Range Time
For this experiment, I mounted a Meopta Optics Optika 6 3-18×50 SFP scope on the pinned 20MOA Picatinny rail. I’d never used a Meopta scope before and was fascinated with their DicroTech reticles. Designed for hunting, their patent-pending coating adjusts color tone and intensity to varying light conditions without use of a battery. To my surprise, the colors did change. Scanning the range and woods, the colors shifted slightly with shadows and changes in the environment. I tried the BDC Dichro reticle and would still personally prefer a larger dot for hunting as the BDC version tended to disappear at further ranges.
Kelbly guarantees sub-MOA accuracy with match-grade ammunition and this gun met expectations. I shot groups from a 200-yard bench with Berger 135-grain Classic Hunter and 156-grain EOL Elite Hunter ammunition. Both shot well, but the rifle liked the 135-grain ammo better. Using the ShotMarker e-target system, I was able to determine average velocity at the target and group size. A 5-shot group with the Berger 135-grain ammunition measured 1.52″ (0.72 MOA) in width and 1.17″ (0.56 MOA) in height at 200 yards. Velocity at the target averaged 2,467 feet per second (fps) with a spread of 9.2 fps. A 5-shot group with the 156-grain ammo measured 2.05″ (0.98 MOA) in width and 1.54″ (0.73 MOA) in height. Velocity at the target averaged 2,358 fps with a variation of 6.4 fps.
Accuracy remained at further distances. I repeatedly hit a 12×12″ steel plate at 1,000 yards with no issues. Recoil was relatively mild, kicking my elbows about on the bench, but my shoulder saw no ill effects.
I’m not sending this rifle back. At $2,449, it’s pricier than the average hunting rifle at your sporting goods store but well worth it for the lifetime warranty and top-of-the-line components. Yes, I checked. You can run over your rifle and Kelbly’s will still cover the damage, though they’d be unhappy. If you’re looking for a custom-quality, extremely accurate hunting and all-around long-range rifle with a family of support behind it, look no further than the Kelbly Koda.
Editor’s Note — Kelbly sponsors Serena during Palma competition but was not consulted for this article.
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