gamegetter184
Member
I have been wanting a semi custom rifle for a LONG time but have never had the budget for it. Decided that I would shop some off the shelf models and came up with the Christensen Arms Mesa chambered in 308 Win. Barrel twist is 1:10. I have topped it with a Leupold VX 3HD 3.5 - 10 x 50mm (I have always used Leupold and didn't look at any other brands).
I didn't pickup any ammo when I made the purchase of the rifle and scope b/c I had some cheap FMJ to get it on paper with and then some Hornady American Whitetail 165gr interlock sitting on the shelf at home.
I will cut through a ton of details .... but this gun just doesn't like the American Whitetail ammo (or at least the 165 gr interlock). Groups were between 2 and 3 MOA. Luckily a buddy had some Hornady Superformance 150 gr SST on hand and whew what a difference. Groups immediately shrank to 1 MOA or less.
Good news is the gun / scope combo shoots like a dream to me and I love it. Asking for some direction on other types / brands / bullets weights to try. I don't want to just go randomly buy boxes of stuff that would be a waste of money and time.
The sole purpose of this rifle is for deer / hog hunting here in Georgia. I have been chasing these animals for 40+ years and have harvested a ton with a slew of different calibers (but this is my first 308 Win for hunting .... I have built an AR 10 for rec shooting). Most of my shots are 200 yards or less. I have zeroed the rifle at 200 yds.
In the past I have had some mixed results with SST ammo in 270 Win ... jacket separation, etc. Don't necessarily want to stick with the SST unless that is the pill this rifle loves to eat.
I will mention that I have already taken a 7 pointer with this gun shooting the 150gr SST and he was DRT, just looking at other options.
Opinions and options welcome ... and I know that my mileage may vary.
Thanks for reading!
I didn't pickup any ammo when I made the purchase of the rifle and scope b/c I had some cheap FMJ to get it on paper with and then some Hornady American Whitetail 165gr interlock sitting on the shelf at home.
I will cut through a ton of details .... but this gun just doesn't like the American Whitetail ammo (or at least the 165 gr interlock). Groups were between 2 and 3 MOA. Luckily a buddy had some Hornady Superformance 150 gr SST on hand and whew what a difference. Groups immediately shrank to 1 MOA or less.
Good news is the gun / scope combo shoots like a dream to me and I love it. Asking for some direction on other types / brands / bullets weights to try. I don't want to just go randomly buy boxes of stuff that would be a waste of money and time.
The sole purpose of this rifle is for deer / hog hunting here in Georgia. I have been chasing these animals for 40+ years and have harvested a ton with a slew of different calibers (but this is my first 308 Win for hunting .... I have built an AR 10 for rec shooting). Most of my shots are 200 yards or less. I have zeroed the rifle at 200 yds.
In the past I have had some mixed results with SST ammo in 270 Win ... jacket separation, etc. Don't necessarily want to stick with the SST unless that is the pill this rifle loves to eat.
I will mention that I have already taken a 7 pointer with this gun shooting the 150gr SST and he was DRT, just looking at other options.
Opinions and options welcome ... and I know that my mileage may vary.
Thanks for reading!