TEST RESULTS: MOSSBERG’S PATRIOT LR HUNTER AND ZEISS’S LRP S3 SCOPE

In all, I tested five handloads,10 factory hunting loads and three factory match loads at 100 yards. For the first time during one of my range tests, I also decided to double-check the advertised velocities of the factory ammo using Garmin’s Xero C1 Pro Chronograph. Interestingly, roughly half of the loads matched their advertised velocities, while the rest deviated by less than100 fps.

Although it had its preferences, the LR Hunter provided respectable accuracy, with approximately half of the hunting loads bettering MOA. That said, I would have expected even more sub-half-inch groups from a long-range rifle—if it had cost five grand.

With an average of 0.991 inches, my handloads faired a bit better overall than the factory ammo, which averaged 1.040 inches. The best performance, however, belonged to Barnes’ 130-grain VOR-TX TSX BT with a 0.365 group, making it a great choice for deer- and caribou-sized game. At the top of my list for larger game, particularly at long range, would be handloaded Hornady 143-grain ELD-X bullets and H1000 powder, which grouped 0.590 inches.

Complete Test Results

Factory Ammunition

BRAND	BULLET	VELOCICTY (FPS)	GROUP SIZE
Hornady Precision Hunter	143-grain ELD-X	2809	1.145
Hornady Outfitter	130-grain CX	2967	1.642
Federal Premium	130-grain Terminal Ascent	3041	.894
Nosler Trophy Grade	142-grain AccuBond Long Range	2860	1.380
Nosler	140-grain Ballistic Tip	2901	.768
Barnes VOR-TX	130-grain TSX BT	2934	.365
Norma Whitetail	140-grain BTHP	2772	.960
Nosler Trophy Grade	140–grain AccuBond	28779	.885
Barnes VOR-TX LR	127-grain LRX BT	2952	1.035
Nosler Lead Free Expansion Tip	120-grain ET	3095	1.335

 

Factory Match

BRAND	BULLET	VELOCICTY (FPS)	GROUP SIZE
Hornady Match	147-grain ELD Match	2776	1.005
Norma Golden Target	143-grain	2814	.895
Barnes Precision Match	145-grain OTM BT	2878	.438

 

Handloads:

Bullet	Powder	Case	Velocity (fps)	Group Size (inches)
Hornady 143-grain ELD-X	H1000	Norma	2819	1.225
Hornady 143-grain ELD-X	H1000	Hornady	2790	.590
Hornady 140-grain SST	US869	Norma	2650	.523
Nosler 140-grain AccuBond	Reloader 22	Norma	2868	1.810
Berger VLD Hunting 140-grain	Retumbo	Norma	2831	.780

 

Note: All groups are three shots at 100 yards and velocities were recorded by the Garmin Xero C1 Pro and averaged.