Griffin Armament MK2 Review 800 Yard Steel Accuracy Test & Long Range Performance
Welcome back, Range Fans!
If you just watched the latest video review of the Griffin Armament MK2 equipped with a 14 inch barrel, the Griffin Dual-Lok 5 suppressor, and their 1–10x LPVO you saw us take this short barreled setup all the way out to the 800 yard steel silhouette.
As promised in the video, here is the complete handload data for the 5 custom .223 Remington recipes tested during that range session.
⚠️ Reloading & Safety Disclaimer
PLEASE NOTE: The load data listed below was developed specifically for this rifle setup and tested safely in our firearm. Always consult official reloading manuals (such as Berger, Sierra, and Alliant/Hodgdon) and reduce starting powder charges by 10% to work up safely in your own rifle.
Load Data & Estimated Velocities
Since this testing was conducted with a 14 inch barrel, velocity numbers are estimated based on chrono benchmarks for this specific barrel length using Quickload Software.
| Load # | Bullet | Powder & Charge | COAL | Feed Type | Estimated Velocity (14″ Barrel) |
| Load 1 | 73gr Berger | Varget – 23.5 gr | 2.253″ | Magazine Fed | ~2,450 FPS |
| Load 2 | 77gr Berger OTM | AR-Comp – 22.0 gr | 2.255″ | Magazine Fed | ~2,480 FPS |
| Load 3 | 77gr Berger Target | AR-Comp – 20.8 gr | 2.260″ | Magazine Fed | ~2,360 FPS |
| Load 4 | 80.5gr Berger | AR-Comp – 21.0 gr | 2.465″ | Single Fed (BobSled) | ~2,340 FPS |
| Load 5 | 80gr Sierra MatchKing (SMK) | AR-Comp – 21.0 gr | 2.460″ | Single Fed (BobSled) | ~2,350 FPS |
Ballistic Assumptions
Sight Height: 1.5 inches (Standard AR optic height)
Zero Range: 100 Yards
Atmospheric Conditions: Standard (86°F, ~29.07 inHg, 800 Above Sea Level)
Crosswind: 10 mph full-value (90°)
The warmer, thinner air at 86°F and 800 feet significantly reduces aerodynamic drag compared to standard sea-level conditions. Notice how both loads stay safely supersonic through 800 yards, saving roughly 2 to 3 MOA (~18–24 inches) of drop at maximum distance!
1. 77gr Berger OTM (Mag-Fed)
Velocity: 2,480 FPS (14″ Barrel)
Conditions: 86°F | 800 ft Elevation | 10 MPH 90° Crosswind
G7 BC: 0.190 | Zero: 100 Yards
| Distance (Yards) | Velocity (FPS) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Drop (Inches) | Elevation Correction (MOA) | Elevation Correction (MIL) |
10 MPH Wind Drift (MOA)
| |
| 100 | 2,284 | 891 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.7 | |
| 200 | 2,096 | 751 | -3.7 | 1.8 | 0.5 | 1.5 | |
| 300 | 1,917 | 628 | -14.7 | 4.7 | 1.4 | 2.4 | |
| 400 | 1,747 | 521 | -34.2 | 8.2 | 2.4 | 3.3 | |
| 500 | 1,586 | 429 | -64.2 | 12.3 | 3.6 | 4.3 | |
| 600 | 1,435 | 352 | -107.1 | 17 | 5 | 5.4 | |
| 700 | 1,295 | 286 | -165.8 | 22.6 | 6.6 | 6.6 | |
| 800 | 1,168 (Supersonic) | 233 | -243.6 | 29.1 | 8.5 | 7.9 |
2. 80.5gr Berger Fullbore / Target (Single-Fed)
Velocity: 2,340 FPS (14″ Barrel)
Conditions: 86°F | 800 ft Elevation | 10 MPH 90° Crosswind
G7 BC: 0.221 | Zero: 100 Yards
| Distance (Yards) | Velocity (FPS) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Drop (Inches) | Elevation Correction (MOA) | Elevation Correction (MIL) |
10 MPH Wind Drift (MOA)
| |
| 100 | 2,176 | 846 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.6 | |
| 200 | 2,018 | 728 | -4.2 | 2 | 0.6 | 1.2 | |
| 300 | 1,867 | 622 | -16.3 | 5.2 | 1.5 | 1.9 | |
| 400 | 1,722 | 530 | -37.6 | 9 | 2.6 | 2.6 | |
| 500 | 1,584 | 448 | -69.9 | 13.3 | 3.9 | 3.4 | |
| 600 | 1,452 | 376 | -115.3 | 18.3 | 5.3 | 4.2 | |
| 700 | 1,328 | 315 | -176.7 | 24.1 | 7 | 5.1 | |
| 800 | 1,213 (Supersonic) | 263 | -257.4 | 30.7 | 8.9 | 6.1 |
Key Takeaways for Range Conditions
Velocity Retained: Speed of sound at 86°F rises to ~1,145 FPS. Under these local summer conditions, both loads remain comfortably supersonic beyond 800 yards, preventing stability disruptions when crossing the transonic boundary.
Dial Reduction: Compared to standard sea-level defaults, your 800-yard elevation dial drops from 32.0 MOA down to 29.1 MOA for the 77gr load, and from 33.9 MOA down to 30.7 MOA for the 80.5gr load.
Breakdown & Range Notes
Magazine-Fed Loads (COAL ≤ 2.260″)
73gr Berger over 23.5gr Varget: Extremely smooth cycling load. Varget continues to be a rock-solid, temperature stable classic in .223 Rem.
77gr Berger OTM over 22.0gr AR-Comp: Alliant AR-Comp shines with heavy mag-fed 77gr projectiles. It yielded great pressure stability and pushed hard out to 800 yards. Established the most hits on target at 800 Yards for the day.
77gr Berger over 20.8gr AR-Comp: A slightly milder target load. While lower in velocity, it proved incredibly consistent and pleasant to shoot suppressed.
Single-Fed / Heavy Projectile Loads (BobSled)
80.5gr Berger over 21.0gr AR-Comp (COAL 2.465″): Loaded long beyond magazine length using a BobSled single-feed block. The higher ballistic coefficient (BC) paid massive dividends at 800 yards, driving through wind and slapping steel with noticeable authority. This load really made the target dance.
80gr Sierra MatchKing (SMK) over 21.0gr AR-Comp (COAL 2.460″): Another long-load single feed standout. The classic 80gr SMK profile paired well with AR-Comp for superb downrange energy transfer.
Watch the Full 800-Yard Range Test
If you haven’t seen these handloads in action yet, check out the full review and target impacts on YouTube:
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