{"id":1753,"date":"2023-12-25T17:39:34","date_gmt":"2023-12-25T17:39:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=1753"},"modified":"2023-12-25T17:39:34","modified_gmt":"2023-12-25T17:39:34","slug":"range-test-federal-6-5-creedmoor-and-308-premium-gold-medal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=1753","title":{"rendered":"Range Test: Federal 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Premium Gold Medal"},"content":{"rendered":"


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By Wayne van Zwoll<\/a><\/p>\n

W<\/span>aiting in hunting camp for the day to age and its cold wind to diminish, I grew restless. So, to do\u00a0something<\/em>\u00a0productive before pestering deer, I pasted a target on a box and trotted it out 100 yards. Then I scrounged a few cartridges my pal had left for his new rifle, languishing near my cot. Alas, no matter how tightly I pressed it into the bunched jacket on the picnic table, it shuddered to the buffeting from the north. Firing seemed futile.<\/p>\n

\n<\/picture>
In .308, loads like this win bulls-eye matches to 600 yards. They\u2019re competitive at even longer range.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To my astonishment, three bullets chewed a hole .37 wide.<\/p>\n

In my youth, tennis-ball groups passed muster for the woods.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood grief!\u201d I marveled. \u201cThe muzzle was bouncing that much!\u201d How would this rifle perform in still air? But speculation is pointless. Accuracy \u2014 consistency \u2014 begs measure. For shooters, it\u2019s center-to-center span between outside holes in a group. Where the group forms matters not, because the sight can always be adjusted to bring it to point of aim.<\/p>\n

\"testing\n<\/picture>
The first Waypoint 2020 Wayne fired, a 6.5 PRC, shot inside 3\/4 MOA \u2014 tight enough for testing loads!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Groups comprising just three shots draw sneers from Benchrest and bulls-eye competitors, who in matches must fire five or 10 per target. The test target of my first match rifle had one aspirin-size hole. It had been nipped by 10 .22 bullets fired from 50 feet indoors, where such rifles earned their keep. In prone matches outdoors, the rifle shot as well, but wind, mirage and the natural dispersion of bullets at distances to 100 yards opened the groups. Of course, indoors and out, my own failings sent many bullets off course!<\/p>\n

The ability of rifle and load to drill small groups figures into their \u201cfield accuracy\u201d about as much as the price of eggs affects the cost of living. Group-shrinking measures like tight chambers, short throats, lapped bores and glass bedding can\u2019t over-ride the bump of your pulse, let alone flawed range and wind estimates and a violent tug on the trigger. Neither will an exotic scope or \u201cmatch ammunition\u201d salvage a shot made without deliberate aim.<\/p>\n

Decades ago in Zimbabwe, tip-toeing after an impala that had melted into thick thorn, I paused to listen. At that instant, the bush rustled to a gust of desert wind \u2014 a burst that hurled my scent as shrapnel. The ram got a noseful; but the directionless blast denied him the source. He panicked and, as luck would have it, bolted my way, emerging as a blur from the shadows. He saw me in mid-leap and sun-fished two\u00a0feet\u00a0<\/em>from the muzzle. The bullet, fired reflexively without conscious aim, broke his neck.<\/p>\n

A lucky shot or a good shot, depending on how charitably you view it.<\/p>\n

\"testing\n<\/picture>
Federal\u2019s Terminal Ascent hunting loads borrow design and production methods from its match loads.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Some Perspective<\/h2>\n

In traditional hunting, field shooting is a test of marksmanship, not of the rifle\u2019s or load\u2019s intrinsic accuracy. Distance is often unknown, wind downrange undecipherable. The hunter has no bench and only occasionally a solid rest. As few shots at game are duplicates of previous shots, repetition isn\u2019t a practical gauge of field accuracy. To shoot accurately is to hit vitals with every \u2014 or nearly every \u2014 bullet. Assumed is the good judgment to decline risky shots.<\/p>\n

