Ruger number 1 group size expectations
- Thread starter Zetter
- Start date
You have put forward no evidence say "this is patently not true” as regards the potential accuracy level of the .303 cartridge - when compared to similar others.
Conversely there's plenty of evidence, including competition results etc spanning decades both at short range & long range (e.g. 200 yard Schuetzen through to 1200 yard Match Rifle) - as to how accurate it can be when use in rifles capable of fine accuracy, rather than military rifles. To highlight the success & demonstrated accuracy potential of the cartridge isn't “pretending it's anything it isn't” - it's merely using documented results to show the cartridge is on 'a par' with many other similar capacity/calibre rounds. It's nothing special as a cartridge but neither is it the reverse.
I'm not a fan of any particular cartridge but I am a fan of accurate information. It does nobody any good, especially the OP to present old wives tales regarding the .303 being (for some unidentified reason) inherently inaccurate or below par as fact.
180 grain sierra pro hunters at the moment to be fair there isnt masses of choice in .303 for hunting bullets now
tackb
Well-Known Member
Firstly the original claim wasn’t similar others it was any other , important to get your facts right if you absolutely must be right and also insist on making an argument where there is none.
Secondly why is any other cartridge used today when there is no advantage because the 303 (which we are talking about not the other examples you introduced) is every bit as accurate as any other cartridge.
You seem personally offended by my comments about the 303 , if for some weird reason that’s the case why don’t you pm me so you don’t derail this posters thread ?
I don’t suppose you could list all the inaccurate calibres so that we could avoid them?
From my old faithful No1 MkIII* SMLE, with target barrel and 4x Redfield, I was getting 1.5" at 100yd for 5 shots using Norma 130gn and 150gn. Nice bullets with good expansion/disintegration. Those became unobtainable about the turn of the century and I changed to Sierra Pro Hunter in 125gr. This was before range finders and there was a benefit to maximising velocity for flat shooting.
With the SPH 125 and a 2-7x Leupold, my groups went out to 2-3" over a range of different powder weights. Doing ladder testing with AR2208 showed no real node pattern, just random statistical variability due to using only 5 shot groups. I tried 150gn Pro Hunters and things improved a bit, to more like 2". They were closer to the original 174gr the barrel would have been made for.
An outside the square suggestion would be to try say .308 Nosler Ballistic Tips which would greatly improve terminal performance, given it is a hunting rifle. Do a bit of research into the old practice of shooting .308 bullets in the .303 Brit. You may need to find paper books as it was before the internet. Ruger might also be able to advise.
With the SPH 125 and a 2-7x Leupold, my groups went out to 2-3" over a range of different powder weights. Doing ladder testing with AR2208 showed no real node pattern, just random statistical variability due to using only 5 shot groups. I tried 150gn Pro Hunters and things improved a bit, to more like 2". They were closer to the original 174gr the barrel would have been made for.
An outside the square suggestion would be to try say .308 Nosler Ballistic Tips which would greatly improve terminal performance, given it is a hunting rifle. Do a bit of research into the old practice of shooting .308 bullets in the .303 Brit. You may need to find paper books as it was before the internet. Ruger might also be able to advise.
HonestJohn
Well-Known Member
I’d say 1-1.5”’groups are perfectly good for stalking up to 150yds if putting it in the kill zone.
Many manufacturers pride themselves on a 1”
Guarantee. Not many years ago 1” groups was seen as a success when finding ammo that worked. Not many can actually shoot a 1” group, maybe your rifle is better than you. Many target shooters have spent thousands on custom rifles, hoping for 1/2” moa groups. There’s a weird obsession, nearly OCD these days on group size for stalking deer that have a large chest kill zone. It’s easy to waste money chasing dreams. Blondes are better. Speed kills. Etc you’re welcome
Many manufacturers pride themselves on a 1”
Guarantee. Not many years ago 1” groups was seen as a success when finding ammo that worked. Not many can actually shoot a 1” group, maybe your rifle is better than you. Many target shooters have spent thousands on custom rifles, hoping for 1/2” moa groups. There’s a weird obsession, nearly OCD these days on group size for stalking deer that have a large chest kill zone. It’s easy to waste money chasing dreams. Blondes are better. Speed kills. Etc you’re welcome
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