Discussion Forums

Andrew Murray

Very happy to report that I went out to the rifle range today and managed a 1.4 MOA 10 shot group at 600yd. The grouping was roughly 220mm. The score was 54.2 (That means a total of 54/60 with 2 shots in the centre target). The first round I had ended up with a score of 49.1, I didn't pay enough attention to get a group measurement though as the targets are odd sizes. I think they are set up for milliradians but were being used on an imperial range (yards vs metres).

I can't remember the full rifle set up, custom stock and barrel (spiller or stiller action maybe? or maybe the barrel was that brand?) Nightforce 8-32 scope

I was using a 308 that had been set up for F class shooting (makes the group seem less impressive now right?) And was shot from a rest (front and rear) in the prone position.

Was using the Winchester Super-X Palma loads (155gr projectile).

Nonetheless, I was very happy with the effort. Not bad for a first time. I held onto the fore end even though the guy, whose rig it was, was trying to get me to hold onto the front rest adjustment handle. I ended up telling him I was just trying to get a handle on the recoil... Which did actually feel more heavy on the shot I took with the hand on the adjuster rather than on the fore-end. Rifle high and wide on my shoulder, breathing controlled, hand ready.

I noticed I was going to flinch on the first shot (I've never shot a centrefire before) but remember the words from the book, reset myself, came back ready to fire just accepting that recoil was going to be part of the deal. Which wasn't too bad, very very manageable given the heavy weight of the rig.

Cheers everyone for the encouragement, and especially Nathan for your work and kind words along the way.