Here you go:
First it was very hot!
I tried three different loads today, the Speer 70 Grain handload, a 55 Grain V-Max handload, and some American Eagle 55 Grain AR223 ammo. I placed the targets at 50 yards and used the factory iron sights from prone, no sling. The target squares are about three inches.
First the Speer:
These shot the best out my rifle. I use these quite a bit in my Ruger M-77 MKII with a 1/12 twist so I was hopeful they would shoot well in the CZ and they did. I have used these bullets on deer and pigs with great results, so I was very pleased to see them shoot well in this rifle. If you check out the reviews of these on the Midway site you will see similar reviews. This is a real sleeper bullet in the .223.
Next was my V-Max load. These usually shoot the best out of my .223's.
I have to admit by this point the heat was affecting my mental acuity. Sweat was dripping into my eyes and the heat was becoming oppressive. I still feel I put forth and pretty good effort, but it was more difficult to concentrate and focus on the target. I was hoping to try a similar load topped with Sierra Game kings, but of course forgot them at home. I would like to shoot these again to confirm actual group size.
Finally the AR223.
I have not had good luck with this ammo in other rifles, so my hopes were not too high with this stuff. I was also done at this point. I had spent about an hour shooting with no shade. I simply shot this for comparison.
Pics of the rifle:
And the desert for perspective:
Final thoughts:
I am very pleased with the rifle so far. The trigger cleaned up nicely. I like the factory sights, but I am going to put on a NECG ghost ring very soon. I hope this will help tighten things up a bit. The rifle functioned 100% and ejected all cases about three feet and to the rear. They all clustered nicely into a small pile about ten inches in diameter. The heat was brutal. After about 25 rounds the barrel was too hot to touch. This did not seem to effect accuracy though as all groups stayed about the same. Overall I shot about 120 rounds. I was concerned that the 70 grain bullets would not stay stabilized over distance, so I shot at a rock at about 185 yards and hit it every time. Then I fired on a small boulder at about 265 yards and was able to hit it pretty regularly, so I think I am good to go. I will shoot it on paper when things cool down to confirm my findings.
I hope others find this information helpful.
Cordially,
Matt
First it was very hot!
I tried three different loads today, the Speer 70 Grain handload, a 55 Grain V-Max handload, and some American Eagle 55 Grain AR223 ammo. I placed the targets at 50 yards and used the factory iron sights from prone, no sling. The target squares are about three inches.
First the Speer:
These shot the best out my rifle. I use these quite a bit in my Ruger M-77 MKII with a 1/12 twist so I was hopeful they would shoot well in the CZ and they did. I have used these bullets on deer and pigs with great results, so I was very pleased to see them shoot well in this rifle. If you check out the reviews of these on the Midway site you will see similar reviews. This is a real sleeper bullet in the .223.
Next was my V-Max load. These usually shoot the best out of my .223's.
I have to admit by this point the heat was affecting my mental acuity. Sweat was dripping into my eyes and the heat was becoming oppressive. I still feel I put forth and pretty good effort, but it was more difficult to concentrate and focus on the target. I was hoping to try a similar load topped with Sierra Game kings, but of course forgot them at home. I would like to shoot these again to confirm actual group size.
Finally the AR223.
I have not had good luck with this ammo in other rifles, so my hopes were not too high with this stuff. I was also done at this point. I had spent about an hour shooting with no shade. I simply shot this for comparison.
Pics of the rifle:
And the desert for perspective:
Final thoughts:
I am very pleased with the rifle so far. The trigger cleaned up nicely. I like the factory sights, but I am going to put on a NECG ghost ring very soon. I hope this will help tighten things up a bit. The rifle functioned 100% and ejected all cases about three feet and to the rear. They all clustered nicely into a small pile about ten inches in diameter. The heat was brutal. After about 25 rounds the barrel was too hot to touch. This did not seem to effect accuracy though as all groups stayed about the same. Overall I shot about 120 rounds. I was concerned that the 70 grain bullets would not stay stabilized over distance, so I shot at a rock at about 185 yards and hit it every time. Then I fired on a small boulder at about 265 yards and was able to hit it pretty regularly, so I think I am good to go. I will shoot it on paper when things cool down to confirm my findings.
I hope others find this information helpful.
Cordially,
Matt
