Well, I was literally coming over to this forum for just this type of thread. I just picked up my new BMAG yesterday. I bought three boxes of 25gr to go along with it. Would have loved to try the 20gr stuff as well, but they were sold out. First impressions: I don't like the stock, it seems like the aborted fetus of an axis stock, The magazine appears poorly constructed, somewhat finicky to feed. Trigger is great, but bolt just sucks. Its possible to turn the bolt down before it is fully in place, causing a very odd feeling (think stepping for a stair that's not there) This rifle feels like a 300 dollar rifle.
Get it home for a clean and inspection. Couple positive notes: the barrel is fully floated. It is a nice lightweight rifle to swing around. The trigger is setting off nicely at a cool 2.75lbs, has properly squared mounts that came with the rifle. Test fed the ammo, mag works flawlessly, fed and ejected with perfection, not a single hiccup to report, was a very positive click in to secure it in the mag-well. Still don't like the bolt design, but it can be practised for better results. It does feel stiff however, especially compared to the silky feeling of the 93 rim fire platform.
Gave it a quick sweep and headed out to the field with a Tasco 6-24 varmint on it. First couple rounds were from 25 yards to make sure I was on paper, they were about .6 group (free hand), next 5 from 50, 2 to adjust and 3 to get a "starter group" sitting around the .75 mark off the truck window for a quick rest. Next to the 100 mark, first string of three was about 1.5" group, followed by a 1.25, then back to a 1.5. not awful I suppose, but was hoping for a 1" or less. Did some plinking past the standard EE round count of 50, at various ranges out to 225 yards (small 2.75"x8" swinging gong) and a couple pokes out to my 400 yard gong and was able to make a hit after two follow up shots (hold over) went to shooting for a group now, had one touch the 1" mark and rest around the 1.5ish mark.
Let me say, it hit my mini gong with boring accuracy and it is certainly a chip-shot for a 100 yard zero to just point a click out to 225 yards with minimal effort and have a guaranteed kill on a gopher sized animal. The difference in impact is certainly noticeable from the marks on it compared to my 22mag and 17hmr marks on the plate. I then decided to do the old water jug test. One at 50 yards, one at 100 and one at 265. (milk jugs) the one at 50 was almost as good as a 22-250 hitting a bottle. the 100 yard split it 4 ways and burst, the one at 265 split in three and immediately emptied out after flipping over.
This would certainly be capable out to 200 yards on a coyote with the appropriate shot being taken, likely out to 300 even as far as power is concerned, don't know if I would push it that far, but likely would be "enough" (cue ethics committee) certainly an excellent fur-saver and it technically accurate enough to get the job done.
Overall, I found the accuracy to lead me to believe it may be capable of better, I wont sell it just yet, really want to try the 20gr stuff.... I think its a decent value with a great power range for the dollar. I look forward to getting to know it a little better and will see if I cant rein in the groups a little more.
