M&P 10 a 100 yard limit ?

[Shamen]

Been working to get my M&P 10 sighted in for a deer hunt. Very frustrating. It will shoot into an inch at 100 yards with Federal Premium 165 gr with the Sierra Matchking bullet (not recommended for hunting) everything else I've tried, shown below (and then some) shoots into about 4" at 100. The Matchkings are at the top. Used two different scopes 3.5 fixed (Acog) and a Bushnell 4.5-14. Three range sessions, no difference. Don't feel good about anything over 100' at this point. Thinking of giving up and taking my old Rem 700 in 308 Win. Shame... I expected more from this AR, any advice?

 

[FriarTuck]

I am far from an expert on the M&P 10, having just picked mine up a couple weeks ago. The ammo I used at the range was Hornady superformance sst and I was very happy with it. When I could discipline myself to taking my time it was less than 1" at 100 yards.

 

[Shamen]

150gr or 165?

 

[FriarTuck]

165 , they will be my hunting round.

 

[Bat Guano]

Weird. Have only shot 168 gr. SMKs and M80 equiv. (147 gr. military ball, 43.5 gr. 4895) through mine, and a bit under 100 rounds so far, out to 300. The SMKs will do under 1 MOA, and the M80 about 2 MOA at 1 and 200.

I do best from prone over a sleeping bag roll; don't like bipods at all. I also use my own hand loads in .30 caliber gas guns.

I'm sure the rifle will shoot well with a bullet/load it likes, but you may not find it for a while.

I really like my Big 10. Good luck.

 

[Shamen]

Thanks Friar I'll try to find some. I have some 165 SST's on my bench but my last set of reloads didn't perform. Had no idea this piece would be so testy.

 

[Isomaad]

My M&P 10 is the LE version with all the Magpul furniture and it shoots at least MOA at 100yds with the Hornady SST 165's. It is my hunting round as well. My 10 also shoots the PPU 168 grain match pretty well but not as tight as the SST's. Since my M&P 10's main purpose is for hunting, I'm tickled to death with it's performance. Now if I can just get Mr. Whitetail to cooperate.

 

[MistWolf]

The M&P-10 is sensitive to any external pressure placed on the barrel from resting the non-free float handguard on something. Initial testing with my Big Smith shows a reduction of groups from 2-4 moa to 1-2 moa by replacing the factory handguards with a Lancer 5 carbon fiber free float handguard. I've also replaced the original over weight factory gas block and muzzle device with much lighter units which seems to have helped as well

 

[Arik]

I understand that you want to squeeze as much accuracy out of this type of rifle but keep in mind that the 30/30 doesn't do 1 moa @ 100 yards and has killed many deer.

 

[Rugbyreb]

Bad Ammo

Thanks Friar I'll try to find some. I have some 165 SST's on my bench but my last set of reloads didn't perform. Had no idea this piece would be so testy.

I have the big smith hitting everything I aimed at at 130 yards, knocked down a target at 160 yards then is tough conditions weaving between large trees I hit a 5" inch plate at 220.

I was using a 79.00 Bushnell scope with 147 gr Brazilian surplus. Had A double feed three times but she needs to be broken in.

I retired an m1a socom because it was inaccurate. The big smith is better then I can shoot.

 

[Isomaad]

The M&P-10 is sensitive to any external pressure placed on the barrel from resting the non-free float handguard on something. Initial testing with my Big Smith shows a reduction of groups from 2-4 moa to 1-2 moa by replacing the factory handguards with a Lancer 5 carbon fiber free float handguard. I've also replaced the original over weight factory gas block and muzzle device with much lighter units which seems to have helped as well

My M&P 10 does not seem to be sensitive at all with the Magpul forearm. It is very consistent and I see no need to free-float this rifle. Got lucky I reckon!

 

[Shamen]

I understand that you want to squeeze as much accuracy out of this type of rifle but keep in mind that the 30/30 doesn't do 1 moa @ 100 yards and has killed many deer.

Please... Squeezing accuracy, for me, would be getting below 2 MOA and that's pretty generous IMO. If I wanted 30-30 capabilities that's what I'd be shooting.

Found some recommended 165 gr Hornady SST's By the way. I think I have one more range session in me with the M&P 10 on this issue. Nice piece but I don't have time for a project gun. This baby will shoot or it's gone.

 

[Arik]

I'm just saying that deer don't need precision sniper accuracy.

 

[Shamen]

I understand... just feeling a bit grumpy given all the trouble lately. I've shot bolt guns for over thirty years and I'm used to my shots going where they're aimed. My old 700 heavy barrel varmint in .223 would shoot into .5 MOA all day. My 308 bolt is about .75. I'm new to the AR scene. Maybe in this playground less for more is where it's at. In any case I'd like to be able to shoot within 4" to 200'. If that's to much to ask from a factory AR I'm in the wrong arena. Mine isn't quite factory By the way, I added a Giselle (sp?) trigger and a Magpul stock. Glad I haven't put more into it at this point.

 

[Isomaad]

I'm just saying that deer don't need precision sniper accuracy.

MOD (Minute of Deer) works for me. Lol!

 

[arjay]

Use the 308,a deer that lays overnight tastes mighty gamey [emoji53]

 

[Shamen]

Use the 308,a deer that lays overnight tastes mighty gamey [emoji53]

True..

MOD varies depending on the individual. I can't quite decide if that's what I have (and should settle for) or just leave the "10" and take the bolt gun. Bugs me, that's all.

 

[Isomaad]

True..

MOD varies depending on the individual. I can't quite decide if that's what I have (and should settle for) or just leave the "10" and take the bolt gun. Bugs me, that's all.

You never know, the 165gr sst might just be what you're looking for. Maybe the next range trip will be a winner! Good luck.

 

[Shamen]

You never know, the 165gr sst might just be what you're looking for. Maybe the next range trip will be a winner! Good luck.

Wanted to go back out today after finding the ammo but was feeling a bit worn down after the last two trips. That and the wind was up around 15 mph. Stayed in and cleaned up the shooter. Love the smell of solvent and gun oil in the evening. I'll post a picture of the target following my next trial.

 

[sgtsandman]

I understand... just feeling a bit grumpy given all the trouble lately. I've shot bolt guns for over thirty years and I'm used to my shots going where they're aimed. My old 700 heavy barrel varmint in .223 would shoot into .5 MOA all day. My 308 bolt is about .75. I'm new to the AR scene. Maybe in this playground less for more is where it's at. In any case I'd like to be able to shoot within 4" to 200'. If that's to much to ask from a factory AR I'm in the wrong arena. Mine isn't quite factory By the way, I added a Giselle (sp?) trigger and a Magpul stock. Glad I haven't put more into it at this point.

Keep in mind, most bolt rifles have a free floated barrel. That makes a difference. I can't remember, are you using iron sights or a scope? If iron sights at 100 yards, 3-4" pretty consistent for an AR rifle. To do better, you'll need to free float the barrel and an optic. Combat style rifles are not designed for great accuracy out of the box.