TEST RESULTS: ANTLER’S TI MOUNTAIN RIFLE

On the range, I tested six handloads and 14 factory loads, all of which cycled perfectly. With its side-ported muzzle brake, the rifle was a joy to shoot, offering minimal recoil and virtually no muzzle jump. Despite the rifle’s shorter 20-inch barrel, I also noted that many of the factory loads approximated their advertised velocity, a decided plus for longer shots.

As for the scope, I agree with Zeiss that the Conquest V4 4-16×44 is designed for mountain hunts, and in my view, it’s the best of the V4 lineup for such lofty pursuits. The optics were excellent, and I loved the user-friendliness of both the illuminated #60 reticle and the elevated ballistic turret.

Overall, the Ti delivered on its accuracy guarantee. My handloads averaged 0.778 groups, while the factory ammo bettered that average with 0.698. Two of my handloads and four factory loads also exceeded Antler Firearm’s half-MOA guarantee, while several others hovered around that average. In fact, 18 of the 20 groups bettered MOA. The best of the lot at 0.345 was 127-grain VOR-TX LRX. A close second at 0.480 was a handload with 140-grain Hornady InterLock and StaBall 6.5 powder. Both would make excellent choices for most backcountry hunts. For deer, Nosler Whitetail Country, grouping at 0.495, would top my list.

Note: All groups included three shots at 100 yards; velocities were recorded using a Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph, then averaged.

COMPLETE TEST RESULTS

Factory Ammunition

BRAND	BULLET	VELOCICTY (FPS)	GROUP SIZE
Nosler AccuBond	140-grain	2,554	0.530
Nosler Whitetail Country	140-grain	2,611	0.495
Hornady Precision Hunter	143-grain ELD-X	2,628	0.630
Hornady Superformance	129-grain SST	2,865	0.710
Federal Premium	120-grain Trophy Copper	2,868	0.940
Federal Premium	130-grain Barnes TSX	2,739	0.822
Fusion	140-grain	2,706	0.735
Barnes VOR-TX	127-grain LRX	2,735	0.395
Barnes VOR-TX	120-grain TTSX BT	2,801	0.570
Winchester Deer Season XP	125-grain Extreme Point	2,768	0.495
Winchester Expedition Long Range	142-grain AccuBond	2,602	1.190
Sako Gamehead Pro	130-grain	2,791	0.510
Norma Whitetail	140-grain	2,536	1.02
Norma Tip Strike	140-grain	2,564	0.610

 

Handloads

Bullet	Powder	Case	Velocity (fps)	Group Size (inches)
Hornady 129-grain SST	Winchester 760	Hornady	2,862	0.890
Hornady 140-grain SP InterLock	StaBall 6.5	Hornady	2,683	0.480
Hornady 143-grain ELD-X	H 4350	Hornady	2,615	0.595
Berger 140-grain VLD Hunting	H 414	Hornady	2,483	0.950
Barnes 120-grain TTSX	I 4895	Hornady	2,506	0.760
Barnes 127-grain LRX	IMR 4451	Hornady	2,719	0.997