Ammo type for sight-in?

[Len]

I'm assembling my first precision type 308 rifle.

I've installed all the bells and whistles, exceptional scope and trigger, etc...

Here's the question: Would you generally sight in with the ammo you'd most often use [FMJ] or spend the money to sight in with really good match grade? In other words, do you explore the maximum accuracy possible, or assure maximum accuracy for the most commonly used loads.

I'd like to hear your answer, and your reasoning.

Thanks in advance...Len

 

[OKFC05]

You don't really expect two different .308 bullets to shoot precisely to the same point of impact, do you?

 

[Len]

No, I don't expect same POI with different ammo.

I guess what I'm talking about is assessing the overall capability of the completed rifle project.

In other words, is it worth knowing what the best group possible is, using match ammo, when the ammo most often used is NATO/FMJ rounds? Splitting hairs, I know...

Len

 

[Pisgah]

I like to know what is the most accurate load for my rifle, and when I find a load that gives gilt-edged accuracy I lay in at least a small supply; but, it may not end up being my everyday load. My everyday load will usually not be as accurate, but it will be considerably cheaper, and whatever its accuracy potential is, I will know it because I have shot it a bunch.

 

[OKFC05]

My usual practice is to try several match bullets in handloads of various powders and loads, and analyze the results.

Then I pick my favorite load and zero the sight for it. It may not always be the absolute most accurate, but the most practical. Then I shoot it at various distances to verify actual trajectory, and make a table for that exact load and rifle. I like the VLD match bulets for flat trajectory and less wind sensitivity. (Wind is always a big deal in OK)

Unless some component becomes unavailable, I keep shooting the same load all the time.

No offense, but I have never understood people who spend thousands on a precision rifle and then shoot mil surp FMJ service rounds through it.
Even the army rifle team loads match ammo for practice.
A precision rifle barrel has only a few thousand "precision" shots so why waste them on cheap ammo?

 

[Ron H.]

Sir, FWIW, I sight in with the ammo I'll be using most in that particular gun. With my comp rifles, I sight in with my comp ammo.

Just FYI, most FMJs will not shoot up to the potential of a precision rifle. It's like running regular pump gas in a Formula 1 car.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

 

[Dragon88]

I don't get it. You spent the money to build a precision rifle, but you won't be shooting match ammo out of it? Seems like a waste to me. If the rifle will never be used consistently with good ammunition then don't waste more money on even one box of it. Also, if it's a new barrel, you will never know what that rifle can really do in one box of match ammo or ten boxes. Practice with what you will be using.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I would sight the rifle in with the ammo you are going to shoot most and if you want to test the rifle's accuracy potential use the ammo you think is most accurate. (like that Match ammo you mentioned)

 

[Len]

Thanks for the candid replies, everyone, I appreciate them.

You all made a lot of sense. I'm just coming to grips with the idea that I have to spend "up" a bit on ammo costs...which is something I have to consider due to expenditures keeping up to snuff with three other calibers!

I do practice a lot with my guns...and I think those of you who said I built a good rifle, I should feed it good ammunition...makes sense to me.

I just have to "bite the bullet" and get used to budgeting more to get good with the new project!

Thanks again.

Len

 

[Ron H.]

Thanks for the candid replies, everyone, I appreciate them.

You all made a lot of sense. I'm just coming to grips with the idea that I have to spend "up" a bit on ammo costs...which is something I have to consider due to expenditures keeping up to snuff with three other calibers!

I do practice a lot with my guns...and I think those of you who said I built a good rifle, I should feed it good ammunition...makes sense to me.

I just have to "bite the bullet" and get used to budgeting more to get good with the new project!

Thanks again.

Len

Sir, the gun is just the starting point. To get really good, you'll wear out springs and barrels and even entire guns. (Been there, done that. And I still ain't "really good.") One of the hardest things for me to get my brain around when I started shooting competitively was that the gun itself is a "consumable," just like powder or bullets.

The journey is entirely worthwhile, though, and you'll learn a helluva lot on the way.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

You all made a lot of sense. I'm just coming to grips with the idea that I have to spend "up" a bit on ammo costs...which is something I have to consider due to expenditures keeping up to snuff with three other calibers!

I do practice a lot with my guns...and I think those of you who said I built a good rifle, I should feed it good ammunition...makes sense to me.

I just have to "bite the bullet" and get used to budgeting more to get good with the new project!
Len

Len,
If you are going to shoot a lot of rifle ammo in a precision rifle I highly suggest you start reloading. The price of good Match ammo is prohibitive so IMO the only way to shoot accurate ammo regularly without breaking the bank is to reload. I can go to the range and shoot 50/60 rounds of very good 30-06 Match ammo that I loaded myself for the price of one box of 20 rounds if I bought it commercially.