Sighting in Specific Round for Africa

[hbibicoffvii]

So I’m about to get my Winchester Model 70 Super Grade back from S. Switzer after having the barrel cut, irons added, barrel band sling mount and LOP adjusted. Lords Caliber, and it’s going with me for my PG hunt at Crusaders this May, first ever Africa Hunt.

My question is what is the procedure for seeing which round this gun really likes. To be honest, I’ve asked guides, done internet research, asked Sunday Q&A to pick a round in the past for whatever hunt I’m going on this year, sight it in (I’m not a pro level shooter), and head off on my trip. With this rifle I’ve taken all of your advice from a different post on FE Society, bought the accubonds, A frames, ect., and now have 6 rounds to try out and see what groups best.

Do I shoot 3 rounds from a cold barrel, do I heat the barrel up and check the grouping then? I really have no idea what the “proper” way is. Rifle is topped with a VX6 3-18 x 44. Let me know what you guys recommend.

 

[Rjohnson.307]

Zero your gun at 100yds with cheap shit.

Shoot a 5 round group with each ammo you have, each ammo on a different target. Take your time shooting so every shot is consistant and the barrel isnt getting too warm.

Do not rest your barrel on a front bag/rest. Use a rear bag for stability and minor adjustments when your on the gun by squeezing it or sliding it fore and aft.

Whichever ammo prints the best group would be my choice, then tweek your zero so that ammo is dead nuts at 100.

Once you zero with your ammo of choice get off the bench and practice off sticks and off hand at all ranges. Get comfortable shooting out to 300yds and doing it fast.

 

[wmazelin]

So I’m about to get my Winchester Model 70 Super Grade back from S. Switzer after having the barrel cut, irons added, barrel band sling mount and LOP adjusted. Lords Caliber, and it’s going with me for my PG hunt at Crusaders this May, first ever Africa Hunt.

My question is what is the procedure for seeing which round this gun really likes. To be honest, I’ve asked guides, done internet research, asked Sunday Q&A to pick a round in the past for whatever hunt I’m going on this year, sight it in (I’m not a pro level shooter), and head off on my trip. With this rifle I’ve taken all of your advice from a different post on FE Society, bought the accubonds, A frames, ect., and now have 6 rounds to try out and see what groups best.

Do I shoot 3 rounds from a cold barrel, do I heat the barrel up and check the grouping then? I really have no idea what the “proper” way is. Rifle is topped with a VX6 3-18 x 44. Let me know what you guys recommend.

First off, congratulations on going to Africa! It'll change your life in many ways. What did the rifle and you shoot well before the smithy work? What load & bullet weight? That'd be the best place to start. If that doesn't work, go to the range often and shoot one or two of the rounds you've collected so you don't get burned out. Staying fresh behind the rifle should help you get the best results. Stay on the gun and follow through after you press the trigger. Run the bolt, no need to baby it, use enough force, be deliberate. Keep a good cheek weld, don't try to see the hole in the paper, use your binos, or a spotting scope for that.
Do you have a chronograph (a Garmin Xero C1 is a great choice) so you can get accurate data, I'm assuming your Leupold VX6 at least has a MOA elevation turret and you can dial it for range?
Does your range have steel you can practice out to several hundred yards? If you can hit at 600, it's way easier to hit at 300. It's also a huge confidence booster.
No such thing as too much practice. Don't just shoot groups from the bench, after you find what ammo will be your go to. Shoot off of a bipod, tripod, shooting sticks. Standing, kneeling, braced on a post, prone, etc.
Get in shape if you're not already. Stronger is always better.

 

[Milo'sSyndicate]

Caliber, barrel length, and twist?