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re: Rifle group issues

Posted on 10/26/13 at 2:06 pm to
Posted by TigerOnThe Hill
Springhill, LA
Member since Sep 2008
6827 posts
Posted on 10/26/13 at 2:06 pm to
Drake,
I feel you're pain. Not many things in life are more frustrating than a gun that's suddenly become inaccurate. The following is my approach (albeit, not necessarily in this specific order; I'd do the easy things you're comfortable first).

You're going to have to work through a stepwise process to figure it out. Based on current info, I'd suspect something's happened w/ the bedding (including the action screws), a problem w/ the scope, a problem w/ the rings/base or a damaged crown. Erratic shots sound more like a problem w/ the scope, ring, mounts or action screws. If there's a problem w/ a pressure point, the shots will gradually move in the direction AWAY from the pressure point.

1. Rule out a problem w/ the scope by changing to a scope you already know to be RELIABLE.
2. Remount the base, using BLUE Loc-Tite (NOT red). I always use the $10 Weaver bases, even on my prairie dog handguns. Easy, and cheap enough, to try your rifle w/ a Weaver base.ETA: Before installing the scope base w/ Loc-Tite, individually check the length of each screw. Put the base in place, then screw in a screw into the intended hole. If the base is not TIGHT, the screw is too long. If the screw is too long, cut off the excess w/ a Dremel tool or get a new screw. It should have a minimum of 3 threads for it to have adequate strength. If it doesn't, it's too short and will need to be replaced. Repeat this step w/ each screw in a different hole.
3. Remount the rings. I don't use Loc-Tite on the rings. Be sure the screws attaching the upper/lower rings are equally tightened. If the rings have not been lapped, do so. If you don't have the equipment to lap them or don't feel comfortable doing it, change the rings to Burris Signature Z-Rings (the ones w/ plastic inserts).
4. Check for any high spots in the barrel channel or action part of the stock.
5. I don't know if your gun came from the factory w/ a free floated barrel or not. If it is free floated, you might add a pressure point on the barrel at the front tip of your stock by putting 1-2 business cards at the very front of the stock in the barrel channel. You can Google all this or look on YouTube. If If it still doesn't shoot well, free float the entire barrel. You can always remake a pressure point as above and reshoot. Some barrels shoot better w/ a pressure point, some don't.
6. Check the action screws as mentioned above.
7. Use a torque wrench (and follows it's recs) to adjust the mount, rings and action screws.
8. Try different ammo. Sometimes a gun barrel needs more than 3-4 shots w/ a particular load before it starts shooting that load well.
9. I don't worry to awfully much about letting a barrel cool down entirely between shots. A well bedded gun should be reasonably accurate even w/ a hot barrel. I'm leaving for a praire dog hunt in a few days. The guide said to count on 200 rounds/day. I can promise you my barrels will get hot, but the guns will still be VERY accurate.
10. Be sure the crown is not damaged. (Especially check for this since someone else cleaned your gun. It should've cleaned from the action, but it it was cleaned from the muzzle, the crown may have been damaged).
11. Be sure the gun is clean, but use the proper equipment, i.e. a one piece steel rod (appropriate caliber) w/ a good bore guide. More gun barrels are ruined by poor cleaning technique than by being dirty.
12. When you shoot, be sure the barrel's not resting on anything.

If it's not reasonably improved w/ the above, I bet it's a more serious problem w/ the barrel/action itself. Good luck and keep us updated.

How bad are the groups it's shooting?
Posted by INFIDEL
The couch
Member since Aug 2006
16199 posts
Posted on 10/26/13 at 2:31 pm to
Or he could just shoot it
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