[rnewton75]

I got a chance to shoot my SU16c yesterday extensivly at the new CMP Marksmanship park (which is an amazing place & should be on everyones bucket list to visit). I've added standard bird cage flash hider, the sling kit, & the rear TechSight. I shot 3 different hand loads self supported in prone at the 100yd range. Two 55gr FMJ loads & a 77gr SMK load. The best group of 55gr was about 8 minutes & the 77gr load would group at just under 6 minutes. As a reference my 77gr load will shoot 1.25 minutes (self supported) from my White Oak A2 match rifle (1:7 twist) all day long. With the SU16c's slower twist rate I was shocked that it liked the heavier bullets.

I also found that as the barrel got really hot, the groups definitely opened up a bit. And, when I switched from self supported prone to to using the hand guard/bi-pod on the bench, the POI shifted high-left about 4".

I'm not expecting match groups from it but, is this kind of performance typical from this rifle? If so, I think it will make a great short range defensive rifle. It seems up to the task considering it ran like a top without a single malfunction over about 300 rounds.

I really like it.

 

[WPhilB47]

I got a chance to shoot my SU16c yesterday............................ The best group of 55gr was about 8 minutes & the 77gr load would group at just under 6 minutes.
I'm not expecting match groups from it but, is this kind of performance typical from this rifle? If so, I think it will make a great short range defensive rifle. It seems up to the task considering it ran like a top without a single malfunction over about 300 rounds.

I really like it.

My A model will do 2 minutes with Tulamo 55 grain from a rest. I would suggest you try a different handload or some factory loads for a baseline first. You might also want to look at your optic.

 

[rnewton75]

Thanks kill keep playing with it.

Something else to forgot to mention- There was a really strong recoil impulse that transferred through the stock directly into my cheek bone. It actually made me stop shooting it for the day. It seemed better if I loosened my cheek weld but that throws off the sight picture. The underside of my cheek bone was actually bruised the next day.

 

[yabiah]

SU-16C 1:7 Twist

As a reference my 77gr load will shoot 1.25 minutes (self supported) from my White Oak A2 match rifle (1:7 twist) all day long. With the SU16c's slower twist rate I was shocked that it liked the heavier bullets.

I also have a Charlie model and I do believe they're 1:7 twist like your White Oak A2; http://Kel-Tec SU-16C

 

[texcl2]

You should try some ammo in the 62-65gr range.

 

[35 Whelen]

I sighted my SU-16A in shortly after I got it. Using handloads of a 62 gr. FMJ, WC846 powder, and issue aperture sights I was getting 2" 100 yd. groups. Plenty good enough for the intended purpose of the rifle.

 

[lilwoody]

So what is the twist rate of the A model. Both my ARs are 1-9 and love 55 and 40 grain Nosler boat tail ballistic tip or really any consistent weight quality bullets and size under 60 grains I use Varget, H4198 and W748, tried IMR3031 and it wasn't so good for me. All are MOA (except 3031) I'm getting the best velocities and accuracy with 26 grains of Varget with the 55's and very near that with the 748. The 4198 shoots about 100 fps slower but the accuracy is still there out of my HBAR CAR (16") but the same out of the (20") HBAR A2.
After 55 grains the groups spread and 75 or heavier shoot shotgun patterns.
I've gotten fed up with the RFB and all the goodies I have for it and it is officially on the market. I've already got the deal worked out with my LGS for a SU-16A, DPMS Oracle. With enough change left over to hit Bass Pro for enough powder and primers to play for quite a while.

 

[35 Whelen]

The A's have a 1-9 twist. I've shot up to 69 gr. bullets and they're fine. A buddy of mine coachES our 4H High Power team which uses 75 gr. Hornadys for 600 yd. Prone Slow. He's td some 1-9 barrels stabilize 75's, some do not.
I haven't done alot of handload testing with my SU16A as it's a truck gun relegated to utility duties. I tempted to get one of the Tech Sights for it....some day.

 

[shep854]

I also have a Charlie model and I do believe they're 1:7 twist like your White Oak A2; http://Kel-Tec SU-16C

Interesting. I'm pretty sure my '08 Charlie has 1:9 twist.

 

[BringOnTheZombies]

Here is my group from su-16c at cmp, telladega.
Prone, loop sling, tech-sight rear, dw battlesight post, 55gr federal 10 shots from 300 yrs, 3 flyers- first shot off paper.

 

[Junkie]

Regarding twist, I suspect it's more based on when the barrels were made/sourced than what version. Then again, I don't have any evidence to support that.

 

[shep854]

Regarding twist, I suspect it's more based on when the barrels were made/sourced than what version. Then again, I don't have any evidence to support that.

According to the Kel-Tec website, 1/7 barrels are now standard for all Kel-Tec SU series rifles. Presumably they recognized the popularity of the 1/7 twist.

 

[imarangemaster]

My current production SU-16 B model LOVES the MK262 MOD1 77 grainers.

 

[imarangemaster]

BTW, dang good for 300 yards! Don't you jus love these little guys?????

 

[Illuminum3415]

The SU16 is definitely not a tack driver, never meant to be. The barrel gets hot fast, but it also cools fast too. By design its not intended for a multi 30rd range trip.

Oddly enough my SU16C works fine at 55gr, but tumbles the 62grs... it cuts a long tapered hole even at 50ft. Yet theres people saying theirs shoots 77grs great:nuts:

 

[Junkie]

The newer models are all 1/7 twist which explains why some people shoot 77gr well.

I'm surprised you have problems with 62gr, most people say it shoots fine in ther 1/9 barrels. The reason the military adopted 1/7 is for tracers, which are significantly longer than 855. A friend of mine's early SU16A shot them fine.

 

[imarangemaster]

I had a Mini-14 with a 1/9 twist, and it did great with 77s out to 200 yards., still shooting 2 MOA-ish.

 

[35 Whelen]

The SU16 is definitely not a tack driver, never meant to be. The barrel gets hot fast, but it also cools fast too. By design its not intended for a multi 30rd range trip.

Oddly enough my SU16C works fine at 55gr, but tumbles the 62grs... it cuts a long tapered hole even at 50ft. Yet theres people saying theirs shoots 77grs great:nuts:

My SU-16A has a 1-9" twist. It's been awhile since I shot it, but I checked my log book and handloaded 69 gr. Sierra HPBT's shot 1.5" - 1.75" @ 100 yds. with the factory sights.

I can't for the life of me where all these stories of "tumbling" 60+ gr. bullets come from.