M40A1 (TBA) Report

[RifleMaster]

Thursday, I took a day of vacation to break-in the barrel and set the zero on my new TBA M40A1. The chamber is on the low end of the SAAMI spec's. The metal finish looks real good.

I built some ammo with Sierra 168gr bullets and 41+gr of Varget in new Palma cases. Did not do anything to the cases but run them through a small base die. Seated the bullets 0.010+ inch off the lands.

After more than 4 hours of shooting and cleaning at 50 yards and then at 100 yards, I put out a 200 yard target to further adjust the scope and shoot a few 5 round groups. After I stopped tweaking the scope, the last two 5 round groups were 1.2 inch (0.60 MOA) and 1.4 inch (0.70 MOA). Not great! But, after I work up a load and do some work on the cases, I think it will shoot consistently under a 1/2 MOA. So, I'm pleased with this rifle.

I plan to take this rifle on a hog/pig hunt soon. That is, if I get the hunt put together. Problem is they want to guide the hunters. Hunting Guides are NOT my style! I never have been on a guided hunt, and never will be!

Keep Holding'em Hard!

Carl

[This message has been edited by RifleMaster (edited 04-28-2001).]

[tactical]

Carl, sounds great. I pick up my new M40A3 Monday. The US OPtics M40A1 scope is waiting. Off to the range and then most of two weeks at Pendelton with it.

Just got caught up on slings. What color you want for that M40 of your OD Green, Black or Army Brown?

I know what you mean the last thing I want is someone pointing me where to go and shoot.
Takes all the fun out of it.

Although one of the young lads at work asked me my trick to having luck. I told him find the hot days and watch the ridge lines/shade and water holes. They have to drink. He just gave me some meat from a 125lbs Boar. Watched the watering hole and got one coming in at 10:00 hours.

Mike

[RifleMaster]

Hi Mike,

What is the length of the barrel on your new M40A3? Did you go with a short barrel for better handling in your work?

Most of two weeks at Pendleton!! Some guys have it made! What course are you attending?

Have fun!

Carl

[tactical]

Carl, the rifle is a stock M40A3. All as the USMC except DD Ross has me waiting for a Floor Metal and Scope Base. I went with Badger for these as Badger is very good and Dan is very busy. When the DD Ross is available I will switch over to have it as the USMC has it.

With all the info floating around about what and what the M40A3 is and is not I wanted to see for myself. So some time in the field is what was needed.

My first sniper rifle was a M40A1 twenty years ago.

For work I use what I call the Rock. It is a 22" bbl Mike Rock bbl Remington 70 in a M40A1 Stock, fluted #6 taper and a 1.8x10x44 US Optics scope. It was made by George Gardner of GA Precision. This is my I have to carry it up the building rifle. For long range in the field, have to hit it first round everytime. I use a NorCal Precision rifle built like a M40A3 with a 26" fluted #7 taper KxP bbl Remington 700 with a A4 stock. Both shoot very well but after 500 yards the added velocity and weight of the bigger rifle gives me an edge when I screw up the wind call.

Shoot me an email about the class.

Mike

[tactical]

Carl, the rifle is a stock M40A3. All as the USMC except DD Ross has me waiting for a Floor Metal and Scope Base. I went with Badger for these as Badger is very good and Dan is very busy. When the DD Ross is available I will switch over to have it as the USMC has it.

With all the info floating around about what and what the M40A3 is and is not I wanted to see for myself. So some time in the field is what was needed.

My first sniper rifle was a M40A1 twenty years ago.

For work I use what I call the Rock. It is a 22" bbl Mike Rock bbl Remington 70 in a M40A1 Stock, fluted #6 taper and a 1.8x10x44 US Optics scope. It was made by George Gardner of GA Precision. This is my I have to carry it up the building rifle. For long range in the field, have to hit it first round everytime. I use a NorCal Precision rifle built like a M40A3 with a 26" fluted #7 taper KxP bbl Remington 700 with a A4 stock. Both shoot very well but after 500 yards the added velocity and weight of the bigger rifle gives me an edge when I screw up the wind call.

Shoot me an email about the class.

Mike

[Cut]

Hi Carl, I spoke with Mike a couple of times the other day. My M40A4 in .300WM is waiting to be test fired, and should be on the way to me shortly.

Cut

[RifleMaster]

Hi Cut!

I'm glad your rifle is on the way!

Tomorrow morning (Saturday), I'm back to the range to test and adjust my new rifle. My Match rifles have two stage Jewel triggers, so I have to get use to the standard Rem. trigger on this new rifle. I may re-adjust it later or replace it with a Jewel trigger.

Tomorrow is also our SFA Chapter meeting/dinner. The meeting is in Newport Beach, and the host has a boat curise scheduled for 1400 hrs and the meeting follows at 1700 hrs. So, no honey-do's for me tomorrow! http://www.specialoperations.com/ubboard/biggrin.gif

Let me know how your new rifle shoots!

Take care my friend!

Carl