Annoying "Group" Problem

J

JEC

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
27   0   0
Location
Alberta
Recently purchased a Sako in 6.5 X 55 SE and have tuned loads that freqently yield 1/2" (3 shot) groups @ 100M ... but, often two will touch with the third one opening up the group. There seems to be no pattern, sometimes shots 1 & 2 are touching... sometimes its 1 & 3 .... sometimes it is shots 2 & 3 that touch.
I seldom get one hole groups with this rifle, but do with my "best rifle" ... I am not prepared to chalk this phenomenon up to "pilot error" (yet).
Suggestions that I could try to remedy the "problem" ?
 
It is difficult to say what the problem is with the group as you have not mentioned how you are reloading, the current setup that you have and what type of components you are using. What I mean is that you could be doing something as simple as a firing too quickly with a sporter weight barrel (heating the barrel up) or the barrel is not freefloating and you are applying pressure to the barrel shifting POI. Another thing that could be a problem is that your reloading components are not good enough to shoot .25 -.5 MOA. Are all your brass the same make (Win, Rem, etc.)? What powder are you running with? Are your bullets of a match level or are you shooting Cheapo Winchester SP? As you can see it is almost impossible to remedy your "problem" without knowing how you are shooting/what you are reloading. One final point if you are shooting .5MOA then it is pretty darn good if the rifle is a sporter weight barrel. If you want consistent .25MOA you might need to upgrade the barrel. Just my 2 cents...
 
Your not telling us how bad?? the flyer is, but my opinion is that seems to be a very normal occurance. It's seems a lot of groups turn out that way, unless the flyer is way out there (that would be a problem). The way I read it is two bullets are touching & the third or 2nd or whatever is opening the group to 1/2". I really wouldn't complain. As Glock says if more accuracy is desired perhaps a upgrade barrel or custom gun work is needed.
 
Just randomly placing 3 6.5mm holes inside 12mm (1/2"), you will likely find two holes touching quite often. That could just be random 1/2" groups of 3 shots. You probably have a 1/2MOA rifle.
 
are you useing match grade bullets, for example bullets with J4 jackets? A very minor variation in jacket thickness can and will cause this situation. If you're useing a standard hunting bullet, those are great groups, even for some of the VLD bullets out there those are great groups. :D bearhunter
 
If you only plan to shoot 100m(or out to 300) try some flat base bullets. Check your free float on the barrel and your bedding.
 
My "best" loads are with 142gr Sierra MatchKing bullets ... and have some similar results with 130gr Barmes TSX. The rifle has a long throat and I can not seat close to the lands with any of the boat tailed bullets I've tried. The Barnes TSX are flat based and I can seat to the lands but they shoot best at 30/1000's back.
I think my loading is consistent as I use the same "technique" as I do for the .308 LTR which is a good (often one hole) shooter. The Sako 75 Hunter barrel is free floated at the factory. I have not looked at "bedding"... but sounds like it might be worthwhile to glass bed the action? (This model Sako has a square bridge receiver).
 
Not every rifle is capable of one hole groups. A half inch group out of any rifle is nothing to sneeze at. Most hunting rifles won't come near to that. No hunting with match bullets though.
 
I think both rifle and shooter are doing fine - a lot of folks would give a kidney for that performance. I think I'd look at a few things before considering rebedding (Personally, I wouldnt rebed it)

- Stock screws are loctited at factory - they can appear to be tight, but...
- Try flat base bullets ( I get excellent results with Hornady SP/H4350)
- Scope parallax
- Barrel heating up. Starting with a cold barrel, you can usually get two shots off before you note temp rise...
-Switch to decaff.... :D
 
cosmic said:
-Switch to decaff.... :D
Click to expand...

LOL! I'll keep that in mind. :?

Seriously, though... some factory free-floats ain't that hot, especially with a wood stock. Equal goes for bedding- both should be checked regardless of maker or stock composition.

Just my 00.02 cents worth :p

Regards,

Doc Sharptail
 
Same "problem" with a .264 Win Mag. - correction was a longer "cool-down" of the barrel between shots 2 & 3. Didn't seem to make much difference as to which
"quality" bullet. Did find that some of the "hunting" bullets with flat bases to shoot better than some of the boat tail "match" bullets though ... go figure !
 
sunray said:
Not every rifle is capable of one hole groups. A half inch group out of any rifle is nothing to sneeze at. Most hunting rifles won't come near to that. No hunting with match bullets though.
Click to expand...

X2

bigbull
 
JEC, one other item to consider is the wind, do you shoot over flags?
Your load my be fine but getting multiple shots into a single hole or even touching does require several things to be consistant.
Wind - direction and speed
Gun handling - consistant and repeatable
Load - componets and method
Gun - scope, trigger and barrel

DanO
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom