re: Sighting in Rifle Question(s)

Went to the range yesterday morning and took some of the advice posted on here with me. I adjusted the way I was holding the rifle and basically put it against my shoulder but did not touch the forward grip at all. Just let it set on the rest. Last 3 shots were touching each other 2" high at a 100 yards . In the past I was grabbing the forward grip and trying to hold it tight down against the rest and I think that was affecting my accuracy. Maybe or maybe not, but it definitely shot better than it has ever shot. I also shot about 10 rounds or so and the group actually tightened up the more I shot it. So I don't think the heat was an issue with the barrel.

I'll probably cold bore shoot it one more time before hunting just to see where it hits. I was shooting 150 grain Winchester Deer Season XP ammo. Thanks for all the input in this thread.

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If I overlayed the 3 3-shot groups yesterday, there’d be 9 holes inside 1”.

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So whatcha stressing about? I'd go with the lowest charge weight that gets you over 2800 fps and load till I ran outta something and go with that.

Sounds like you have an un-picky rifle which is wonderful. I like reliability, so I full length size my stuff, load it to a little under mag length (generally longer than book OAL) and always stay under book max charge.

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I'd think if you shot each seating depth 10 rd groups you find that they are similar using the same powder charge.

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I shoot 2.215” and I bet if I could load the rounds longer the groups might improve.

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You're shooting under half inch with 7 shots. 10 would be maybe half?

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Who knows. The only thing we can be sure of is the group wouldn’t get smaller.

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What bullet are you shooting? I have a proposition for you

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7mm Berger 180gr hybrid

I really want to chrono the various factory ammo I like but I’m sure someone has posted that info online. I use to go with a +- 3” up or down, whatever zero gave me that out to the furthest 3” drop. So it varies with caliber. Now I’m thinking of moving towards strict 100 yard zeros with chrono information and using ballistic calculators.

I use a tripod for 90% of shots these days so I’ll use that with an RRS soar Anvil-30 head. Expensive but rock solid. Different hunting than most here.

Glad you got it figured out!

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I've noticed when I try out new ammo for my 308 I can usually find one manufacturer's ammo that will group the first 2 shots tight and sling the 3rd shot. I usually discount the ammo as not accurate when that happens. I'm beginning to wonder if the 3rd shot flyer is a result of the barrel getting hot when I fire 3 in pretty quick succession. This leads me to the next question of how many rounds does it take to heat up a barrel to where it affects accuracy? I tried out the Remington Corelokt Tipped Ammo last season and this is what it was doing so I didn't use it. I just bought some of the Federal Fusion Tipped Ammo I found at Academy. I've had good luck with Fusions in other guns but couldn't get good grouping from their regular line in my 308. I've been hunting with the Winchester Deer Season ammo, which hold a good group, but was wanting something more bonded or solid. Also contemplating sighting my deer rifles at 50 yards this season instead of 100. I'm thinking it would be more accurate out to 200+ if I did that. Just my Saturday morning thoughts. I'm getting ready to break out the rifles and get them ready for deer season soon. Appreciate any of you experts thoughts on this.

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I gave up trying to figure out some three shot groups.

I’ve got a Kimber Mountain Ascent that I will have 2 holes damn near touching but the 3rd shot is always high. It’s a 5lb rifle and I hope I don’t ever need more than 2 shots.