After a 3 week layoff due to weather, travel, and a surgical procedure, I finally made it back to the mountain retreat range in New Mexico with the Savage BTV .22LR rifle. Of course the zero shifted due to altitude and much colder ambient. And I left the rifle and ammo in the truck outside overnight at 40F before heading to the range. Plus I guessed wrong on how much elevation to dial in to get on paper at 200 yards, even with no wind. And I had forgotten how to make the parallax adjustment, place the gun in to my shoulder, and pull the trigger very smoothly. Other than that, a great day with the rifle.
Warm up at 100 yards to make a 0.2 mil down and 0.2 mil left zero shift change at 100 yards took 20 rounds, then I shot 30 more to get back in the groove, well, kinda. Shot one 3/4" group but half were 1-1/2" or smaller with no flyers, only shooter errors.
Went out to 200 and spent a box of ammo getting on paper with a final 5.0 mil up and 0.2 mil left dial-in on a mostly calm day, thank God. Nine target squares, five shots each. Put up another 9 square sheet "for record" and shot a best of 1-3/8" five shot group but had several in the 3-4" range, so on average this was OK, not great, for first time out. I switched ammo lots on the 4th square but that was the best group, although 2-1/2" high.
All of this going on while the sunny ambient conditions changed from 40F to 60F and the sun beat down on the left side of the rifle. And the wind came and went a little. Plus I was rusty.
The good thing is I no longer fear 200 with the .22, and I got to try something new. I still think the 9mm pistols are more consistent than even a healthy .22 at this distance. I reserve the right to amend this conclusion as I get more experience at 200 with the .22, however.
I am going back to the range this morning and try it again. I might have some photos and video late this evening. If the results are good.
Joe