1st shot a flyer always in a group

[RabidM4U5]

I agree. This is probably what happens the vast majority of times. I know this from my own experience. It's either that or I get those "cold bore fliers" on a variety of rifles, not all the time, but often enough that it's my shooting that is at issue. That first shot is a bugger to get down cold, the very first time.

You know yourself and you know your rifles, that's probably correct for your experience. What though, if someone consistently has the first cold shot go out a certain direction and distance from the rest of the group? I would think if shooter error were to blame the flier would be random direction and dispersion distance and like you say, not occur all the time. Enough people have documented having a rifle or two that do this and they know they are not to blame as they have other rifles that do not suffer this malady. OP really isn't giving enough information though, some feedback from them would be appreciated.

It is unlikely to be anything relating to a barrel "heating" up as this just doesn't happen between the first and second (or third, fourth, and fifth) shots. These are not CF rifles, after all.

Yeah, the barrel gets just a little "warm" after shooting a box of 50 nowhere near enough heat to warp the barrel. Are we talking about cold bore as in freezing, stick to your tongue if you lick it cold? Or is it just took it out of the case in the middle of summer "cold"? Again not enough info from OP. In a truly "cold" barrel the lube will take on a different viscosity than it has when warm, friction from a shot or two will warm it up and get it slippery again. I can see this having an effect on the first cold shot.

Myself I've never experienced a rifle with cold bore issues. I always start my range day with a clean barrel and I know it takes some shooting to get things settled in the bore, I can then rack the rifle shoot a different one and go back to it later with no flier issues. Cold weather turns ammo performance to crap so I haven't done testing about temperature related fliers as I just don't shoot in winter.

 

[Canadiankeeper]

I mean I can see barrel heat playing a large factor in center fire rifles...

Rim fire ? Not so much. Maybe on a hot day, and 30-40 rounds...

How do you set up ? Bipod? Bags ? Resting the barrel on something ? Damage to crown? Good ammo?

 

[sask31]

I have a m96 in 6.5x55 that has the same problem. It's no big deal as I use it for hunting and the first is my most important shot . I just have to remember to aim 1 moa to the left for all other shots.

 

[horseman2]

This discussion should be over!
This is the second time he has posted a question then gone vacant.

That said we are now preaching to the informed.
My CZ455's (American and Varmint) would print the first shot someplace other than where wanted.
After they were pillar bedded the problem has disappeared.
With the Varmint after bedding a five shot group at 50 yards measured 0.26.
I would also agree we may be to lackadaisical with our first shots probably because we have accustomed ourselves to not relying on the first shot.

 

[dryfire]

During fclass competition you get several minutes of fouling and warm up shots. No one posts shots for scoring on a cold clean barrel.

Not to hijack the thread, but where do you shoot FClass Rimfire matches ?

My 40X exhibits this same trait of 1st shot out of a cold clean barrel is consistently 1-2 o/c in the 8-ring on an International target at 50m. It's so consistent that I rely on the result. After several shots the group comes on zero. I put it down to the bore seasoning to the ammo as has been stated by others barrel heating is not likely.

 

[BernieL]

Anschutz/cil model 310
Shooting bench.
Bags front and rear.
Thanks every one for responding.
Looks like a bedding job and pillars for a winter project.
It can't hurt.
Got to be ready for gopher season��
SK club was the ammo used

 

[Brutus]

Even at 50 meter Free Pistol match (single shot dedicated 22 LR target handgun) each participant has the option for unscored shots, prior to the beginning of a scored match.

Blowing out/burning off residual oil and solvents from cleaning is probably one suspect.

Also 'seasoning' the barrel by placing that very first thin coat of lead into a previously cleaned barrel, has to affect barrel to bullet friction by some degree.

my 2 bits only

 

[Rod B]

Even at 50 meter Free Pistol match (single shot dedicated 22 LR target handgun) each participant has the option for unscored shots, prior to the beginning of a scored match.

Blowing out/burning off residual oil and solvents from cleaning is probably one suspect.

Also 'seasoning' the barrel by placing that very first thin coat of lead into a previously cleaned barrel, has to affect barrel to bullet friction by some degree.

my 2 bits only

 

[grauhanen]

Bolt action gun
Groups of ten shot.
50yard target
Barrel cold. First shot always 1 inch high.
The remaining nine are within a 1/2 inch group. But 1 inch lower than the first
Barrel is free floated
Stock need a pillar and bedding job?
Let me know your opinions

Looks like a bedding job and pillars for a winter project.

I don't know that pillars and bedding will change a thing. The cause is not usually related to how the action sits in the stock. If that were a problem it would manifest itself in ways other than a single consistently errant shot followed by expected POI. Sometimes cold bore flyers occur for reasons that are never quite pinned down. RFC has many threads relating to the problem, especially with regard to CZ rifles. Something that has reportedly worked to clear or mitigate the CBF problem for some RFC posters is to clean the chamber with extra care and attention.

Does the rifle do this all the time? Does it do it with a clean bore only or just when the rifle has not been used for a while?

To be sure, there is every reason to believe that the first round(s) down a clean bore will impact differently than subsequent rounds. If necessary fire a few foulers before shooting for groups or score.

 

[Edenchef]

To be sure, there is every reason to believe that the first round(s) down a clean bore will impact differently than subsequent rounds. If necessary fire a few foulers before shooting for groups or score.

Exactly^^^

 

[Kernel Panic]

CZs are noted for this, some are worse than others. I have a 452 Varmint that consistently throws the first shot between .5 and .75 inches low at 4 to 5 o'clock at 50 yds.
Fire the first couple rounds in the dirt if you're target shooting. If it's a hunting gun, sight in accordingly.

Count your blessings! My Varmint consistently shoots 4" 8 o'clock flier at 50. Wouldn't want to hunt rabbits with that.