Finding out what ammo it likes?

[MG5150]

Hello All

I'm going to buy a box of a few different ammo types to see what my Browning X Bolt 30-06 likes the most.

Am I right with this process:

-fire 3 shots at a target and measure the grouping (3 minute wait between shots)
-pick out the ammo that had the best grouping
-sight the rifle in using the ammo it liked the most.

Should I check the groupings at 50m or 100m? (before sighting at first at 50 then 100)

All help is greatly appreciated

[Blr243]

Either distance is fine for group checking If you visit the shooters trajectory calculator website it may help you decide what range to zero your rifle at

[Oldbloke]

Yes try a few brands. I prefer 4 or 5 shot groups.
And yep, don't let tge barrel get hot.


I like 100yards. But 50 will like do. Your scope might determine your preference.

1" high at 100yards is always a good start.

Then buy bulk.

[Oldbloke]

Keep your empty cases. You may decide to reload later.

[zbenga]

try different projectile weight in the same brand as well

[Billo]

You might want to ring around and see whats on special first before buying because I saw Sako 30-06 130g Gamehead ammunition on sale yesterday at a local shop $42/20, top quality brass too

[Fester]

Ammo costs now-days so I would first see what other blokes seem to like in their 30-06s and then just try 1 or 2 different lower-priced packs of known shooters like Federal Powershok in a medium weight.

If it shoots under an inch or better with a few slow 3-shot groups at 100, see if they still do the 200-round discount.

If Federal blue box shoots like it used to there is no point in spending heaps to test lots of other brands and weights.

[Coxy383]

Hello All

I'm going to buy a box of a few different ammo types to see what my Browning X Bolt 30-06 likes the most.

Am I right with this process:

-fire 3 shots at a target and measure the grouping (3 minute wait between shots)
-pick out the ammo that had the best grouping
-sight the rifle in using the ammo it liked the most.

Should I check the groupings at 50m or 100m? (before sighting at first at 50 then 100)

All help is greatly appreciated

If you have a second gun take that aswell. 3 minutes inbetween shots feels longer than you think. Personally I'd shoot the 3 within 2 minutes then let the barrel cool inbetween groups . But that works for me