Am I expecting too much out of my stock 10/22?

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  • Notalentbum

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    For the record, I'm reasonably comfortable shooting 1" groups at 100yds with a couple of my larger caliber bolt guns. I have a couple stock 10/22s that I think ought to be able to get close to that accuracy level. I have a 2-7 Vortex rimfire scope that I have tried on both rifles. At best, I'm getting 3-4" groups with Federal Auto-match ammo. Do I need to go to some of the really expensive match ammo like Ely? I've ran ammo comparisons on most of the usual bulk ammo. Am I just expecting too much out of a stock rifle?
    One is the basic wood stock carbine with Tech sights and the other is the Ruger 50th anniversary Appleseed rifle. I couldn't see well with the factory sights on it so I bought the Vortex, rings and mount from Allen at A&A. Tried it on both rifles but both shot about the same groups.

    Thanks, Matt
     

    halfmileharry

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    For the record, I'm reasonably comfortable shooting 1" groups at 100yds with a couple of my larger caliber bolt guns. I have a couple stock 10/22s that I think ought to be able to get close to that accuracy level. I have a 2-7 Vortex rimfire scope that I have tried on both rifles. At best, I'm getting 3-4" groups with Federal Auto-match ammo. Do I need to go to some of the really expensive match ammo like Ely? I've ran ammo comparisons on most of the usual bulk ammo. Am I just expecting too much out of a stock rifle?
    One is the basic wood stock carbine with Tech sights and the other is the Ruger 50th anniversary Appleseed rifle. I couldn't see well with the factory sights on it so I bought the Vortex, rings and mount from Allen at A&A. Tried it on both rifles but both shot about the same groups.

    Thanks, Matt

    3"-4" groups at 100 yds?
     

    halfmileharry

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    That's about what mine was doing stock.
    I changed to the BX trigger group, better scope, and CCI MiniMags 40gr rn. I'm shooting 2" groups on a GOOD day under optimal conditions now.

    Quick Edit:

    The 10/22 is a fun gun. You'll notice a lot of quality after market offerings for it. I firmly believe the aftermarket options are to improve an average shooting semi auto that usually is very dependable and fun.
    Add on a Kidd or QH kit and the gun is a lot more accurate.
    That's not why I shoot a 10/22 so I'm satisfied where I'm at.
     

    Notalentbum

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    I forgot I do have the BX trigger in my wood stock version. At 25 yds I do shoot it better than the 50th anniversary and the best ammo I found for it was CCI Blazers. Haven't gotten any more of the Blazers since I ran those tests. If you're getting 2" groups on "good" days and optimal conditions maybe this is all I can really expect!

    Matt
     

    42769vette

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    What groups are you getting at 50/25? I think expecting 1 inch groups at 100 is expecting way to much, but 2 inch should be doable.

    FYI, I shoot a CZ 452, with a manners stock, and match ammo, and a 2.5-10 PST. I shoot about 3/4 inch groups at 100 yds.
     

    halfmileharry

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    I'm VERY happy WHEN I paste a 2" group.
    I have the Mannlichter International stock and it shoots great out to about 65 yds. After that It's either the rifle or my lousy eyesight.
     

    grunt soldier

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    Stock 10-22 at 100 yards 3-4 inch group isn't bad especially since you are shooting high velocity ammo out of it. Start running standard velocity and I have noticed it improves at distance. especially past 100 yards.

    I have a custom 10-22 that I can hold 1 inch groups and better with and several cz's, savages. My marlin 795 runs around 2.5 inches if I do my part. A better trigger is a great upgrade.
     

    Notalentbum

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    Back when I tested ammo, Blazers were the best and Standard velocity CCIs came in a close second. I remember CCI mini-mags were third, tied with another brand I can't recall at the moment. I do remember some high velocity Remington Vipers I think were absolutely horrible. Best I could do was about 4" groups at 25yds. I didn't have any Federal automatch at the time but I shot some last week at 25yds and they did fairly well so that's why I was using them today. I think I have a handful of 100 round boxes of CCI standard velocity. I'll give them a try maybe tomorrow.

    At the last Indy1500 one of the vendors told me the Blazers were the same as the CCI standard velocity rounds. I know the Blazers are CCIs but not sure if they're the same round.

    Matt
     
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    Try some better ammo. IME the Automatch is fairly close to being bottom of the barrel for accuracy. Doesn't have to be the uber expensive match stuff, even CCI minimags and standard velocity will be a big step up in quality.
     

    tbhausen

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    For comparison sake, my Magnum Research MLR22ATUT was just over 2 MOA first time out with CCI standard velocity ammunition at 100 yards with the stock Ruger target trigger. Since then, I've put a BX trigger in it (just under 2-1/2 pounds) and gotten a new set of Protektor bags. I'll see where I end up after that. I'm also running a Leupold 3-9x ultralight rimfire scope with Wind Plex reticle and CDS dial calibrated for 40 to 130 yards.
     
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    Hookeye

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    BTW, the Powerpoint WW stuff cloverleafed at 50 in my Contender rifle.
    When it went off LOL.
    I need to lap the locking bolt and try it again.

    Yeah, the Super X stuff is OK, but sometimes a flier.
    Saw that when shooting IHMSA. Bought by the case.

    Usually had a dud when on the rams. Not often, but enough to raise an eyebrow.
    Def need to run better ammo if in AAA or higher.
     

    Hookeye

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    Been happy with Blazer and Minimags.
    My old 1022 does not like the Minimags (previous 1022s did better).
    Always got fliers with Wildcat, enough to not even use them squirrel hunting.
    That stuff is for kids to ventilate pop cans.
    Super X used to be good enough. 50 yards and in was pretty decent.
     

    Hookeye

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    Anybody remember "Supermax"?
    Early WW hyper V stuff.....I had an AMT 10.5" Lightning that LOVED it.
    Of course it cracked the MS housing. But it shot dime sized groups at 25 yards...........iron sights.
    10 shots. Did that back to back........stunned (front bag only).
    Cracked MS housing would open up from bolt slam and it'd go into misfire mode.
    Take apart, tap the gap closed, good for another half a box.
    Shoulda got a Ruger MS housing for it.
    Too hot for that gun or parts..........but man that stuff shot great. Popped chucks with it (hunting rig, not target shooting- so not that much hot stuff really).
    But being AMT it had some error in comsetics......and overall just annoyed me.
    That front sight was sharp and the gun was long, dovetailed for scope rings......I figured I'd just go Contender and .22 mag.
     
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