How much consistency can I expect from bulk ammo from a bolt action rifle?

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doodie

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I've got lots of that bulk Federal 55 gr 223 lying around and was wondering what kind of consistency I can expect at 100 yards compared to match grade ammunition (assuming I have a gun capable of 1/2 MOA groups).
Is it even worth taking it to the range?
 
I have had the cheapest Federal ammo shoot consistently from 1/2 to 3/4 inch groups in my factory X-Bolt .270. I have shot the same cheapest ammo in a 700 BDL heavy barrel .308 averaging 1/2 inch.

The only way to know is test your rifle with the ammo.
 
Those 55grs are pretty ####ty bullets. I should know, I'm almost at 5k through my trainer barrel (it's a 12 twist so no heavies for me). The best I've had with them (this is handloads but thrown ball powder, not weighed every charge) is 5 rounds in just under 1moa. Normally though it's more like 5 rounds in 1 or 1.25 moa. I just use it for positional practice on suitably sized steel. I know you're talking factory ammo and not handloads but we're talking the same bullets at least. Run some through your rifle and see. I bet it's consistent enough for positional practice.
 
For .308 mildurp ammo,

Best 5 shot group I got yet with hirtenberger is .55.

Average accuracy for berdan hirtenberger is 1.1 ( 4 sessions, around 25 5 shots groups)
Boxer hirtenberger is 1.3 ( around 20 groups, 4 sessions)

This is with a 1:12 SSG 3000.

Not bad o
 
Thanks for the info everyone. These results are certainly not as bad as I had feared. I'll have to take some with me on my next trip out and see how it works.
 
laker415 said:
The only way to know is to test. Run some groups at 100 yards to see. Most likely it won't be great, maybe minute of steel gong...

Reloading is the answer.
Click to expand...

Testing is essential, I agree. The results with one particular rifle could be quite different in another rifle. What runs well in one rifle may or may not achieve similar outcomes in another rifle. For that reason, I am skeptical about predicting results.

I would only agree that “Reloading is the answer,” if that response is qualified by adding that the predictability gap between reloads and today’s premium factory loads seems to be narrowing. Many who reload will take issue with my statement because that’s their thing.

That wasn’t the OP’s question. I recommend taking both types of ammo, the bulk Federal he mentioned and match grade, to the range. In fact, trying different brands of match ammo for comparison will provide him with a base line and perhaps a comfort level to boot.
 
Mad-Dog said:
Testing is essential, I agree. The results with one particular rifle could be quite different in another rifle. What runs well in one rifle may or may not achieve similar outcomes in another rifle. For that reason, I am skeptical about predicting results.

I would only agree that “Reloading is the answer,” if that response is qualified by adding that the predictability gap between reloads and today’s premium factory loads seems to be narrowing. Many who reload will take issue with my statement because that’s their thing.

That wasn’t the OP’s question. I recommend taking both types of ammo, the bulk Federal he mentioned and match grade, to the range. In fact, trying different brands of match ammo for comparison will provide him with a base line and perhaps a comfort level to boot.
Click to expand...
I don't take issue with the idea that premium match ammo is at least comparable to hand loads. For many bandleaders it is an enjoyable way to be more connected and in control. It is also WAY cheaper, and as Canadians, we have a lot of down time in the winter.

laker415 said:
The only way to know is to test. Run some groups at 100 yards to see. Most likely it won't be great, maybe minute of steel gong...

Reloading is the answer.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I can run handholds back to back with Aguila 55r and the handholds shoot sub MOA, while I am lucky to get 2" groupings with the Aguila. After weighing shells, I found that the cheaper ammo tends to have more variation than the expensive ammo, resulting in different pressures with the same charge.
On a plus note, Federal shells were actually the most consistent of the cheap ammo.
 
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