Dennis this worked great!!! Shot another 20 rounds (various powder loads) and went through all 20 with zero pain or flinch!!! Thanks.
This rifle is a Mossberg 100 ATR 30-06 so I doubt it will ever be a .5 MOA rifle, my question is would it be worth buying the gauges to check for max OAL and work the different bullet depths to tighten group. Right now it is getting 1.5-1.75 groups.
That's well within a minute of Deer.
You could probably shrink that down by playing with the loads. What max range are you looking for?
You're the one best suited to answer that question. Is the accuracy you're currently getting good enough to accomplish what you want to do? And, are you capable of shooting a 3/5 shot 100 yard 1/2" or less groups with a 30-06?
If the answer to the first question is no, and the answer to the second question is yes I would say do what you need to do to tighten up the groups. You might just need to adjust seating depth or you might need to start over with different powder/bullet. That's the fun of being a "hand loader."
You've got a lot of cartridge in that 30-06 to limit it to a 450 yard gun.
Hunting in Oklahoma I have never had a shot more than 200yrds but if I ever make it to Montana for elk or NW OK to hunt it needs to be better than that. Also a couple of ranges have long range targets so I would like to feel I could take a 500 yard shot.
I just don't know if this rifle will ever be capable.
1st ? is yes with practice been awhile since I shot regularly, I just don't think this rifle will ever be capable. I have researched it and a few folks says they are able to with this rifle.
Thinking on it I guess to find out if the rifle is able I will prolly go ahead and get the gauges because even if I find out it is not it will be good practice for whatever I do decide on for a long range rifle.
get a cheap set of calipers from harbor freight, look on the for split case method of measuring OAL.
http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2012/07/tool-tip-make-your-own-length-to-lands-gauge/
Good tip!
I found my sweet spot in the Browning Stainless Stalker 06 the old fashion way of coating the bullet with Prussian Blue and seating it longer until it contacted the lands.
Your link is much simpler.
Thank you Pokinfun!! I was planning on ordering the gauges today, you just saved me a bit of money!!!
NP, I did it that way when I started out. I now have a straight and curved OAL gauge.
I am not sure I get a more accurate reading, I can just do it faster.
