This rifle doesn't sound like any other I've ever shot. It doesn't go "POW"...... it goes "BOOOOM". Recoil is not sharp, but is a heavy push - more like a 12ga shotgun. It must have to do with the burn rate of the powder used for this caliber and parent case.

After zeroing the scope with cheapo 200gr Remington CoreLokt, it was apparent that the new barrel didn't like them - probably partly due to the barrel needing some break-in shooting, and partly that the load isn't what the barrel likes. I'll try them again after 100 or so rounds have gone down the tube.

I switched to 250gr Core-Lokt and found a friend. The first target was with no scope adjustment to allow for the heavier bullet, so the rounds were a bit low, but they sure grouped well for a new barrel - a 5th round's in the group, but I don't know where:



Changed the scope a little to bring up point-of-impact and then shot this group - the highest was first scope-settling shot:



I think I'm going to like it a lot as a hunting rifle. Accuracy should improve with more shooting to smooth the barrel - no lapping has been done.... and it should have more accuracy with better ammunition. I would expect with time it'll be a dependable sub-1" shooter at 100 yards.

It's not a good bench rifle, though - unless I install a decelerator or a recoil pad. For hunting, I don't think I'll feel a thing over a few shots, but after about 30 rounds it gets painful on the bench. It's a hoss. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

Frank