For some odd reason, considering the upcoming election, all the internet dealers and brick and mortar dealers seem bent on dropping the prices of AR-15 as far as they will go. About the only reason I can figure is that they are making hay while the sun shines, and possibly blowing through their inventory so they can order more. I would think if the Sum (Bitch) of All Fears is elected, the prices will go through the roof, but what do I know.
At any rate, I got a new S&W M&P 15 Sport 2, and shot the first 50 rounds through it yesterday at Oakdale, where I am a member. Before I get to the pictures, there is a caveat about the handloaded ammo. The cases were all the same headstamp (LC 04) that had been sized with a Bonanza Bench Rest size die, and then the Nosler 50 grain Ballistic Silertips were seated with a Bonanza Bench Rest seating die. As such, the runout on this ammo is 2 mils or less. The powder was weighed out with a Lee perfect powder measure, and while the average of 10 charges thrown was set to 24.0, the individual charges were NOT weighed.
The first ten rounds were used to sight in the cheap scope on the rifle, and then the two pictures below show the next 30 rounds that were fired:
All rounds were fired on the bench.
Needless to say, having a $629 new EBR that will print a solid group a bit under 2"" straight out of the box is good as far as I'm concerned!!