45 gr bullets might be too light, i would try some 55 or 60 grainers and see if it likes those better

i think you should be able to shoot about an inch at 100y with that gun

do you know what the barrel twist is?

I'm pretty sure it's a 1:12 twist rate. Is the 45gr to light for that.