confused with grouping

[hoochie]

new rifle, new scope, new load. a few variables.

first 3 shots made a triangle with a group of about 2 inches. subsequent shots would go into one of the previous holes (started getting figure 8 shaped holes).
say the first three shots were 11, 2 and 6 o'clock, shots were going randomly, yet consistent. I would put a shot in one of the previous holes, but not a tight grouping.. well not what I was expecting anyway. I should have kept my target to post a pic and make it easier to understand.
after firing 15 rounds, it looked like I had 3 different 3/4" groups going on, but it was the same point of aim.

Hornady 55gr fmj @3000fps
Benelli MR1
Leupold VX-R Patrol 1.25-4 with Firedot SPR reticle

virgin brass, BLC-2 powder, CCI primers. COL:2.205. everything has Loctite, and is solid.

Im going to have to play with the load, and make a few of different velocities, and maybe swap out the scope so I have much better magnification to ensure point of aim is exactly the same.
Im used to a rifle shooting a clover leaf, or very close to it, then a flier. But not this 11,6,11,2,,6,2,11, dead center,6,2.....

I see some guys saying the MR1 is their 350yard coyote rifle. Im not there yet.

 

[berger]

Are you absolutely certain your rings, mount and scope are solid?

 

[hunter5425]

It almost sounds like a bedding issue where the barrel is slipping from one point on the forearm to another as it heats up.

 

[hawk-i]

I have a rifle that shoots a predictable pattern as the barrel heats up....@ 100 yards,1st shot is dead on, 2nd is high1", and 3rd is 1/2"right between 1st and 2nd. Let the rifle cool 'til cold and repeat, same pattern time and time again.

 

[hoochie]

Are you absolutely certain your rings, mount and scope are solid?

pretty sure yes. everything has Loctite.

 

[sunray]

Semi-autos aren't target rifles. However, did you work up the load or just pick one and hope? You shoot off a bench?

 

[Camaroguy]

Double

 

[Camaroguy]

I'm sure thousands of AR, M1, and M14 shooters would disagree with you.

OP, I'd do a full load work up and find an accurate load. I've never had much luck with a ladder test so I load up 5 rounds at each charge weight then shoot groups on a calm day.

 

[hoochie]

some guys have these dialed in at 1/2minute...thats better than my hunting bolt rifles.i'll work on the load etc and report back.

 

[tgt40]

Try some different bullet weights and brands too. Although it's not that common anymore, some rifles just like some bullets and not others. I had a 742 that wouldn't group for beans with bullets lighter than 200grains.