0.8 MOA for 500 Shots at 300 Meters — Sierra Test Tunnel Result
For load development, some guys shoot 3-shot groups. Other guys shoot 5-shot groups, or even 10-shot strings. But for testing its projectiles, Sierra Bullets takes it to another level entirely. A while back Sierra was testing its .30-Caliber 175gr HPBT MatchKing in the Sierra underground tunnel. The results appear above — a FIVE HUNDRED Round group!
500 Shots Form 0.82 MOA Group at 300m (328 yards)
The photo above shows the result of 500 shots taken in a 300 meter test tunnel. Sierra’s trigger-pullers sent five full boxes of bullets down-range at a single target. The raw group size, edge to edge of the farthest shots, is about 3.13 inches, as shown on the calipers’ metal linear scale. Subtract a .308″ nominal bullet diameter* to get the 2.823″ on the digital readout. So you’re seeing a 2.823″ group at 300 meters (328 yards). One MOA at this distance is 3.435″ so this 500-round group is 2.823 divided by 3.435 or 0.82 MOA (0.8218 MOA to be precise).
This 500-round group was shoot as part of a pressure/velocity test for a commercial customer. The cartridge was .308 Winchester, loaded at 2.800″. The powder was Reloder 15. A 26″ barrel was shot from a return to battery rest. The gun was cleaned every 125 rounds and two foulers shot.
What do you think — could you beat this group from a bench for 500 rounds?
One Facebook poster joked: “500-round group? Everyone knows anything less than 1000-round groups are a waste of time and statistically irrelevant.”
Sierra’s 300 Meter Testing Tunnel
Ever wonder how (and where) Sierra tests its bullets? The answer is underground, in a 300-meter test tunnel located under Sierra’s factory in Sedalia, Missouri. The photo above shows the construction of the tunnel back in May, 1990. Like most bullet manufacturers, Sierra does live-fire bullet testing of its projectiles. Sierra’s 300-meter test range is the longest, manufacturer-owned underground bullet test facility in the world. Sierra offers free tours of the test tunnel as part of Sierra’s Factory Tour Program.
* Normally, to get an exact group size, you should subtract the TRUE bullet hole size, which is usually smaller than the nominal bullet diameter. E.g. a .308 bullet hole may show on paper as .298 or so. But here, for simplicity, we are subtracting .308″ because we do not have the original target to measure.
Similar Posts:
- 500-Round Group at 300 Meters — Now That’s a Test!
- 500-Shot Group at 300 Meters — Now That’s a Serious Test
- Could You Shoot 0.8 MOA at 300m — for FIVE HUNDRED Shots?
- Ten Shots, 200 Yards, One Ragged Hole — Sierra Bullet Testing
- A Look Inside Sierra’s 300m Underground Test Tunnel
Share the post "0.8 MOA for 500 Shots at 300 Meters — Sierra Test Tunnel Result"
Tags: .308 Win Accuracy, Sedalia MO, Sierra Bullets, Test Tunnel
I want a 300m tunnel in my basement!!! How nice would it be to build hand loads at your loading bench and fire them for accuracy in the same place?
I would like to obtain the Oehler M43, or similar equipment, ballistic data, including coordinates of each of the 500-bullet holes. I will pay for it if necessary or do some ballistic work for the customer.
Henry Childs
11-16-2021