So life's been hectic but I finally made my way to the range this morning to continue the process with my new build. Sometime back in late April my new Criterion barrel from NSS was delivered. The build details are below:

- Savage Target Action
- CBI: 204 Ruger; 26-inch varmint profile; Matte SS; 1 twist/11 inches
- HS Precision stock
- Zeiss Conquest 6.5 - 20 x 50 mm



Based on my prior experience I pressed out a few handloads with Sierra 1039 missiles sitting atop RL-10 and off to the range I went. I spent 5 rounds establishing a 100-yd zero and then shot my first 3-shot group. Rounds 6, 7 , and 8 on a new barrel produced a 3-shot 100 yd group size of .156 inches as illustrated in the photo below.



This project has been a lot of fun and is off to a great start. Special thanks to Jim Briggs for his willingness to share his expertise.

Marmots Beware!