The line between hunting and target rifles blurs as long-range shooting gains traction among the proletariat. \u201cIf I can hit plates at 600 yards, why not deer?\u201d Beyond opinions drawn out by this question, it has led to development of rifles light enough for hunting but in chamberings and with features useful in long-range matches, like Springfield Armory\u2019s Model 2020 Waypoint<\/a>. Since its introduction four years ago, I\u2019ve used this bolt rifle to shoot targets, hunt deer and, most recently test ammunition.<\/p>\n

The Waypoint\u2019s U.S.-built action has a Model 700 footprint to accept M700-pattern stocks and triggers. Not that you\u2019ll want to replace Springfield\u2019s. The pillar-bedded carbon-fiber (CF) stock from AG Composites comes with a Pachmayr Decelerator pad, a fixed or adjustable comb. The steep, full grip has a palm swell, the substantial 12 \u00be-inch forend three M-Lok<\/span> slots and five QD swivel pockets. Evergreen and Ridgeline camouflage stock finishes comprise open patchworks of natural colors with dark flecking. Inletting is properly close around receiver and bottom metal. The barrel floats.<\/p>\n

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The Waypoint\u2019s stainless receiver, Cerakoted to match the barrel shank and muzzle brake, has a spiral-fluted, two-lug 4140 bolt that glides in EDM-cut races. Like the receiver, the bolt is machined\u00a0after<\/em>\u00a0heat-treating to ensure perfect finished dimensions. Dual cocking cams ease bolt lift. Unlike M700 recoil lugs, the Waypoint\u2019s is integral with the receiver. Four 6-48 screws and two recoil pins secure a Picatinny top rail. The TriggerTech trigger adjusts down to 2 \u00bd pounds. The rifle\u2019s 1.9-millisecond lock time is \u201cup to 45 percent faster\u201d than the competition\u2019s. The two-position safety does not block the bolt. Shoulders on the extractor, 6mm wide, hold it securely in the bottom lug and resist breakage, should you stick a case.<\/p>\n

\"author\n<\/picture>
A Meopta scope on his Springfield Waypoint .308 helped the author nip tight groups with the Federal loads.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Springfield Armory fitted the Waypoint with a single-stack AICS-pattern magazine, released by a latch inside the trigger guard. Button-rifled barrels \u2014 fluted stainless or CF \u2014 are chambered in 6mm Cm, 6.5 Cm, 6.5 PRC and .308. Twist rates favor the long, sleek bullets now popular with hunters and long-range target shooters: one turn in 7 \u00bd inches for the 6mm Creedmoor, one in 8 for the 6.5s, one in 10 for the .308. All barrels are threaded 5\/8-24 for the included radial brake.<\/p>\n

With match ammunition, each Waypoint is guaranteed to shoot into .75 MOA. To test that boast, I was sent one of the first of these Springfields. It wore a standard stock, a 24-inch CF barrel in 6.5 PRC (6mm Cm and .308 barrels are 20 inches long, those in 6.5 Cm 22 inches). A 2.5-10\u00d745 Leupold brought weight to an even 8 pounds. Naked, Waypoints range in weight from 6 \u00bd pounds to just over 7 \u00bd.<\/p>\n

\"blackhound\n<\/picture>
The author used a Blackhound 2-12\u00d744 scope on a Waypoint rifle to wring out Federal\u2019s new 6.5 CM loads.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

My first three shots, after bore-sighting and two to zero, cut a .62 knot. Three more groups mic\u2019d .63, .70 and .82. Average: .69 \u2014 even with the shot I\u2019d horsed half an inch from a one-hole pair. Feeding, extraction and ejection were fault-free. Springfield\u2019s barrel-diameter brake held recoil to a modest bump.<\/p>\n

Reaching Out<\/h2>\n

So it came to pass that when I was asked to review Federal\u2019s new 6.5 Cm and .308 Premium Gold Medal match loads, Waypoint 2020 rifles came to mind. For ammunition tests, accurate rifles are a must. You can\u2019t pass judgment on one variable when working with two.<\/p>\n

