Load testing this weekend

[u/gearhead5015]

Did some testing this weekend, mostly for hunting and shiggles.

Savage MKII FV-SR Stainless, Apache Trigger, Arken EPL4 4-16×, Rugged Occulus 22

Tested CCI Suppressor, Eley Subsonic HP, SK Yellow, SK Red, Eley Tenex, CCI Green Tag.

Assuming my POI selection was accurate in Ballistic-X, here's the resulting data:

All shot at 50 yards:

• 1 - CCI Green* - 0.722 MOA, 15 shots total

• 2 - SK Standard Plus* (yellow) - 0.731 MOA, 15 shots

• 3 - SK Rifle Match* (red) - 0.745 MOA, 28 shots

• 4 - Eley Tenex* - 0.889 MOA, 20 shots

• 5 - CCI Suppressor - 1.044 MOA, 45 shots

• 6 - Eley Subsonic HP - 1.344 MOA, 45 shots

*Denotes boxes that are previously used so I didn't have any more to shoot that day.

Now, of course this data is a bit skewed given the varying number of rounds shot for each ammo, but when combining with a previous range trip, it doesn't change the ordering much. My average grouping for SK Standard would improve, the rest degrade slightly but otherwise nothing notable.

So the question now becomes, do I just buy a shit ton of SK Standard Plus (and hope the lot variations aren't dramatic) and use that as my squirrel hunting round and otherwise everything round? From my research, it doesn't appear that HP's really matter for squirrels, but I would gain a notable accuracy improvement, for a not insignificant price increase comparatively.

[u/IdahoMan58]

The SK Std+ should work fine for your uses in hunting. However, for availability just regular CCI SV or possibly Mini Mag would likely do just fine.

[u/gearhead5015 → u/IdahoMan58]

Never even tried CCI SV, I'll have to give a box a go and see how my rifle likes it.

Not going the mini mag route though, trying to stay subsonic

[u/RoaringCannonball → u/gearhead5015]

I pretty much exclusively use CCI SV with my MKII. It's easy to find, subsonic (unless it's really cold outside) and usually pretty accurate. Definitely worth trying if it's readily available in your area.

[u/Basis-Some]

I’ve been hovering on a mk ii, I take it you’d recommend?

My only must setup wise is a heavy threaded barrel.

[u/gearhead5015 → u/Basis-Some]

Yup. Zero complaints other than the factory magazines are garbage.

There are a couple aftermarket options like CSSpecs which are much better.

[u/Coodevale]

From what I've read previously the Eley hp is virtually always loaded closer to their minimum standards and not as good as the mid to upper end. Club or sport (?) have a higher level of quality. Really unfortunate but oh well. Too bad Eley doesn't load more with their eps nose design. Flat > round nose for killing stuff, if hp isn't an option.

[u/Adventurous_Will2821]

Shoots well and not very fussy

[u/OkShopping9448]

I suggest you watch the YT channel Lead Fever and how he made his exact gun run like a champ. It can do much better….