My decision for 6.5 Creedmoor ammo is down to Nosler 142gr Accubond and Federal Terminal Ascent 130gr. Nosler shoots a LITTLE better but I like that the Federal consistently has amazing weight retention and terminal ballistics in testing. I know they are both a premium bonded bullet. Also the Federal TA is significantly cheaper which will allow me to burn a lot more of it practicing and learning my dope. Accuracy is very close and some groups are better with the Federal. Today the Federal shot this 5 shot group at 100 yards. Nothing amazing, 1". But the way it stacked three of them i am feeling it would be fair to call one of them a screw up on my shooting. If i remove the "flyer" that cuts the group down to 0.5". Is that thinking fair? Would this group be acceptable as a starting point for hunting?



Just for comparison this is the 5 shot Nosler group.

I put three touching at 100 with my X-Bolt Speed 6.5 PRC using the Terminal Ascent.

Yes. Either will be fine.

The real question is are YOU accurate enough for hunting.  Bench trials are nice, but do not reflect any actual hunting.

Yes those are gtg. Now shoot off your backpack, shooting sticks and a post…

That is the plan. I am sure it will open up a lot. But that is how i shoot gophers. I am not going to zero it or test ammo off shooting stucks if i dont have to. But i know that is how i will be hunting.

I will be out of town for a few weeks so i wont get to range anytime soon. But i often practice in a few diffent position. My best is prone with my pack infront of me. With shooting sticks i often neel and then rest the rifle on the sticks. If i can find a down tree or boulder obviously i prop the rifle and my body on that. Its not ideal but if nothing else i try to use a single shooting stick or small tree where i grab it with my left hand and then rest the front of the rifle on that hand. But i always try to find some kind of rest or brace. Standing off hand shooting is a last resort. I will atleast drop to knee if i have time.

But any tips or advice about improvised shooting positions are always welcome.

Sounds like you got it figured out. I have only shot two animals from standing position. One at 20 yds and the other at 40 yds. Everything else has been from the most stable position I could achieve. I prefer prone If I can do it. Seated off of my pack is pretty darn solid.

Good luck!