Hello everybody,

I shoot at 300 meters ( /-328 yds) with a Sako model 75 Varmint chambered in 308Win (1/11" twist).
Reload info: LAPUA cases (neck resized),CCI 200 Large rifle primers, VV N150 - 43 grs, Lapua Scenar GB422 (167grs), OAL = 2.795 inches => average speed = 2550 feets/sec.
The last time I went to range, in prone position with a bipod, I got a group 15 shoots in a rectangle: 4" wide and 2" height for 15 rounds (light transversal wind).

Should I expect getting more accuracy from such a "out of the box" rifle?
What about considering to buy a "competition seating die" in order to improve accuracy? Other bullet weight? ...?

In advance, many thanks, HUBERT.

Do you have a tool to check runout? I like the Bersin tool because it will allow you to actualy straighten rounds that have too much runout.
The competition seating dies are nice for 308. Your groups are pretty good already so it might be worth having some extra precise tooling to improve it...................DJ

dont do much shooting past 100 yards but that sound like a respectable group. If this is a new rifle you will probibly see improvments as the barrel is breaking in. If it is new check out the logs on break in there are some tips. It is a pain in the you know what, but I am a beleiver. I also have a Sako and @ 100 yards the groups went from over an inch to one oblong hole with factory Fedral premium 165 gr. btsp after break in.

Hubert_ph,

Welcome to the forums.

I must agree that your initial groups are more than promising. And I agree that checking the runout for long range ammunition is an excellent idea to remove any doubt that your ammunition is the best possible. I use and recomend a best quality seating die. If you feel that the rifle is capable of better, and you have shot better in similiar conditions with other rifles, then: you could try a different powder (VV 540 or VV550, maybe faster with VV 140, or even VV 135) The VV 135 was the most accurate powder for me in one of my .308's. You also might try to vary the seating depth slightly (longer if possible 2.8++)to tweak a small margin of additional potential yet hidden. I would say that having relatively little vertical dispersion is a good indicator that your loads are performing well. Latteral or horizontal dispersion can come from environmental (wind) or from shoulder pressure varing during the shot string (shooter's technique.) Now as to different bullet weights, only the rifle knows the answer to what it will favor. But your twist and cartridge should do exceptionally well with the weight you have choosen. I would not abandon those 167's too soon. I would think that in the best possible conditions an exceptional group should be basically round and of approximately 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter. Beyond that you would be performing like a Norse God.

You have a .5 MOA to 1 MOA rifle. If you're shooting 1.3 MOA from a position other than a benchrest, then you have reached the gun's accuracy limit.

Why don't you try to benchrest the rig at 100 meters and play with seating depth and primers. Then shoot prone at 300.

Thank for welcoming me in this forum.

You've given me a lot of tips to try. I first intend to invest in a competition seating die and may be in a Bersin tool.

If your runout is too bad why not try to correct the problem where it starts instead of trying to fix one that shouldn't be there in the first place.

If you don't have a tool to measure run-out why not buy one that will not just measure the runout but fix it if needed?...........DJ

Hubert,
You may get better accuracy with a Wilson sizer using a bushing that sizes the neck .002 to .003 inch. Before you expend the money on more dies though, try full length sizing if you have a quality full length die. Set the sizer to just bump the shoulder of a fired round. Size the case and withdraw slightly then turn and size again. Repeat again.
You didn't mention what optics you are using?

Hello,

You're right about runout problem. Afterall, my redding dies seem to be quite accurate.
I think about buying a Bersin tool. The small rifle tool or Medium Rifle Tool seems to be more versatile than Competition tool. I would prefer the Small Rifle Tool (please, tell me if I'm wrong).

EDG,

Before using neck-sizing, I used to full resize cases with the method you mentioned (I wasn't satified with grouping). The scope I use is a Swarovski PV-S 6-24x50.

Regards, Hubert.

I think the wind is at least 1/2 of the horizontal spread, it does not take much wind or mirage at that distance to move impact.

That gun should do in my estimation, 1.5-2" for 3 and likely 5 shots, maybe better.

I just shot a group under 1/2" at 330yds with my 6BR #1 Ruger-3 shots

That sako should do very well with good ammo, optics, and good trigger squeeze.

Hubert_ph, I have the same rig, and with the exception of the cartridge overall length and so forth, I ended up with the same brass, primer, bullet and powder, just 46 gr. which gave me better accuracy.

As others have said, that accuracy is pretty good already, If you have already tweaked your loads to the best the gun will do, then as usual, I say just do what DJ said! I haven't bought a Bersin tool yet, but I should--the fact that DJ has one, makes it good enough to have in my book.

Take care--Don