Page 17 - GUNS Issue n.01
P. 17
on a front rest and a rear bag while
shooting from a bench. I usually
touch the rifle as little as possible
(when shooting targets, not while
hunting), but I also wanted to
test the feeling of the cheek piece
(I used the shortest one) and I
must say that it’s definitely better
than other polymer ones that are
“rude” to the touch.
I also immediately liked the
Five-shot group, using RWS ST ammo Five-shot group at 200 meters (218 trigger: clean and not excessively
with 165 gr Speed Tip bullet, still at 100 yards), using RWS Evo ammo with 184 light. The trigger of the Lupo is
meters (109 yards). The group measures gr Power Bonded bullet. The group adjustable, with a pull weight that
32 mm. measures 59 mm. Unfortunately,
the wind ruined the grouping. can vary from, approximately,
one to two kilograms (2.2 to 4.4
pounds): with the bolt open, it
is possible to set an adjustment
screw using the provided key.
If you turn the screw clockwise
you increase the weight, whereas
turning it counterclockwise
lightens the trigger pull.
I started at 100 meters (109 yards),
before moving on to 200 (218
yards), the maximum range,
given the day, but, I think, also
the correct reference distance for a
rifle intended for hunting.
Five-shot group at 200 meters, using Five-shot group at 200 meters, using With my first shots I got very
Sako ammo with 180 gr Hammerhead RWS ST ammo with 165 gr Speed Tip good groups and this surprised
bullet. The group measures 61 mm. bullet. The group measures 75 mm. me a little: a 1:10 twist was used
With gusts of wind. With gusts of wind. for the Lupo in .30-06, a twist rate
that’s more suitable for heavy
bullets, but I obtained excellent
groups, around 1 MOA, with
lightweight bullets. These results
are a testament to the quality
of the barrel and the validity of
the steel action/7075 aluminum
chassis combination.
I wanted to shoot a few groups
at greater distances, but the
weather conditions would not
have allowed me to collect useful
and reliable data. But beyond this
consideration, the verdict doesn’t
change a bit: Benelli knocked it out
of the park with its first bolt-action.
The Lupo is beautiful, well-
finished, technological, has a
price fully proportionate to what
it offers and, most importantly,
it has a crucial feature that every
hunter wants: great accuracy!
The author testing the Benelli Lupo at the Cora Candigliano range.
Benelli lupo Be.S.T. caliBer .30-06_TEST RIFLE 15
