Well, I went to the range and did a barrel break-in and I know some people don't believe in break-in. I once was that way and did not believe in it either but for the last fifteen years have done it with every rifle I bought new whether factory or custom, and it has always helped me produce accurate loads (except one Ruger 30-06 that needed stock work), as apposed to when I did not practice break-in. Of course if you get good results without that is cool also.
Now what is so interesting about this M48 and my break-in is that I just put together some 120gr BT, 150gr BT and 130gr Sierra match loads but with out the special attention that I usually give to loads when I am trying to develop accuracy loads for hunting and shooting. For what I call run of the mill hand loads this rifle really shoots good. I can't wait to start my load development for my hunting loads where I pay special attention to every load and all the details I consider important in getting accuracy from my hand loads.
First target is 15 shot group of 120gr BT where I shot one round then clean for 15 rounds and after a few rounds you can see it starting to settle in.
Second target is 12 shot group of 150gr BT where I shoot three rounds then clean and it was looking good also.
Third target is two five shot groups with 130gr M/K HP where I shoot five then clean then adjust the scope 1/4" and shoot the next five without a fouling round. The five shot group to the right was the first five shot group and the second five group is the one on the left.
Now let me emphasis that these were not special loads, just some loads I used to get me through what I like to do with a new barrel, and they were all different weight bullets. This rifle will be in my opinion after today's break-in, a real winner. Can't wait to get to my load work for accuracy the first of next week. All my components will not be in until Friday. Also, the Weaver 6x power did fine holding zero and moved right where I moved it. Yes, I think I will have a good time with this rifle and at only 7.7 pounds in the field and shooting as good as it does, it will be a perfect spot an stalk rifle. Yes, glad I bought it. I will post results of my accuracy load work towards the end of next week.
I need to get it out of the way as Jordan and I will be hunting in Arizona the third week in November, then I will hunt in Tenn the first week, and the second week of December south of Baton Rouge, La. where I will be using this rifle on all three hunts.
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