15-22 define accuracy

[hoosierone]

Bought a new 15-22 and happy with it but concerned about accuracy. On NRA 50 and 100 yard targets I keep most, but not all rounds in the black. Decided to scope it and try again. Results only marginally better. Various ammo, similar results.

Thinking it might just be me. I'm shooting from a bench but no sandbag just my elbow for prop. I'd be thrilled to get three rounds in an inch at 100 yards. Is that possible with more practice or is accuracy like that just not possible with this rifle?

 

[rickyblaze]

It would be awesome to get a 1 inch group from this rifle at 100 yards but don't be disappointed. You are not alone. These rifle while they are a blast to shoot and plink are really not a 100 yard tack driver. Mine are usually 1 1/2 to 3 at that distance, depending on what ammo mine likes that day

 

[sithlord]

The accuracy of this rifle is generally in the 2-4 'minute of angle' (MOA) range (MOA is an ANGLE - but it translates to roughly 1" @ 100 yards = 1 MOA). What that means for you is that at 100 yards, the rifle will be able to land most of the rounds in a 3" circle (3 MOA).

As rickyblaze said, it's not a tack driver. There are other rifles better suited for that purpose. However, that is enough accuracy to get into the 9 ring consistently at 100 yards on a 100 yard NRA target (the 9 ring is 4" according to the Small Bore Rifle Rulebook, page 14, section 4.11).

HTH

 

[fyimo]

+1 on what the others have said.

 

[johnt111]

At 25 yards at bench rest I can shoot a 2" to 3" group with the 15-22. My Ruger 10-22 with bull barrel and match trigger will have 10 shots touching the same hole.
I shoot the 10-22 about 10X because its that much more fun.

 

[sithlord]

At 25 yards at bench rest I can shoot a 2" to 3" group with the 15-22. My Ruger 10-22 with bull barrel and match trigger will have 10 shots touching the same hole.
I shoot the 10-22 about 10X because its that much more fun.

Sounds like you have a loose barrel nut. You are talking about 8-12 MOA, which is way outside of normal.

Also, you're comparing a stock plinker with a gun that has a match barrel and trigger. The 15-22 stock trigger is 'ok' at best.

I'm not suggesting that you upgrade your 15-22 trigger. But comparing what you have with your 10-22 is apples and oranges.

Tighten the barrel nut, and try again. Even an 1/8th of a turn of the barrel nut has significant consequences on the accuracy. Search 'barrel nut tool'. You can buy them from multiple sources (including Tacticool22, a forum member) or make one yourself out of PVC.

 

[GhostMutt]

At 25 yards at bench rest I can shoot a 2" to 3" group with the 15-22. My Ruger 10-22 with bull barrel and match trigger will have 10 shots touching the same hole.
I shoot the 10-22 about 10X because its that much more fun.

Yep, totally agree with Sithlord on this one....at 25 yards offhand i can get 10 shots within an inch, with the stock trigger. Resting off the bench i can get this...with stock trigger.

[/IMG]

Certainly sounds like a loose barrel nut to me.

 

[Smitty Wesson]

At a Project Appleseed class earned Rifleman qualification with a 15-22 shooting Appleseed Army Qualification Targets, 3 positions at 25 meters, 40 shots within 4 minutes. Rifle is stock except for a Magpul grip, A2 fixed buttstock, old-timey cloth sling, Nikon Prostaff 3-9x scope set at 4x. Used CCI Green Tag ammo.

 

[mobilecommand]

I sbred mine so 20 yards is all a care about roflol

 

[sithlord]

I sbred mine so 20 yards is all a care about roflol

Pardon me for being confused.

What does SBR'ing a rifle have to do with the distance that you shoot?

And why are you rolling on the floor? And laughing out loud about it?

Congrats on the SBR. They certainly are fun range firearms.

 

[Moon-Man]

I wouldn't expect great accuracy at 100 yards with an SBR. At least not on a polymer .22 upper that heats up pretty well after 4 mag dumps

 

[hoosierone]

With a scope at 100 yards I am pretty much in the black. I'm starting to think its me and not the gun. Using mostly standard CCI. For reference, I shot expert with the M-1 in the Army, many many years ago.

 

[sithlord]

I wouldn't expect great accuracy at 100 yards with an SBR. At least not on a polymer .22 upper that heats up pretty well after 4 mag dumps

I have no issue hitting a 4" gong at 100 yards with the wife's 10" integral (effectively an SBR, but only 1 stamp required) 15-22, which is no different than my 16" 15-22. And most people don't shoot a 22lr beyond 100 yards (yes - it can be done... I've shot steel plates at 200 yards with my 22lr pistol....)

With a longer barrel, you will get increased velocity. This WILL alter the trajectory, and thus the point of impact versus a shorter barrel. Since the round is rather light, it is affected by weather (wind, etc). Going slower means a greater opportunity to be affected by weather.

Of course, there is a barrel length where the bullet isn't provided enough time in chamber to spin or gain velocity, and accuracy WILL suffer at that point. In semi-autos, you may also have an issue with recoil (not having enough to cycle the action).

In the long run, the 15-22 is not a tack driver, and expecting 'great accuracy' is a bit much, especially if one uses bulk ammo. But, it is accurate enough for most conditions, regardless of whether you SBR it or not.

Cheers!

 

[hoosierone]

What's SBR?

 

[tomcatt51]

What's SBR?

Short Barrel Rifle.

 

[slammr]

If you want better accuracy you can't rely on cheap ammo. Even at 30 yards, I've noticed considerable difference in even marginally more expensive ammo (like Winchester Super X vs Federal AM22 and Aguila).

 

[mobilecommand]

Here is a pic of my 15-22