04-05-2022, 12:22 PM
Had some decent weather over the weekend, and took the newly assembled rifle out to the range on Saturday. Had a couple of issues -- rifle would not cycle, would not hold zero and after several rounds, it failed to eject.
Took it home to figure things out.
Gas port was drilled 0.074", research suggested 0.093" would be required for a rifle length barrel. Opened it up.
Ejector was missing along with the retaining spring pin?? Replaced.
Rookie mistake -- loose scope mount.
Back to the range on Sunday -- tried several loads, VV 135 & 530 were not up to expectations, 3" groups @ 200 yards. CFE223 however looks like it might work with one load producing a 1.3" group @ 2550 fps. Need to pursue that combination.
Went home and while admiring my new acquisition, something did not look quite right......I put a scale on the barrel and it measured 22"!!!!
Fortunately, I have access to a lathe, and the barrel is now the legal 20".
Time to put together some fresh ammo and start load development.
Took it home to figure things out.
Gas port was drilled 0.074", research suggested 0.093" would be required for a rifle length barrel. Opened it up.
Ejector was missing along with the retaining spring pin?? Replaced.
Rookie mistake -- loose scope mount.
Back to the range on Sunday -- tried several loads, VV 135 & 530 were not up to expectations, 3" groups @ 200 yards. CFE223 however looks like it might work with one load producing a 1.3" group @ 2550 fps. Need to pursue that combination.
Went home and while admiring my new acquisition, something did not look quite right......I put a scale on the barrel and it measured 22"!!!!
Fortunately, I have access to a lathe, and the barrel is now the legal 20".
Time to put together some fresh ammo and start load development.