Rifles in hand, I cinched a 2-12\u00d744 Blackhound scope on the 6.5Cm, a 2-10\u00d742 Meopta MeoPro Optika 5 on the .308.<\/p>\n

While Federal\u2019s Gold Medal ammunition has long served the 6.5 Cm and .308, Centerstrike OTM (open-tip match) bullets are new. Federal stokes them to the velocities it gives Sierra MatchKing BTHPs (boat-tail hollow-points) from these rounds. Here are the numbers:<\/p>\n

Federal Premium Gold Medal 6.5 Creedmoor, 140-grain Centerstrike OTM<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Range (yards)<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n100<\/td>\n200<\/td>\n300<\/td>\n400<\/td>\n500<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Velocity (fps)<\/td>\n2,675<\/td>\n2,515<\/td>\n2,360<\/td>\n2,211<\/td>\n2,068<\/td>\n1,929<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Energy (ft-lbs)<\/td>\n2,224<\/td>\n1,966<\/td>\n1,732<\/td>\n1,520<\/td>\n1,329<\/td>\n1,157<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Arc (inches)<\/td>\n\n+2<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n-8.3<\/td>\n-23.7<\/td>\n-47.0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drift in 10 mph crosswind (inches)<\/td>\n\n.6<\/td>\n2.5<\/td>\n5.9<\/td>\n10.9<\/td>\n17.4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n

Federal Premium Gold Medal .308 Winchester, 168-grain Centerstrike OTM<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Range (yards)<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n100<\/td>\n200<\/td>\n300<\/td>\n400<\/td>\n500<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Velocity (fps)<\/td>\n2,650<\/td>\n2,455<\/td>\n2,268<\/td>\n2,089<\/td>\n1,918<\/td>\n1,758<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Energy (ft-lbs)<\/td>\n2,619<\/td>\n2,248<\/td>\n1,918<\/td>\n1,628<\/td>\n1,373<\/td>\n1,152<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Arc (inches)<\/td>\n\n+2.1<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n-9.0<\/td>\n-25.7<\/td>\n-52.1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drift in 10 mph crosswind (inches)<\/td>\n\n.7<\/td>\n3.2<\/td>\n7.6<\/td>\n13.8<\/td>\n22.8<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n

Federal Premium Gold Medal .308 Winchester, 175-grain Centerstrike OTM<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Range (yards)<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n100<\/td>\n200<\/td>\n300<\/td>\n400<\/td>\n500<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Velocity (fps)<\/td>\n2,600<\/td>\n2,427<\/td>\n2,262<\/td>\n2,102<\/td>\n1,949<\/td>\n1,803<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Energy (ft-lbs)<\/td>\n2,627<\/td>\n2,290<\/td>\n1,987<\/td>\n1,717<\/td>\n1,476<\/td>\n1,264<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Arc (inches)<\/td>\n\n+2.2<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n-9.1<\/td>\n-25.8<\/td>\n-51.8<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drift in 10 mph crosswind (inches)<\/td>\n\n.6<\/td>\n2.9<\/td>\n6.9<\/td>\n12.5<\/td>\n20.3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n

My initial groups were very much like those of test targets provided with the rifles. Three-shot groups at 100 yards came in well under an inch. Groups in the first session: .78 for the 140-grain 6.5 Cm load, .45 for the 168-grain .308 load and .85 for the 175-grain .308 load. I look forward to shooting it more and seeing if I can get those groups even tighter.<\/p>\n

\"three\n<\/picture>
A superb group with the Federal 6.5 Creedmoor loading out of the Model 2020 rifle.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Now, in response to howls from shooters who insist on five-shot groups, or series of them: you\u2019re right. The greater the sample size, the more robust the results. But before getting barrels warm, I wanted to see how they, and the cartridges, performed in \u201chunter protocol.\u201d Few hunters pound through boxes of costly ammo in five-shot strings for more solid data. Each additional shot carries the risk it will hit farther off the mark than the last. Shooting carefully to snug groups is also time-consuming. Lastly, accuracy can deteriorate during range sessions. Some barrels \u201cwalk\u201d as they heat; barrels foul. You may have to let the rifle cool periodically, or scrub the bore \u2014 unpopular concessions at the range.<\/p>\n

