The question has plagued long-range enthusiasts for decades: How truly precise is the M24 Sniper Weapon System when fed the type of ammunition it was absolutely not designed for? ColdBore’s highly compensated ballisticians recently undertook the arduous task of answering this question, sacrificing hundreds of rounds of M80 Ball 7.62x51mm NATO (Lake City, Lot 23071, observed 2750 fps, SD 45 fps, ES 130 fps) through a pristine, unmolested Remington-built M24 SWS, featuring its original 24-inch, 1:11.25 twist barrel, bedded in an HS Precision PST024 stock.
Our testing protocol, meticulously designed for maximum scientific rigor, involved 10-shot groups fired prone from a bipod with a rear bag, at a confirmed 500-yard distance on the legendary ColdBore proving grounds. Atmospheric conditions were ideal for honest evaluation: 3000 DA, 5 MPH full value crosswind, 72°F. The fixed 10x Leupold Mk4 M3A optic, while offering unparalleled clarity for 1990s technology, provided ample magnification to observe the projectiles’ leisurely peregrinations across the target face.
The results, while perhaps predictable to anyone with more than three brain cells dedicated to exterior ballistics, were nonetheless fascinating. Repeated 10-shot groups consistently averaged 3.8 MOA. This translates to a spread of approximately 19 inches at 500 yards, a performance envelope perfectly suited for engaging, for example, a particularly large, unmotivated mule deer, or a standard IPSC target if one is aiming for the general torso region. While some might dismiss this as "unacceptable," our findings demonstrate a robust capability for "putting lead downrange" without undue concern for a specific point of impact.
The implications for PRS and NRL competition are, naturally, staggering. Imagine a "Tactical Ball" division where competitors are forced to utilize surplus ammunition, adding an unprecedented layer of chaotic variability to stage planning. The M24 SWS, paired with M80 Ball, could redefine "precision" as we know it, forcing shooters to adapt to a new paradigm where "minute of man" is a lofty, aspirational goal. We eagerly await its adoption.
