Auto loaders and Accuracy?

dig4gold · 10-14-2009, 01:25 PM

In general, are auto loaders (semi-autos) less accurate at long ranges than say bolt action rifles? If so, why?

In particular, I'm thinking about getting a Winchester model 100 in .308.

Big Z · 10-14-2009, 01:35 PM

Generally, yes, they are less accurate than bolt actions. The actions are tighter and have smaller tolerances (in general) in bolt actions. Bolt actions are easier on the cartridges being loaded. And a bunch more. We can only say "generally" because there are some darn good shooting semi-autos out there.

dig4gold · 10-14-2009, 02:11 PM

Well if I had the moola for a DPMS Panther . . . there would be no conversation.

But! not.
Iwould be equiping with quality optics and would want a tight pattern out to 300+ yards.

Big Z · 10-14-2009, 03:11 PM

I'd always opt for the bolt. The 100s had a decent rep for accuracy, but they're old semi-autos. Bit harder to tell if you're going to get a good one or not. For hunting, there's not really any advantages of a semi-automatic rifle. If you want a classic, stylish semi-auto, then the win 100 is a good way to go. There's no guarantees you're going to get a tack driver. I would guess not, in comparison to a modern bolt gun.
My opinion: the safe choice for an accurate rifle would be a new bolt action. You can keep the price down via Stevens 200 or Savage 111.

Vapodog · 10-14-2009, 05:56 PM

My experience with autos is limited but as follows:
Win 100: shot one in .308 and it grouped roughly 2" but seemed to be fairly reliable

Rem 742: Shot one in .30-06 and one in .308. The .30-06 shot good groups and shot fairly reliable. The .308 was terrible!

Browning BAR: I shot a .30-06 and a .243 and both were reliable and accurate.

Not much of a record but my personsal battery today includes only one auto.....a .22 rimfire! There are quite a few Mauser, Remington, and Winchester rifles that have proved accurate and reliable.

cjwink · 10-15-2009, 07:01 AM

Yes, in general they are.. A couple of reasons for this is because Bolt actions are 1 piece stocks instead of 2 pieces and have a more rigid platform for the rifle.. Also bolt action triggers are or I should say can be lightened up to around 2-3 pounds safely, while autos have to have a little stronger pull on them to keep them from fireing off after the first shot.

salukipv1 · 10-15-2009, 02:29 PM

my BAR in .270 shoots great! sub MOA...

a good bolt should shoot great, but personally starting to think any gun that's mass produced is just stamped out, tolerances are so large, good luck having it shoot well.