So it wasn't until about 4 years ago that I broke into rifles, having spent most of my first decade as a shooter with handguns. Majority of my early rifle experience was with accurized AR15s; my very first precision rifle was a RRA Predator Pursuit on a home-built lower. Since had it re-worked to be a little more modern, still a favorite.
Much more recently (Fall 2022) finally got my first precision bolt gun; a Bergara HMR Pro in 6.5CM, currently sits in the Magpul Pro 700 chassis. Also recently purchased a Ridge to have something handier, threw it in my old HMR stock, very happy overall.
However, one thing I am not happy about: my groups. For whatever reason, I shoot substantially better with my precision ARs (16" WOA, 16" CLE, and the chopped-to-18" RRA mentioned above). I am able to achieve sub MOA 5 round groups fairly easily with factory match ammo (representative 5rd group here ; 5 & 10 round group from the same mag here, flyers and all).
In contrast, I have never achieved sub-MOA with either Bergara (representative 5rd group here , 10rd group here). Given the significantly higher price point on the HMR Pro, this is disappointing. I realize a few factors are probably in play:
1. The HMR Pro has a relatively thinner contour for caliber vs. my precision ARs, which are all as thick or thicker at the muzzle than my HMR Pro and shoot a smaller bullet with less powder behind it. I am inherently not a patient person and probably could give it a little more time between rounds (usually shoot 1 round per 30-45 seconds for 5 round groups). Wonder if barrel temp is playing a factor here.
2. I use suppressors on all my guns; probably exacerbates issue #1
3. Per online reading, Bergaras seem a little pickier with ammo. Have only tried factory S&B 142gr HPBT and Norma Golden Target 143gr HPBT so far. Will order a case of Hornady ELD as that is what bergara recommends on their site
4. Point of my post - I have always sucked with single action triggers, including with 1911s and revolvers. All my AR triggers have the 2-stage LaRues in them and I couldn't be happier with them. I also have been very neglectful in dry-firing my Bergaras at home if I am honest with myself (they both have TriggerTech primary SS triggers)
I think all 4 are contributing to the difference here in part, but wanted to query folks here.
- Has anyone else noticed a big difference in accuracy between platforms?
- How likely is the difference in barrel profile/heat significant here?
- Of course will try other ammo in the Bergaras, but still a little disappointed; if the gun is that picky I am not sure how happy I will be. Have shot ~1" groups at 100M with my precision ARs using Wolf M193; would hope for at least around an MOA from the factory ammo I've put through my HMR to date.
Appreciate any thoughts, just thinking out loud here. Appreciate input from more experienced riflemen.