Hey everyone- I’ve had quite a few inquiries as to how the range results are looking for the AR-308 project rifle. I didn’t set a formal accuracy goal for the project, but I would like to see consistent ~0.5″ groups at 100 yards. This involves shooting skills, load development, and time.

This last week, I was able to spend some time at the range (it wasn’t raining, in Seattle that’s remarkable this time of year) and was pleased with how the rifle was shooting.

I only had time for a few groups (I was there working on an upcoming project for NWGUN as my primary activity) but I was able to shoot a 0.7″ group with one flinch-induced flier, and four shots in ~0.2″.

AR-308 Group at 100 yards - 5 shots in 0.7", 4 shots in 0.2"

These shots were fired off a bipod on the front, and with a wooden block and improvised stock hold on the back. I saw the reticle move off target when the flier was shot, and I thought to myself- “Aaaaaaaaarrrrrgh” (think Charlie Brown voice). It’s always that one shot!

Based on these and other results, I’m confident that I can attain my “consistent 0.5 inch @ 100 yards” goal. I think the biggest thing at this point is to spend more time at the range.

Loads you ask? (that’s the point of this site, right?). These were my military-custom-match loads. These loads were assembled with carefully prepped 7.62x51mm military brass including case neck thickness/uniformity sorting.

Best load of the day - Military brass with XBR and 168gr Hornady HPBT

Here’s the load specifics (use at your own risk, always cross-reference load data before using!)

These were my first loads with IMR XPR powder, and it looks like I’ll be using this powder and load to “hone in” on an optimal load for this rifle. Without the flier, I could have been in the 1/4″ range for a 5-shot group. Perhaps next time!

Thanks,
Gavin