Update and Pics - Anyone have an accurate load for a Kel-Tec SU-16?

[Meroh]

I have a Kel-Tec SU-16F (website claims 1:7 barrel twist) that I am unable to get any group smaller than about 16" at 100 yards (all handloads). Bought the gun brand new just a couple months ago.

I mainly use 55gr FMJ Campro bullets. I have tried loads with W748, BLC-2, Varget, IMR 4320, IMR 4198, IMR 4895, H335, and IMR 3031. Most of my load data is from www.campro.ca but I have also tried loads from Speer, Lyman, and Hornady.

I also tried just using BLC-2 and tried 36gr, 40gr, 50gr, 55gr, 62gr, and 72gr bullets and none grouped less than 16" (10 shot group) at 100.

At 25 yards, my groups aren't horrible, and would lead me to believe I could group within 8" or so at 100. But I can't.

None of my rounds are keyholing - they just don't group worth a darn.

I have swapped the scope and rings and have the same problem. Currently using a 1-6x32 LPVO.

It's not the Campro bullets - they work fine in my Savage Axis 223, Ruger M77 220 Swift, Troy PAR 223, MRA Renegade 223.

Other than send my firearm back to Kel-Tec, anybody have any loads that actually work in a Kel-Tec SU-16F?

Thanks

Like a Mini 14, the odd one shoots OK, but expect the worst and you wont be dissapointed. These are not sold for their accuracy.

 

[wasa]

Thanks for all of the feedback and info. My current plans:

- call Kel-Tec and chat with them
- call the store where I bought it and chat with them
- try factory ammo
- clean the heck out of it and shoot it again
- try light bullets with W748
- try heavy bullets with W748

 

[wasa]

Thanks to all. I called the store I bought it from and spoke to the gunsmith. He suggested examining the muzzle crown. I took off the muzzle brake and to my eye it looked fine. But, for grins, I took a bronze 223 brush, put it in my drill, and spun it at the muzzle for a bit (yes, maybe a bad idea, but I was frustrated).

Then ran patches and a bore snake through the barrel a bunch of times.

I bought two different 223/556 ammo - PMC green tip, and Federal "red box". The PMC green tips were horrid, but the Federal was OK (4" - 6" groups). My handloads of 55gr FMJ and BLC(2) or W748 were also OK, as seen in the pictures linked below (on the white paper, those are 1" squares).

So, was it the crown? Is it "good enough" now? Do I need to shoot 1000 rounds or so to get "better"? Currently, I'm thinking I can hit an 8" steel at 100 yards, so it might be "good enough". I'll call Kel-Tec next week and chat with them still.

 

[45C]

Looks about right for the sh!tty ammo your running.

Try a box of Hornady 53 g vmax, they should group around 2 moa +\-