Three shots can reveal the potential of rifles and loads. The .37 group that cold day in deer camp may have been a one-off. But it certainly inspired me! At the same time, a couple of dispiriting three-shot groups can warn you off a load before you max out your credit card at Midway USA or a Cabela\u2019s ammo counter. Even mid-level rifles are now commonly packaged with three-shot proof targets.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

I\u2019m pleased with the performance of all three new Federal loads, and with my pick of Springfield Waypoint 2020s to test them. My only contribution to the rifles was adjusting the triggers from 3\u00bd and 4 pounds to an even 3.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"real\n<\/picture>
Muffed shots afield are seldom the fault of rifle or load. Lethal hits depend on the hunter steadying the rifle, then breaking the shot without disturbing it!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Incidentally, for load tests with rifles that haven\u2019t yet earned my confidence, I like to bring to the range one that has. A few shots with a \u201cback-up\u201d have spared me pointless banging with a rifle that just didn\u2019t shoot well. A second rifle can also ensure\u00a0I\u2019m<\/em>\u00a0not the problem. Once, with no other rifle to fire the ammunition on the docket, I brought along a trusted sporter of different chambering, with a handful of cartridges. Plagued by saucepan groups with the new rifle, I turned to my beloved .257. It punched a .65-inch delta with the first three shots. Promptly I boxed up the new rifle for its return.<\/p>\n

Arguably, range trials after rifles and ammo have cleared the hurdles to commercial production have limited merit. Springfield\u2019s Waypoint, and Federal\u2019s Gold Medal Match have been so thoroughly vetted that post-release shooting shouldn\u2019t yield surprises. Still, confirmation inspires confidence, which leads to better marksmanship.<\/p>\n

Editor\u2019s Note: Please be sure to check out The Armory Life Forum, where you can comment about our daily articles, as well as just talk guns and gear. Click the \u201cGo To Forum Thread\u201d link below to jump in and discuss this article and much more!<\/em><\/p>\n

Join the Discussion<\/span><\/h5>\n

Go to forum thread<\/a><\/p>\n

Featured in this article<\/span><\/h5>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span> \n\t\t\t\t\t\"Federal\n<\/picture>\n <\/p>\n

Federal Gold Medal CenterStrike 6.5 Creedmoor 140 Gr.<\/span><\/h3>\n


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\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span> \n\t\t\t\t\t\"Federal\n<\/picture>\n <\/p>\n

Federal Gold Medal CenterStrike 308 Win 168 Gr.<\/span><\/h3>\n


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\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span> \n\t\t\t\t\t\"Federal\n<\/picture>\n <\/p>\n

Federal Gold Medal CenterStrike 308 Win 175 Gr.<\/span><\/h3>\n


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Model 2020 Waypoint Series<\/span><\/h3>\n


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\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span> \n\t\t\t\t\t\"Blackhound\n<\/picture>\n <\/p>\n

Blackhound Optics Emerge 2-12\u00d744 FFP MOA<\/span><\/h3>\n


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\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span> \n\t\t\t\t\t\"Meopta\n<\/picture>\n <\/p>\n

Meopta OPTIKA5 2-10X42 SFP<\/span><\/h3>\n


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Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Wayne van Zwoll Waiting in hunting camp for the day to age and its cold wind to diminish, I grew restless. So, to do\u00a0something\u00a0productive before pestering deer, I pasted a target on a box and trotted it out 100 yards. Then I scrounged a few cartridges my pal had left for his new rifle, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1754,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1753","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1753","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1753"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1753\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1754"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1753"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1753"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1753"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}