Crusader Backland Hunter precision testing

[u/some_guy2024]

A friend of mine has a couple Crusader Arms Backland Hunter elites so I borrowed one to do some precision testing. I was quite curious to see how it would do seeing as I’ve done the same kinda testing on pretty much every model they’ve released (WS-MCR, Sentinel, Crypto) and was rather impressed by how tight the MCR shot (10rnds of 75gr handloads into 1.5 moa) despite how crude it was. The Sentinel was a bit of a dog with a wandering zero and the Crypto was a hammer (only the receiver was stock and it had a legit match barrel on it).

As far as I’m concerned, any .223/5.56 semi that will keep 10rnds of match ammo sub 2moa is a legit 600yd gun when equipped with a suitable optic (1-8/10, 2-10, etc).

So I mounted a Vortex Razor Gen 2 4.5-27, an MDT Send it and Grndpod and got to it.

I shot a 10rnd group of American Eagle 55gr 5.56, my 55gr Campro plinking load (26.5 BLC-2) and my go to match load (Hornady 75gr BTHP over 23.9gr N150) that shot 1/2moa in my bolt gun, 1 moa in a Crypto and used to shoot 1.5 moa in a Colt 6920.

The 55gr performance was terrible, the AE was approx 4.5 moa and my handloads were approx 6 moa. I dunno that I’ve ever shot a semi that grouped that loose, haha. So despite having zero expectations at this point the 75gr load was outstanding. 10rnds into 1.05 moa. I’m not sure how a rifle can fare so poorly with 55gr ammo and hammer with 75s but it is what it is 🤷🏼‍♂️. I then shot the 75gr ammo at some of my practice targets at 400, 420, 465 and 625 yds and made 1st round hits till the last target (wind was blowing pretty good, needed 2.0 mils of wind to hit)

As an aside I had zero malfs over about 65 rounds which is obviously a tiny sample size but it’s something. The trigger is pretty bad but I guess not much worse than a GI trigger. Unless I’m missing something the safety is kind of a pita. Easy to push off when shouldering the rifle but awkward to re-engage when lowering the rifle. I also can’t reach the mag release without breaking my grip. If you look at the primers on all the ammo you’ll note that they are visibly cratered despite being mild loads (the handloads, that is). I recall the same issue with a WS-MCR that was solved by getting the firing pin hole bushed. Food for thought, I guess.

[u/GodsGiftToWrenching]

Whats the twist? 1:8 or 1:7 probably eh? If so 69 grains projectiles would be probably ideal for a 1:8 twist and if it' 1:7 that explains why 55 grain loads are giant while 75 grain is minty. I will say I'm impressed that the 75 grain projectiles group just over an moa. How many of shots per group? Best group I can get out of a ruger american ranch gen 2 is 1.5 at 100 meters with 10 shot groups of 69 grain SMK's

[u/some_guy2024 → u/GodsGiftToWrenching]

There’s no indication of twist rate on the barrel. I’ve shot plenty of 55gr ammo in 1:7tw barrels across many platform and never seen it shoot so poorly but it is what it is. All groups were 10 rounds as I don’t really think 5rnd groups are very indicative of the average level of precision of a carbine (unless you composite a couple groups).

[u/gspotcowboy → u/some_guy2024]

My RAR lobs 55gr bulk. Like best I ever saw out of it was 3-4 MOA and I tried 5 different brands. I was concerned I got a lemon until I started using heavier stuff and have it sighted in for green tip which is a consistent 1.5ish.

69gr match ammo will cloverleaf but I can't afford that for range days lol

[u/HappyCan7250 → u/gspotcowboy]

That's actually why I ended up selling my RAR gen 2. I don't want to be buying $2/rd match ammo just to get it shooting decent. Both my Savage 110 and MVP Patrol shoot about 1.5moa with cheap bulk 55gr, sometime better, sometimes worse, but the Ruger was shooting 4-5" groups with the same ammo.

Sold it and bought the 110 Hog Hunter instead. Very happy with the 110 for $750. There was a lot I liked about the ruger, I really wanted to love it, but any 55gr ammo shot like shit and I already had tons of that ammo, so it was easier to replace the rifle than restock on match 77gr 223