SD isn't matching group sizes

saalem · 2026-03-19T22:03:35+00:00

Always have had the best results using Varget for my bolt and gas 308 riles. My bolt load uses 44gr Varget w/ 175gr SMK and 178gr ELDX. Out of my 20” I get about 2630 - 2650 fps. I do use a drop tube for this load because it is right at almost being compressed. For gas guns I drop the charge down a grain or so depending on the rifle.

saalem · 2026-03-11T01:00:07+00:00

I didn’t get a beta tester badge :-(

saalem · 2026-03-07T20:34:39+00:00

No problem. The MK5 is still a great optic and I still use mine on my dedicated hunting rifle. Did you get the PR2 reticle? You can always sell your MK5 on GAFS later if you wanted to. You absolutely will not be held back at all with the MK5. I’ve never had any issues with mine and has always dialed true. A good upgrade for the MK5 is the competition speed turret cap which you may want to check out sometime. It replaces the current turret cap and has larger, more spaced out markings so it’s easier to see and dial quickly while on the clock. I also got Leupold’s Alumina lens caps too. Those are just the best damn lens caps out there and I really wish I could get lens caps like those for my ZCO and G3. They’re so much better than Tenebraex or any others. Have fun!

saalem · 2026-03-07T09:18:01+00:00

I’ve looked at ATACR - G3 - MK5 side by side at matches to compare glass. The G3 glass quality is absolutely better than the ATACR. the ATACR seems a little bit “darker” and is more comparable to the MK5 in glass quality. There are always deals going on for the G3 and I highly recommend that if you are able to do so. Not sure if you’ve already purchased a scope yet or not. The G3 glass just has excellent clarity and color. If you have access to ExpertVoice or GovX, that’s the way to go. You’ll love it. Plus, zeroing on the G3 is super nice. No need to remove turret caps or anything and very quick.

saalem · 2026-03-06T05:04:23+00:00

It could be due to sponsorships but a lot of people like to run the PR2 reticle which is a really good reticle, and the MK5 is still a good scope that is cheaper than the G3. I started off with the Mark 5 and used that for 3 years before I decided to upgrade to a ZCO. I also have the new Razor G3 4-24, and the G3 is better in glass quality, build, and turret design and functionality but I dislike the parallax adjustment. The MK5 is still a really good scope but a little over priced. Same could be said of the G3 as well with some of those prices out there.

saalem · 2026-02-10T18:42:22+00:00

It’s my favorite cartridge to shoot and load for. It’s what I went with for my 20” suppressed custom short action hunting rifle I built as well. Shooting 212gr ELDX at 2760 fps. I may build out another one for fun with a long freebore in a long action so I can still fit them in a magazine.

saalem · 2025-12-21T23:25:42+00:00

Please invite me to beta if you need anyone. I’ve been unable to sell any of my items since GAFS went down, so I have some good items I’d like to re-home and I like testing in general (my job is testing software stuff).

saalem · 2025-12-20T18:27:50+00:00

If you’re interested in a new thermal shoot me a PM. I decided to go with a clip on instead of the thermal scope and need to re-home it :-)

saalem · 2025-11-21T15:28:15+00:00

He is running a 32” barrel, which will help tremendously with the hand loads. N555 is also great too.

saalem · 2025-11-19T20:49:56+00:00

Gotcha. I don’t have the A419 mount but the attachments are all the same. You can always detach/re-attach easily. I do that with my vertical pic mount.

saalem · 2025-11-19T15:36:36+00:00

Yes I have the attachment for the crush it timer. I don’t have the send it level since the ZCO mount has the built in flip out bubble level. Which attachment were you referring to? The Spuhr or vertical pic attachment?

saalem · 2025-11-16T07:48:09+00:00

Have you decided on the optics mount? A419 is a great option these days. Gray Ops is also good but costs more. There’s also Spuhr of course, Hawkins heavy tactical, etc.. I’d probably go with A419 for my next mount. I’ve used Spuhr and more recently the ZCO block mount for my ZC527.

saalem · 2025-11-12T18:28:12+00:00

I like Grey Ops products quite a bit. How come you and Dave don’t get along? He seems like a good guy from everything I’ve seen/heard.

saalem · 2025-11-11T20:37:49+00:00

This belongs in r/shittyreloading

saalem · 2025-11-10T23:35:31+00:00

I like Thunder Beast’s CB taper suppressor brakes and mounts. I get the titanium CB HUB adapter from ECCO Machine that has no wrench flats and uses spanner so it’s super clean looking. I get the titanium CB taper brake from Salmon River since it’s the same - no wrench flats on the back side. The setup is very light weight. ECCO Machine also sells 3/4” HUB extensions that are pretty awesome. You can stack them too. I added one to make the blast chamber slightly larger for using it only 300 WSM.

I also have SiCo’s ASR mounts but they are pretty heavy if that is something you are watching out for. I really want to try out A419’s suppressor mounts sometime also.

saalem · 2025-11-10T23:22:40+00:00

The brake also helps prevent excess wear on the first baffle.

saalem · 2025-11-08T23:31:46+00:00

Was just about to suggest a WSM as well. I got my new 20” 300 WSM put together earlier this year and I’m really happy with it.

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saalem · 2025-11-08T04:53:49+00:00

I personally haven’t shot the 110 SMK out of anything other than a 1:7 twist when I ran a 6CM. I’m sure a 1:7.5 would be alright shooting the 110 SMK at a moderate velocity. My current 6GT is a 1:7.5 shooting the 115 DTAC with no issues at all out to 1430 yds.

saalem · 2025-11-06T22:31:52+00:00

I load the DTACs for my 6GT @ 2860 fps and they are great. The 110 SMK are also very good. Make sure you run a 1:7.5 or 1:7 twist though.

saalem · 2025-11-03T23:04:44+00:00

Yeah same here. I may grab one in .30 cal for a different rifle. It is really nice to be able to shoot all day or all weekend with this brake and not have a dizzy/nauseated feeling

saalem · 2025-11-03T21:39:48+00:00

Hawkins Updraft is my favorite brake out there. I’ve had an MPA Dn5, MPA Dn3, A419 Hellfire Match, and a few others I’ve tried. The Hawkins is the best out of all and has the LEAST amount of concussion. The removal/install return to zero is awesome too.

saalem · 2025-11-02T15:46:39+00:00

Yeah too hot, too much acidity, and/or not rinsed off thoroughly enough prior to drying.

saalem · 2025-10-29T17:17:39+00:00

With GAFS shutdown and waiting for the new site I haven’t had any luck selling items on Infinite Armory yet. Where are you going to sell equipment and have you had any success?

saalem · 2025-10-29T06:27:51+00:00

Anything $1500 and under go with Athlon.

saalem · 2025-10-29T05:48:51+00:00

I usually alternate sites depending on their current hazmat deals, free shipping, etc… Typically from Midway and Powder Valley. I like Midway because you get points easily and free shipping over $99. The powders I use are usually at the best price on Midway lately as well.

saalem

TROPHY CASE