Varmint Rifles and Cartridges by Charles T. Richards

Author:Charles T. Richards
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781628739329
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
Published: 2013-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

RANGE TESTS

The range tests for the .223 Remington were performed on the same day as those with the .204 Ruger. There was a variable breeze from 12 o’clock, the temperature was in the high 80s, and the sun was bright.

The ammunition I selected for the factory test was the Federal Premium Vital-Shok with a 55-grain Triple-Shock bullet. This is premium ammo and sells for a premium price. I became concerned, however, after firing the first three rounds at the target. The Cooper is an accurate rifle; I have shot some groups with handloads in the past that measured under MOA. When I checked the first five-shot group through my spotting scope, I was shocked. It resembled one of my 25-yard handgun groups! It measured 3.62" center to center. I decided to continue the testing and fired another five-shot group. This one was even worse! It measured 6.25", with four shots in 3.28"—not at all what I would expect from premium ammunition. I checked my scope mounting, and everything seemed tight. Could something have happened to my scope internally?

The chronograph data showed an average velocity for the ten shots of 3173 fps, which seemed okay, but the standard deviation was on the high side—102 fps.

At this time, I decided to test my handload to make sure something hadn’t gone seriously wrong with the scope or rifle. My handload consisted of the Sierra 52-grain hollow point boat tail bullet, 25 grains of IMR 4895 powder, and the Remington No. 7 primer. The first five-shot group measured 0.54" and the second measured 0.88", with four shots in 0.58". It was a relief to see small groups return and know my rifle and scope were okay.

Like my CZ Model 527, the Cooper Model 21 Classic is a good choice for a walking-around varmint rifle. And the .223 Remington is, without a doubt, an excellent cartridge for all varmints out to 300 yards.

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