Updated! Newbie with a Sportco M44

gabrielguitars

gabrielguitars

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So, when it comes to target-shooting, I'm pretty-well bright green. I've tried a number of different hunting-style rifles at longer ranges, but never had any great success. Today I picked up an older Omark M44 Sportco in .308. I've been told that if I can't shoot this decently, it's my fault. Anyway, someone who owned the rifle previously sold off the sights (for $50, ouch!), so it was prime for scoping. After some searching, I found that I could use a Weaver tactical one-piece base for a short action Savage to start with. I utilized the one threaded hole in the back of the receiver, then drilled and tapped 2 on the front ring, including one that I had to drill in the base itself. I then cut-off and contoured the rear of the base, milled out the loading port area, and painted it. It looks great. I then put a 6-24 Tasco varmint on it in Weaver tactical rings. Not the fanciest setup for sure, but I think it will work. I also milled a flat section on the bottom of the forend for sitting nicely on the bag, and put a sling-swivel stud for a bipod. I just loaded up 40 rounds, with Berger 175 gr. VLD's, 155 gr. A-Max moly's, 180 silvertips and 150 Mag-tips (for hunting). I am going to go out tomorrow to the range and see what happens. I'll try and post targets tomorrow, wish me luck!
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OK, just got back from the range. The gun performed alright, but the groups aren't as good as I was hoping, for sure. I was using less than optimal powders and bullets, so it really isn't that bad. All 5 of these targets were shot at 200 meters. In order, they are: 180 Silvertips over 4895, 175 Berger VLD's over 4895, 155 A-Max Match Moly over 4895, 150 Mag-tips over 4895, and 155 A-Max Match Moly over H380. Due to the horizontal stringing, I think the variance is moreso in my shooting, not the setup. I made lots of sight changes between targets, so don't try and make anything of position on target.
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Just wondering if you have done any type of load development before?

How did you determine powder loads and seating depths? A rifle such as this will probably shoot best with the bullets seated close to or into the lands (depending on bullet choice).

Testing with an array of different bullets and powder loads seems like a long way to go about figuring out what is going to shoot.
 
Valid questions and observations. Yes, I have done load development before, but not for target rifles. I used the, 'fit bullet loose in case, chamber, seat a little deeper,' method on this one. As I am just getting into things, I don't have Stoney Point gauges and the like just yet. I mostly was just trying some bullets and powders based on what I could get or already had for right now. I was just wondering if it appeared to 'want to shoot,' and I think it does. At this point, I can begin to look at procuring proper tools and components to build some better loads. I am trying to find an appropriate balance between accurate loads and keeping things fun, not being anal, you know. I never plan to target shoot in competition, just want to have fun.
 
stuff about 45-46 grains of Varget into the case of choice, stick a 155 grain Sierra Palma to the lands, an' fogedaboudit!:D
BTW, is that a factory barrel on there?
Cat
 
gabrielguitars said:
I don't have Stoney Point gauges and the like just yet.
Click to expand...

Don't waste your money on the Stoney Point tool. The way you did it was fine, just make sure to get a comparator for measuring your OAL rather than to the point of the bullet. (If you don't already)

Since each bullet in a box can vary up to .015 (sometimes more) in OAL from base to tip you are better off using 1 bullet to find the Cartridge OAL you want and using a comparator to measure this length and setting your dies up accordingly. This only works for that particular bullet brand and model (ie. Sierra 155 Palma) you will need to determine a different OAL for each brand/model of bullet you use.

Good luck and most of all....HAVE FUN :)
 
SMK bullets are the most forgiving when it comes to seating deepth.
Amax bullets in my rifle shoot very well .020 off the lands at least at 300m. This will likely be my new go to bullet for shooting 300m. I haven't tried them at long range yet so I will stick with SMK's, Nosler, Lapua or Bergers for the 500-1000 yards.

I will agree with catnthehatt about the load. 46 gr of varget might be a little hot for a Sportco but I would work up to that starting at 45 gr and watch for pressure signs.

On a side note, not too long ago a shooter at the DCRA won both the Grand Agg and Gov. Gen Final the same year using a Sportco.
 
Try the Varget/SMK receipes suggested.
Do you have any idea how many rounds have gone down the barrel?
Mixing moly'd and bare bullets isn't really a good idea. One or the other, cleaning really thoroughly before changing might be a good idea.
 
You've gotten good advice already, but if you don't have any Varget, 44gr. of h4895 under a 155 should perform about the same. As others have said, the 155 smk jumps fine, so don't fuss too much about trying to get it to the lands.
 
