TEST RESULTS: ANTLER FIREARMS’ ROCKY MOUNTAIN

In all, I tested six handloads and 13 factory loads from seven different companies, with almost identical averages of 0.828 and 0.824 inches, respectively. (I dropped one factory load and one handload from the test due to signs of high pressure.) The rifle also delivered on its half-inch accuracy guarantee with factory loads at 0.305 and 0.425 inches, and one handload at 0.418.

For hunting elk- and moose-sized game at longer ranges, Hornady’s 200-grain ELD-X Precision Hunter and Nosler’s 190-grain AccuBond Long Range would top my list. For shorter ranges or hunting in heavy cover, it would be hard to beat a handloaded Hornady 220-grain bullet with H1000 powder. All three of those loads shot into less than 0.75 inches, with two bettering 0.5.

There’s little question this rifle lives up to its billing in every respect. Not only is it a very well-made and robust rifle that would handle the rigours of any elk or moose hunt, it’s also an excellent shooter. Big game beware, the Rocky Mountain is headed your way—and it’s made in Canada!

 

Complete Test Results: Factory Ammunition

BRAND	BULLET	VELOCICTY (FPS)	GROUP SIZE
Hornady Precision Hunter	200- grain ELD-X	2788	.305
Hornady Custom	165-grain BTSP InterLock	3091	.640
Hornady American Whitetail	180-grain InterLock	2943	.840
Gunwerks	190-grain VLD	2899	.425
Federal Premium	180-grain Trophy Copper	2974	.686
Fusion	165-grain	3147	.620
Barnes VOR-TX	180-grain Tipped TSX BT	2901	.900
Barnes VOR-TX	165-grain Tipped TSX BT	3207	.925
Remington Premier AccuTip	180-grain AccuTip BT	2941	1.190
Sako Super Hammerhead	150-grain	3311	.995
Nosler Expansion Tip	180-grain	2948	1.345
Nosler AccuBond Long Range	190-grain	2866	.733
Nosler Partition Trophy Grade	180-grain	2974	1.002

 

Complete Test Results: Handloads

Bullet	Powder	Case	Velocity (fps)	Group Size (inches)
Hornady 220-grain InterLock	H 1000	Hornady	2794	.418
Hornady 180-grain SST	H 4831	Hornady	2902	.575
Hornady 165-grain InterLock BTSP	R 19	Hornady	2879	.950
Hornady 200-grain ELD-X	H 4831	Hornady	2787	1.230
Nosler 210-grain AccuBond LR	I 4831	Hornady	2819	.610
Nosler 180-grain AccuBond	H 1000	Hornady	3079	1.190

Note: All groups are three shots at 100 yards with velocities obtained utilizing the Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph and averaged.  This was the first opportunity I had to utilize the new Garmin Xero C1 Pro and discovered this small, compact and very user-friendly chronograph is a marvel. It was so simple to use and accurately recorded every shot fired during this entire test.