6.5x284...how accurate at 100 yds to shoot 1000 yds?

[lpreddick]

I will shoot this gun at 1000 yds this winter using 139 lapuas. I only have access to a 100 and 200 yd range. How small a group is considered acceptable at 100 yds to be competitive at 1000 yds? I am currently getting 3/8" with relolder 17, 3005 fps.

 

[coford]

The real answer (IMHO) is you won't know until you shoot them at 1000 yards. I have tried groups at all ranges and I get my best results when the load testing is done at 1000.

Others seem to be able to make it work at shorter ranges. Read Erik Cortina's post (very long) about shooting at 100 to develop 1000 yard loads and it should help. This system works well for Erik.

 

[dkhunt14]

I think it depends on what competition you are going to shoot. Gonzo is right. The only way to know for sure is shoot at 1000. I had guns and loads shoot great ES and groups at 100 and we're terrible at 1000. If I couldn't test at 1000 I tested at 400. If I could keep 5 shots in 1 inch or close it would usually be competitive. Matt

 

[shoot4fun]

I have some loads in various calibers that shoot great at 600, even out to 900, but suck at 1000 yards.
A lot happens down range that influence just how it's going to shoot. Bullet stability gets to a tipping point and things go down the poopy hole pretty quick.

 

[furmaster]

My best 1k loads are not even close to my best 100yd loads

 

[DanConzo]

My best 1k loads are not even close to my best 100yd loads

The load that shoots the tightest w/ the lowest standard deviation shooting at least 5 shots or more. Shooting @ a 1000 tells it all though.

 

[1shot]

Any load that doesn't have single digit ES and sub .5 moa groups don't even get tested at 1K. That being said there have been exceptions to that rule, though not many.
I hope this helps,

Lloyd

 

[furmaster]

Any load that doesn't have single digit ES and sub .5 moa groups don't even get tested at 1K. That being said there have been exceptions to that rule, though not many.
I hope this helps,

Lloyd

I totally agree. What I was getting at is......a high bc vld style bullet may not stabilize within 300yds. So why build a load at 100? After reading some interesting "bullet yaw" articles, it changed my thinking.
if you want a nice tight 100yd group, save yourself some $ and shoot a flat base bullet, bc doesn't even come close to going to work at 100yds. That being said, I shoot a lot at 100 but just for chrono work, and it is fun to try and shoot clovers.
I am not saying I am the best at all, a lot of guys might disagree with me and most likely can shoot so much better I might cry, but this is what works for me. 100yds, chrono work. Pick 2 or 3 loads I like, low sd's, good groups
300yds, set preliminary zero, check groups and sd's again.
500 yds, ladder test, adjust final load and coal for best result.
1000yds, pic a winner!
All I'm saying is, picking your best load with a high bc, vld style bullet at 100 yds because of group size is like picking a Honda over a Ferrari because it went the first two feet faster.

 

[savagedasher]

If it don't shoot a sub .250 at 100 what good is it. Larry

 

[furmaster]

If it don't shoot a sub .250 at 100 what good is it. Larry

You never now till you shoot it at 1k. I wasn't saying I take my moa 100yd load and expect it to shoot at distance. But, i have noticed some of my .25'S are better than my one holers at distances

 

[savagedasher]

You never now till you shoot it at 1k. I wasn't saying I take my moa 100yd load and expect it to shoot at distance. But, i have noticed some of my .25'S are better than my one holers at distances

Without shooting them at the same time and the same bullet how can you say that ?
My . 150 gun shoots around .675 20 shots at 300 and shoot 1.250 at 600 Never have got better then 2. 750 at 1000 . But with the condition I have to shoot in it is 8" at 1000 .
I'm not doubting you . Just show me .
Smile. Larry

 

[dmoran]

If it don't shoot a sub .250 at 100 what good is it. Larry

It may shoot better then a .125 load at 600/1000 yards.

The last time I developed LR loads at 100yds it happened (2006), and wasn't the first time I got burned by it, and is why I stopped LR development at 100yds totally since. Particulars:
Had an agging .150 at 100 load take a bad beating to a +.300 vertical load at 600yds.
Retested both distances multiple times.
The .150 load was a 3 to 5" at 600yds and ugly.
The .300 load was a solid 2" agging performer at 600yds.
Take them back to 100 and the .150 would agg, and the .300 would repeat vertical.
That was just one of the times that I seen it, and the last time my loads got developed at 100.

Ask Matt what he's seen with 100yd loads.
Donovan

 

[MarkS]

I will shoot this gun at 1000 yds this winter using 139 lapuas. I only have access to a 100 and 200 yd range. How small a group is considered acceptable at 100 yds to be competitive at 1000 yds? I am currently getting 3/8" with relolder 17, 3005 fps.

I start at 100yds then 200yds. I like to see 0.4" and less at 200yds with a ES as low as I can get. Then you will have to just try at a match. I has worked for me.

Mark Schronce