.257 Weatherby - Poor groups

Kirk930

Kirk930

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Picked up a new Weatherby Vanguard S2 in .257 to be used for hunting.

I've put about 50 rounds through it so far, and I'm not impressed with the groupings. I shot about 20 rounds from new and then thoroughly cleaned the barrel.

10 shot groups at 100 yards are all over the place. A few shots close together, but overall more than 4". I'm taking my time with the shots to keep the heat down.

I shoot a TRG-22 as well, and I understand that this gun won't compare accuracy wise, but I would think it should shoot at least 1 MOA??

Details:

- Scope is a Redfield Revenge 3-9x42 mounted on a rail. Burris rings. Everything is tight and checked with a torque wrench.

- Rounds are hand loads. New Hornady brass sized with Redding FL dies.

- 117 gr. Hornady Interlock bullets, 70.0 gr. RL-25, and Winchester LR Magnum primers. OAL 3.250"

- Shooting from a bench, using a Harris bipod and rear bag.

I've picked up some Nosler 115 gr. BT bullets for the next batch of reloads.

Where to start? There does seem to be a fair amount of barrel jump off the bench.

EDIT: Problem solved....see post #48
 
Last edited:
Accuracy Load: H4831/ 64.9grs. 3100fps/ 2561ft. lbs.
Hunting Load: H4831/ 66.7grs. 3200fps/ 2729ft. lbs.

70 grains of Re25 is the most accurate load/powder tested with the 115 grain Nosler bullets
 
To me it sounds like a mechanical issue, stock, bedding , rings, base
, scope as mentioned above.
I'd look at the simple stuff first , then look at components.

Take the "accuracy" recommendations with a grain of salt as your rifle may prefer a totally off the wall combination.
 
Doesn't weatherby guarantee 1 MOA or less on the S2....maybe its time to sent it back for repairs.
 
Well - If you're going to try another cartridge, switch bullet weights. rifles will tune to a specific bullet weight, yours may not like the 117 grainers
 
I would try factory ammo and see how it shoots. If its still all over the map try a new scope. Start with the cheapest try first...
 
I think it must be something haywire too - 4" is just way too large of a group. Check all of the screws to make sure they are tight, check screws on bases and mounts too, check to see if the stock is pushing on the barrel somewhere, check the crown to make sure it is not damaged and finanlly try a different scope.

Also, FWIW, I've had good luck with IMR7828 + .257 Wby.
 
My old school grid type bore sighter makes it easy to rule out the scope.
Bore sight, shoot, check with bs'r.If the cross hairs have moved on the grid, the scope is jiggled.
I usually smack the scope a few times for good measure when bore sighting initially to see if the reticule moves on the grid.
Do you have or know anyone that has one?

it works great to see if the x ring or ao moves poi too
 
Ranger Dave said:
Most gun stores sell Weatherby ammo. I was at Cabelas yesterday and I could swear I saw some for the 257.
Click to expand...
I bought a couple boxes there recently. My rifle doesn't like the Weatherby factory ammo as much as hand loads though. 100 gr boattail Sierra Gamekings and a max load of Reloader 25 can cloverleaf three rounds at 100 in my series 1. I set the bullets just a hair further out than in the manual too. I tried setting it close to the rifling, but it's impossible with the amount of freebore.
 
I'm going to check everything again.

I do have a Bushnell boresighting kit. I'll give the scope smack a try. :D

Factory ammo is tough to find. Every vendor I've checked is sold out.
 
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