I've started this thread because I have tons of fun using the Tavor in all responsible shooting sports. I will never sell this rifle because the Tavor looks like a Ferrari and runs like one too! Everything about it is fast. Target acquisition, follow up target acquisition, mag changes, field stripping and even the barrel can be changed fast.
I don't want to leave this rifle in the safe when I bench rest my bolt guns @275yards (sadly max at range).
We all know what this rifle was designed for, but that's what makes it so challenging and fun to take the Tavor out of its comfort zone and try for small groups at long ranges.
My goal is to shoot sub moa with 4x Elcan off bipod in prone position (5 shots @100yds)
Let's find some handloads that our 18.5" barreled Tavors like! And a great handload for the hunters/varminters out there!
Please note: I did not pay any attention to barrel temp, we shot fast as we could. I don't know if that was a factor but being around 0 degrees I don't think the barrel got too hot.
The gun:
IWI Tavor Tar-21
The scope:
Leupold target 35x45 - this scope will counter the heavy/"safe" trigger plus make results more accurate to what the rifle can achieve. When a excellent handload is found the Elcan will go back on Tavor and I will know if the group is large, it's not the ammo!
Surplus accuracy:
10 shots with Elcan DR 1-4x @100yrds, Norinco yellow box (shot on a different day)
Surplus accuracy again:
2 shooters, one 5 shot group each with Leupold 35x45, Norinco yellow box.
Reloading equipment: Lee
Powder: Varget
Primers: Sellier & Bellot
Brass: 1x fired Winchester (will try Norinco brass at some point)
Bullets: Hornady 55 grain Zmax with cannelure
20 rounds @ 22.8 grains
10 rounds @ 23.7
10 @ 24.6
10 @ 25.5
10 @ 26.4 - at this point I was frustrated with both the powder measure and the scale
10 @ 26.4 - hand trickled with scale only
Unusual setup!
My results:
10 shots @ 22.8gr. Used to get on paper @ 100yds (not shown)
The target paper used has squares in background that are 1". Point of aim was top of solid circle for every shot.
Starting at bottom right -
5 shots @ 23.7 grains
5 shots @ 24.6 grains
5 shots @ 25.5 grains
5 shots @ 26.4 grains
Vertical dispersion good (had no issues with bench set-up)
Horizontal dispersion bad (I was constantly swaying my cross-hair left and right. Light rifle, heavy trigger)
My bud up to bat:
Left side:
Exact same order, low red dot first, powder, point of aim... K. Says his first shot went to left because of cold barrel (we did spend significant time assessing my groups) I think he pulled it. Either way shots 2-5 were fantastic.
After the assessment of K. 's group we went back to it, again moving up:
5 shots @ 26.4 - hand trickled with scale
5 shots @ 22.8 - left overs from the 20 rounds at low/sight in charge
I went first and sucked. Then K. had 2 more great groups minus 1 darn flyer!
Next time I will use a rcbs powder measure and scale I bought from a fellow CGNer. Also I will try to cure my insufficient shooting position/style.
All opinions, suggestions and help wanted!!!
I don't want to leave this rifle in the safe when I bench rest my bolt guns @275yards (sadly max at range).
We all know what this rifle was designed for, but that's what makes it so challenging and fun to take the Tavor out of its comfort zone and try for small groups at long ranges.
My goal is to shoot sub moa with 4x Elcan off bipod in prone position (5 shots @100yds)
Let's find some handloads that our 18.5" barreled Tavors like! And a great handload for the hunters/varminters out there!
Please note: I did not pay any attention to barrel temp, we shot fast as we could. I don't know if that was a factor but being around 0 degrees I don't think the barrel got too hot.

The gun:
IWI Tavor Tar-21
The scope:
Leupold target 35x45 - this scope will counter the heavy/"safe" trigger plus make results more accurate to what the rifle can achieve. When a excellent handload is found the Elcan will go back on Tavor and I will know if the group is large, it's not the ammo!
Surplus accuracy:
10 shots with Elcan DR 1-4x @100yrds, Norinco yellow box (shot on a different day)
Surplus accuracy again:
2 shooters, one 5 shot group each with Leupold 35x45, Norinco yellow box.
Reloading equipment: Lee
Powder: Varget
Primers: Sellier & Bellot
Brass: 1x fired Winchester (will try Norinco brass at some point)
Bullets: Hornady 55 grain Zmax with cannelure
20 rounds @ 22.8 grains
10 rounds @ 23.7
10 @ 24.6
10 @ 25.5
10 @ 26.4 - at this point I was frustrated with both the powder measure and the scale
10 @ 26.4 - hand trickled with scale only
Unusual setup!
My results:
10 shots @ 22.8gr. Used to get on paper @ 100yds (not shown)
The target paper used has squares in background that are 1". Point of aim was top of solid circle for every shot.
Starting at bottom right -
5 shots @ 23.7 grains
5 shots @ 24.6 grains
5 shots @ 25.5 grains
5 shots @ 26.4 grains
Vertical dispersion good (had no issues with bench set-up)
Horizontal dispersion bad (I was constantly swaying my cross-hair left and right. Light rifle, heavy trigger)
My bud up to bat:
Left side:
Exact same order, low red dot first, powder, point of aim... K. Says his first shot went to left because of cold barrel (we did spend significant time assessing my groups) I think he pulled it. Either way shots 2-5 were fantastic.
After the assessment of K. 's group we went back to it, again moving up:
5 shots @ 26.4 - hand trickled with scale
5 shots @ 22.8 - left overs from the 20 rounds at low/sight in charge
I went first and sucked. Then K. had 2 more great groups minus 1 darn flyer!
Next time I will use a rcbs powder measure and scale I bought from a fellow CGNer. Also I will try to cure my insufficient shooting position/style.
All opinions, suggestions and help wanted!!!
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