As you well know, nobody seems to have any Varget to sell, so I am putting off trying it. My load for the the 155's was 44.5 grains of 4895, but it was IMR powder. Also, I'm kind of confused about the whole overall length discussion. I use a Lee dead-length seating die, so that, as I understand it, seats based on overall length, rather than ogive location, right? I have also just read that the Berger VLD's seem to like to be load into the lands, rather than having any jump at all, has anyone had any experience with this? I am also looking at getting in touch with Mysticplayer and trying some 155 SMK's, Hornady 168 BTHP's, and 155 and/or 168 VLD's. As for rounds down the barrel, I have no idea, but I can tell you that the bore and throat appear perfect. I don't think it was shot too often. It would appear that I am going to have to begin to learn some better loading techniques soon. Thank you everyone for your information!

BTW cat, yes, it is the factory barrel.
 
Since you are new to Sportcos, I would like to let you know that there was a problem with the earlier bolt head retaining pins and most were converted to the newer pins. The problem with the old pins was that if the pin sheared and a part fell out the bolt body could turn but not the bolt head presenting a potentially dangerous situation. If you do not have or do not know if you have the new pin, please take it to someone who can check it for you. I believe the correct part from Sportco was colour coded so it could be inspected visually since the NRA of Australia would not allow rifles without the new pin to be used. This was not mandated in Canada so there may be some around without the mod.

Be safe
Mike
 
gabrielguitars said:
As you well know, nobody seems to have any Varget to sell, so I am putting off trying it. My load for the the 155's was 44.5 grains of 4895, but it was IMR powder. Also, I'm kind of confused about the whole overall length discussion. I use a Lee dead-length seating die, so that, as I understand it, seats based on overall length, rather than ogive location, right? I have also just read that the Berger VLD's seem to like to be load into the lands, rather than having any jump at all, has anyone had any experience with this? I am also looking at getting in touch with Mysticplayer and trying some 155 SMK's, Hornady 168 BTHP's, and 155 and/or 168 VLD's. As for rounds down the barrel, I have no idea, but I can tell you that the bore and throat appear perfect. I don't think it was shot too often. It would appear that I am going to have to begin to learn some better loading techniques soon. Thank you everyone for your information!

BTW cat, yes, it is the factory barrel.
Click to expand...

Never used the Lee Dead Length seating die but I beleive all seater dies use the ogive to seat the bullet and do not seat using the tip of the bullet.
 
The Lee Dead length seater does seat on the ogive. The difference is it has no crimp function, so the die can be set with the shell holder touching. That will take the play out of the press or slack in the linkage, but when all is said and done it's still a Lee. I'm not overly impressed with them.
 
So, I just came back from the range with the Sportco. I decided to give the Berger VLD's another chance. I dropped my powder charge 0.3 grains to 41.7 (IMR4895), and seated the VLD's farther out so they were touching the lands, even engraving a slight bit. I loaded 25 of these with the intentions of sighting-in, testing, and having at least 5 left to hunt with. Well, good news! I shot first at 200m, I got (with the exception of a flyer) about an inch group, with 3 going in the same hole. I then stepped up to 300m, and was rewarded with a 1 1/4" group! I even tried 400m, and got about 2". I'm pretty stoked now, feeling good about the purchase of this rifle. I have some 155 MK Palma's coming, along with some Varget. I also want to try 155 and 168 VLD's now. We'll see.
 
gabrielguitars said:
OK, just got back from the range. The gun performed alright, but the groups aren't as good as I was hoping, for sure. I was using less than optimal powders and bullets, so it really isn't that bad. All 5 of these targets were shot at 200 meters. In order, they are: 180 Silvertips over 4895, 175 Berger VLD's over 4895, 155 A-Max Match Moly over 4895, 150 Mag-tips over 4895, and 155 A-Max Match Moly over H380. Due to the horizontal stringing, I think the variance is moreso in my shooting, not the setup. I made lots of sight changes between targets, so don't try and make anything of position on target.
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STP82008.jpg

STP82009.jpg

STP82010.jpg

STP82011.jpg
Click to expand...

G G,
Your scope of choice is a varmint hunting model and is priced accordingly. If that is all you can afford, so be it, but for $250.00 I'd look at a 3-9 Bushnell 3200. FS
 
M44

I have a M44 308 as well. The twist is optimized for 155 - 168 gr projectiles. The bullets that you're shooting are too heavy for the twist.

The optimum loads I have found are 168 AMAX, H4895 41 - 43.5 grn, F210M or 42 - 44grn R15 CCIBR2. I also have some highly accurate loads for the 155gn Nosler Comp. Using these loads, I have a few that are .3MOA always!

With regards to the loads above, start low and work up to the max slowly. Let me know if you have any other questions.
 
Your twist is 1;14, which is just fine for up to conventional 180 gr bullets (not 180 VLD).

Make sure all three action screws are snug, with a bit less torque on the tang screw. (I assume the action has been modified by adding a third screw between the front and the tang?

make sure there is no oil or solvent in the bedding.

The Sportco barrel fouls more than a match stainless barrel, so use soe real good solvent after each shooting session. Sore muzzle down so gung does not run back into action/trigger.

Your groups are excellent.
 
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