I decided to do a little bit of 22 ammunition testing.

The following was to test the accuracy of these brands:
$7.19 RWS Subsonic Ammunition
$6.99 RWS Target Rifle Ammunition
$5.59 Fiocchi Match Training
$5.49 SK Standard Plus
$4.99 Eley Target

I tested for accuracy out of an pretty ancient Marlin Ballard No.3. It was fitted at some point long ago with a target barrel made by "Eric Johnson."
The scope used was a Lyman Super Targetspot 25X. This is a scope I swap back and forth with a 1917 Remington Enfield in 30-06.

All groups were 10 shots at 50 Yards.
Results: Never really tested anything for accuracy, but the SK Standard (the one "flyer" is actually for scope adjustment, so they're probably 11 shots in that group) and RWS Target rifle seem to be the most consistent. Conditions were COLD, probably 10 degrees F. and I was COLD. Took a lot of psychology to keep going, so groups may prove better later on.

Anyways, here's the results: I kind of like the idea of the SK being pretty accurate as they're pretty cheap. Some more tests will us a 52D with open sights and some more ammo brands...

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Oh, I should add a frustrating note. The Eley target group was tiny with the first 7 shots, but then it opened up with the last 3.

I think psychologically I looked at it after 7 and thought this was going to be the best of the lot, so maybe it got to my head and I psyched myself out!

I'll try those again for sure as they're cheaper too. I had some wolf gold, but I don't know what I did with it...

I also don't know if the bullet lubricants used by each brand have any effect on switching over, so I suppose to be fair I should swab the barrel before I shoot the next brand. Don't know what cold does either! Anyways, I had some fun despite the cold.

now go try some american eagle - cheap stuff by federal. i think you'll be surprised

Target shooting in Duluth in February takes some dedication!

How was the wind? I find that wind makes a huge difference in .22 Rimfire groups at 50 yards.

BTW, that's a fine looking old rifle you're shooting there.

I think cleaning the lube and firing a few rounds of ammo with the new lube may make change the groups. Warmer weather I think would help the groups. Cool Rifle!

quote:

Conditions were COLD, probably 10 degrees F.

Great groups for 10deg, no, make that outstanding groups. Just had a cold chill thinking about it. Boooo!

My hands are already cracked and bleeding from the weather and I've not been out in any 10deg mess. I can't imagine being able to feel the trigger with my old hands.

I agree with the others about that being one fine looking rifle.

Thanks for the replies.
Butch, I have lots of Federal Bulk. It shoots wonderful in my Ruger Govt. pistol. I did most of my sighting in with Federal when I did this test.

The Federal groups about like the Fiocci, which says a lot considering price! I have an old pre war Walther target 22 and it shoots the Federal stuff really well too. Federal is my go-to bulk ammo...

I'm happy with the rifle, though I need to get a replacement buttstock so that friends and family can shoot it as it's a lefty with an UGLY cheekpiece.

I'll try some more when it's warmer. I'm not the greatest shot, but the previous owner of had a substantial trophy wall because of this rifle so that give me confidence!

Oh yeah, there was some wind, but it wasn't bad. The cold is what gets to me for testing! When I took the rifle back inside it was completely white with frost so I had lots of cleaning to do!

Interesting...I have a Bernardelli Model 80. Accuracy was always poor with my usual run of .22 ammo. The other day I noted I had a box of Eley....what a difference....

The rifle I have closest to yours is a BSA Martini...with CCI Mini Mag Hollow Points it shoots 1/2" at 50.