A few groups off my custom bench for your amusement

D

droesse4

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So I shoot a few groups with my reloads out of my .223 Tikka Tactical (which I bought here on th EE). Including these 4, this is only about a dozon or so groups that I have put any real effort into seeing how well I can do.
All things considered I think they are ok:cool:

The info:
RIFLE
.223 Tikka Tactical
20 inch barrel 1 in 8" twist
Burris Fulfeild II 3-9x scope
Harris bi-pod

AMMO
55g Hornady v-max
26.4 g Varget
Winchester small rifle primers
3000 fps
2.280 inches col

THE BENCH
just incase anyone wants to copy it:dancingbanana:
right side
IMG_0196.jpg


left side
IMG_0195.jpg


and the groups,each 6 shots at 100 meters
IMG_0199.jpg


I'm sure that many people can do much better but at the moment this is my best. I know that the larger groups are are completly because of operator error, and even the smallest one, though my personal best for the moment, can be way smaller out of this gun.

So there you have it, what do you guys think?
Oh, and if any one wants the instructions for building a similar bench, just let me know.:D
 
Last edited:
Ha Ha that's funny...I got one of those benches too. What's your twist...can you use a heavier bullet? Try lots of brands...see if it tightens up. Good start.

John
 
I use 21.5 grains of imr 4198 with a nosler 55 grain ballistic tip. I once shot a half inch 5 shot group at 200yds with this load in my 700VS. Try it out. Kevin.
 
twist is 1 in 8. I wouldn't mind trying some heavier bullets but I got a smokin deal on 600 of these at a gun show, so i've got a few to go through first. I hope to make a few empty cases in gopher season here shortly though:sniper:
Thanks for the replys guys. Use what you got, right?
 
You might want to upscale to the 90 pound bales with the three strings. You could call it the "expert" model. :D
Nice job though. Use what's available.
 
Yes, try an alfalfa blend, or if you really want to be stylin', use a round bale turned on edge.

I love it!!

But seriously, you should be able to drive those bullets faster and I'm sure somewhere along the way you'll find a node where they tighten up
 
armorman said:
I love the bench....I've got about 10,000 of those if anyone's interested. I'll sell'em to ya cheap and I'll even include the twine!
Click to expand...

What would be the delivery cost on one of those 10000? Would you consider a discounted price for a bulk purchase? Do you think Canada post is up for the challenge?
:dancingbanana:
 
Smaller!

droesse4 said:
So I shoot a few groups with my reloads out of my .223 Tikka Tactical (which I bought here on th EE). Including these 4, this is only about a dozon or so groups that I have put any real effort into seeing how well I can do.
All things considered I think they are ok:cool:

The info:
RIFLE
.223 Tikka Tactical
20 inch barrel 1 in 8" twist
Burris Fulfeild II 3-9x scope
Harris bi-pod

AMMO
55g Hornady v-max
26.4 g Varget
Winchester small rifle primers
3000 fps
2.280 inches col

THE BENCH
just incase anyone wants to copy it:dancingbanana:
right side
IMG_0196.jpg


left side
IMG_0195.jpg


and the groups,each 6 shots at 100 meters
IMG_0199.jpg


I'm sure that many people can do much better but at the moment this is my best. I know that the larger groups are are completly because of operator error, and even the smallest one, though my personal best for the moment, can be way smaller out of this gun.

So there you have it, what do you guys think?
Oh, and if any one wants the instructions for building a similar bench, just let me know.:D
Click to expand...

Your groups are actually smaller -to measure centre to center measure from the inside of the farthest round to the outside of the other farthest round:)
 
The numbers that I have underlined in the picture are the outside measurments of the 2 farthest rounds minus one diameter (.224). Sometimes it's difficult to measure the inside edge when there is an other hole touching it, so I think this way would be more accurate since you can always see the outside edges. How does everyone else measure their groups?
 
group size

try measuring outside to outside then subtract .224 .

for a 1-8 rifle try this
68 gr Hornady HPBT , Hodgdons H335 (21.1 GR)
68 GR Hornady HPBT, accurate 2230 (22.1 gr)
68 gr Hornady HPBT, VARGET (25.1)

First two loads worked fantastic (thumb tack killers at 100) in an AR
Third load works fantastic in a custom XR 100 .223 @100

Mike.
 
Obtunded said:
Yes, try an alfalfa blend, or if you really want to be stylin', use a round bale turned on edge.

I love it!!

But seriously, you should be able to drive those bullets faster and I'm sure somewhere along the way you'll find a node where they tighten up
Click to expand...

In the Hornady manual it lists 26.4g of varget as a max load, but on the Hodgdon site, it lists 27.5g as max for a 55g bullet. I loaded a few at 27.5g and was getting about 3250fps. At 27.5g though, the case is FULL. Like I mean right to the top. I think I might try a batch at 27g, next time around.

I don't honestly think at this point that the ammo is what is holding me back. It is just lack of practice on my part. And a little more stable rest as well would proubly help too. Hmm, upgrade to a round bale maby.
 
Great groups! Either way, those groups will tighten up on their own with a more stable "bench". I bet you go down .2" in group size if you shot prone from the ground. Either way, those varmints don't have a chance. Keep up the good work.

-Jason
 
I don't honestly think at this point that the ammo is what is holding me back. It is just lack of practice on my part. And a little more stable rest as well would proubly help too. Hmm, upgrade to a round bale maby.
Click to expand...

If I were you, I wouldn't worry about buying more bullets yet. Afterall, the 55 gr. V-MAX is generally a very accurate bullet in most guns using Varget or other well known powders. You said you got a great deal on them and I would concentrate using them to get lots of trigger time so that your technique is honed to the point where you know you're being as consistent as possible.

You appear to recognize the need for improvement. A good bench or solid shooting position will improve things greatly. FWIW, most newcomers can't shoot worth sh!t with a bipod. Get some decent front and rear bags - even if you're prone on the ground.
 
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