Lapua 300-grain Scenar

by
posted on October 24, 2011
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
lapua-300.jpg

I was told that Lapua's 300-grain Scenar load put all others to shame and was not let down. Twist rates are moving in tighter directions, enabling longer (heavier) projectiles to be adequately stabilized out to long ranges.

Years ago, I learned large projectiles need some distance to settle down and shoot pretty groups. At the other end of the spectrum, high-velocity projectiles begin to exhibit unstable flight characteristics as they move through transonic velocity into the subsonic realm. Popular designs like the Scenar and Sierra's MatchKing use a boattail to help smooth this transitional flight period.

I tested the Barrett MRAD with Lapua's 300-grain Scenar at 70 degrees Fahrenheit, verifying muzzle velocity at 2,790 fps. In that environment the bullet was subsonic for more than 1,500 meters. Vertical dispersion is another critical component to long-range accuracy. The 300-grain Scenar load's vertical dispersion averaged 4.75 inches at 800 yards, which is very manageable. The bottom line is, "I wish I had it back in the day."

Latest

Steiner H6Xi Riflescope
Steiner H6Xi Riflescope

First Look Steiner H6Xi Riflescopes With RFP Reticle

A second-focal-plane optic with a fast, easy to use reticle. 

First Look: Derya DY9 Island 9mm Pistol and Complete Slide

A 9mm pistol based on Glock G19 internals with a unique slide assembly.

Roundup: Aftermarket AR-15 Grips

Get a (better) grip on your AR-15.

Avoid The Issue

Preventive Defense—avoiding incidents rather than reacting to them—is the best defense.

First Look: Falco Multi-Fit Universal Holsters

Available in a wide range of materials and models.

First Look: XS Sights R3D 2.0 Night Sights for Springfield Echelon Pistols

The sights have a low profile, snag-free rear sight and a bright green or orange front sight.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.