Date of test 05Feb06
weapon tested: H/R Ultra fluted .223 w/1:9 twist barrel w/bipod
optics: BSA Platinum 83244MDIR set at 20X
temperature at time of test:~50 degF.
lighting conditions: high overcast flat light
wind: 0~5
Selected loads:
75gr. A-Max Hornady w/military cases, small rifle primers CCI and 24 grs. Win.48 ranged at 100 yds. of ten rounds fired, all ten rounds key-holed with no consistent grouping.
If you have selected the Ultra fluted .223 with this round in mind, you will be disappointed. The weight of the round combined with its geometry will not be stabilized sufficinetly for optimal performance
Scond selection:
Sierra 63gr. SemiSpitzer w/ military cases, small rifle primers CCI and 24 grs. Win. 748 ten rounds
Third selection:
Sierra 63 gr. Semi Spitzer w/military cases, small rifle primers CCI and 24 grs. Hodgdon 4895, ten rounds
Fourth selection:
Sierra 63 gr. SemiSpitzer w/military cases, small rifle primers CCI and 25 grs. Hodgsdon Varget, ten rounds
Weapon was fired in two five round strings for each loading selection and cleaned after each string with a standard bore solvent and polished
Conslusion:
The Sierra 63 gr. SemiSpitzer set in the case to give an overall dimesnion of 2.400 inches with a trimmed case length of !.758 will take advantage of the generous H/R freebore throating and give outstanding accuracy with the H-4895 loading. While a chronograph was not available for the testing session the velocities were nevertheless consistent. This loading gave consistent three round groupings with group centers of a .250" radius with an overall group diameter of .500"
The Win.748 selection while shooting consistently rendered a grouping that met MOA considerations but did not do so consistently. Varget did not give consistent groupings at all.
For coyote hunting especially here in New England with the Eastern coyote the 63gr. Sierra will more than capably kill. With this same loading ansd its subMOA performance woodchucks would not represent a substantial challenge to its performance.
Item of interest: BSA Platinum Target Scope 83244MDIR, an otustanding buy and you will have to buy a Leupold before you will notice any appreciable difference in performance. The scope is bright and contrasty at all levels of magnification and has a very easily obtained eye relief; it comes wioth two sunshades. H/W dial adjustments are clean and crisp; paralax adjustment on the front element is positive; there is no appreciable shift in zero with changes in magnification.
Over all evaluation of the H/R Ultra fluted .223 is excellent, and represents a dollar value that is not obtainable in other rifles except at a much greater price with absolutely no increase in performance.
Anchor's Away/Semper Fi
CPO Bull
