6.8SPC II for Elk

Elk season is in full swing here in Washington State.  My hunting partners have already set up camp in Central Washington and I can’t wait to get there on Thursday morning.  I went to the range last Friday night to sight-in my new hunting rifle.  As mentioned in an earlier post, my new rifle is a Stag Arms 16” 6.8SPC II M-4 upper attached to a LMT national match lower with a Burris E-1 2x7x35 scope.  I tried to find some Silver State Armory ammunition locally but no one had it in stock so I will be using Hornady 120gr SST ammunition.  I drove out to the Spokane Valley Rifle range at Mica, Washington.  The conditions were perfect for elk hunting but not for sighting in a rifle; 50 degrees, foggy and a light drizzle.  Plus all of the covered firing positions and sturdy benches were already being used by other shooters.  So I set up at the only available “bench” and placed paper at 25, 100 and 200 yards.  I fired three rounds at 25 yards to get a rough zero to at 100 yards.  I moved to the 100 yard target and made some final adjustments to put my zero two inches high at 100 yards.  Next I fired 6 rounds at 200 yards I was adjusted dead on at 200.  I fired two 3-shot groups that measured 2-7/8” each.  Considering the less than sturdy bench, the weather condition and the non-free-floating barrel, I was extremely happy with the accuracy.  I look forward to further testing when the weather improves.

There are steel targets on the Mica range and I proceeded to ring the steel at 200, 300, 400 and 500 yards.  I fired one shot each using the bullet drop compensating reticle and connected with each shot.  To say that I am happy with this new upper is an understatement!  I just need to find an elk and I will be good to go.  There will be no excuse for a miss because of the rifle!

I will return from the mountains on Sunday and will let you know how I did. Wish me luck.