Daniel Defense - competition accuracy

[Halmccoyii]

Quality bullets and Barrels with good load are the start for good groups.
Of course all the other stuff, triggers, scope etc. help it along.
As Jelenko said your barrel may be holding back.

I’m upgrading trigger again and think my scope will work. Im sure I could improve with a new barrel but this isn’t what I normally do with this rifle. So I’ll give one more bullet a shot and see if I can improve there. I’m more focused. On the bolt gun but trying to see if I can get a little more accuracy out of this. The long shots will be tough with what I have but it’s kind of fun to see how much I can push this rifle without going crazy and committing too much to the cause.

Thanks a bunch.

 

[jlorenzo]

What is this Blast match?

 

[Mr. Moose]

They are expensive. But only shooting one relay with them so I’ll give one box a try. I sure like them in 6.5. If I can work up a load with them I’ll be ok as I don’t plan to shoot a lot with them.

Thanks.

The "original" Mk12 used an 18" Douglas SS barrel (not-chrome-lined), which had a 1:7 twist, coupled with a specially developed load, still reputed to be the ideal round - the Mk262 Mod 1 cartridge. It uses a 77 grain Sierra MatchKing, and has an effective range of 700 meters or more, dependent on conditions and skill level. It costs 1.50-2.00/round, depending on where you buy it and how many you buy at once. Still, you can buy it in 20 round boxes, and it might be worth testing in your current barrel to get some idea of whether it will offer improvement in a chrome-lined barrel...

 

[X-Caveman]

What is this Blast match?

Thread 'THE BLAST 2026'

Jan 11, 2026

The Blast 2026. May 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Flint Oak Hunting Lodge in Fall River, Kansas.
5 different rifle classes, shooting clay targets at 4 different distances, Much like the old VHA Jamboree. We have over $12,000.00 in prize money and a lot of donated products.
ALL THE PROFITS FROM THIS SHOOT GOES TO - TUNNEL TO TOWERS AND FREEDOM HOOVES THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER. Last year they both received $10,000.00
Attached are the rules, entry information and a photo of how the targets are set up.
There are 120 entries returning from last year. There are 20 slots left. If you would like to...

• JBauer
• Replies: 5
• Forum: Competition Forum (All Calibers)

• 

 

[cb186]

First thing I'd do is try 80smk's, unless you need to mag feed.

 

[DShortt]

The targets at blast are 4.25” clay targets. Distances are 107, 246, 365, and 492. So sub moa at the farthest distance. I’m sure wind calls will be substantial issue for me in Kansas.

Having lived in Kansas for a few years in my younger days, I can say it's rare for no substantial wind to blow.

 

[Halmccoyii]

Having lived in Kansas for a few years in my younger days, I can say it's rare for no substantial wind to blow.

Haha. I have lived here my whole life. I won’t know what the world has come to if there isn’t a fairly decent wind that day. It’s just Kansas.

Thanks.

 

[Halmccoyii]

Decided on the 77 grain Sierra Match Kings over 23.9 grains of N140. Getting 2620 with 9-10 sd. Hope it tightens up now that I switches to lapua brass. 77 seem to be more consistent than the 73 eldm which was other option. Getting just sub moa now in multiple groups. So while it’s not up to my bolt it’s probably the best I’ll get. Working to improve the rifle a little. Added a little weight and upgraded the trigger. So maybe I get a bit better.

Thanks.

 

[Halmccoyii]

First thing I'd do is try 80smk's, unless you need to mag feed.

Honestly I hadn’t even considered single feeding. Just decided yesterday in the load and found a good price in a bunch of 77SMKs.

Thanks for the thought.

 

[Fast14riot]

For an AR, its Barrel, Bolt, Trigger. In that order of importance. Everything else is there to support those things. No reason the 77smk over 24ish grains of Varget/RL15/N140 shouldn't be sub moa, except for the chrome lined barrel. You've got a decent trigger, DD bolts are usually fine, but that barrel is not what most would consider target grade. That will be your limiting factor.

 

[Halmccoyii]

For an AR, its Barrel, Bolt, Trigger. In that order of importance. Everything else is there to support those things. No reason the 77smk over 24ish grains of Varget/RL15/N140 shouldn't be sub moa, except for the chrome lined barrel. You've got a decent trigger, DD bolts are usually fine, but that barrel is not what most would consider target grade. That will be your limiting factor.

Yes, I have now recognized barrel, as many have said, is limiting. I really use this rifle for fun shooting, coyote hunting and shooting steel along with my two Tikka Ace targets in 223 and 6.5.

I probably should stop worrying about my equipment and worry about practice with this load and recognize limitations.

Thanks for the input. I appreciate it a bunch.