10/22 Cracked V-Block

Holleyman

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Location
Athabasca, AB
Was shooting today with the 10/22 and getting fairly good groups, 1.5" - 2.0" at 100 yards from a rest. This was great for about 200 rounds. I went from the 10 round clip to the 25 round steel lips and started rapid fire at the steels below the target boards. Fired off about 100 to 125 in fairly rapid succession, good fun. When I went back to shoot slow my groupings were 4" to 5". I checked the scope mount and all the regular jazz. Continued shooting it and the groups opened up to 7" + and started FTF every second round. I packed it in for the day.

I brought the rifle home to analyze what went wrong. I found the barrel V-block was cracked in half. The fracture shows signs of fatigue. I torque the V-block screws every time to 35 inch pounds so over torque shouldn't be an issue. This barrel has about 12,000+ rounds through it and about 15,000 total on the receiver, I was just wondering if this is a common occurrence?

A new V-block and I should be back in business.
 
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Never seen that happen personally but one of my 10/22's has about the same amount of rounds through it, think I am going to tear it down tonight and check the v-block.
 
Next question, I have checked several sites... who carries Volquartsen or Tactical solutions V-block in Canada??? Damn Midway won't deal with us, the prices are great there!
 
Never heard of the V-block cracking before, but I do not exceed 30 inch pounds. I have tried different torques ranging from 18 to 30 inch pounds and both of my 10/22's seem to like different amounts. Both are close to 20 inch pounds though.

I don't know if that is the problem it could have just been a flawed v-block.
 
I have read several different website with torque ranging for 18 to 38 inch pounds. I will spilt the difference at 28 when I get the new block.
 
Edit: Meant to ask what kind of setup are you using. 10/22 parts wise.
I am using a Butler Creek fluted stainless bull barrel, Bell and Carlson sporter thumbhole stock with a bug hole tuner installed (Volquartsen stainless pillar kit and hex bolt on order), hammer and sear polished, reground engagment angle to 2º (if I remember correctly) trigger plunger and spring removed and a torsion spring installed, over travel stop installed, Bausch and Lomb 4200 Elite 2.5-10 40mm scope on Weaver base and rings, oversized mag release and a Harris bi-pod.
I have the new and improved V Block, extended handle, VCS extractor, different mag release and a buch of other stuff on order. Called them today and the order has already been sent. Great service.
 
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