I loaded up some 150gr Interbonds with 45gr of varget and they all grouped well at about 1.25". I also loaded up and shot some 168gr Nosler Balistic sliver tips with 44gr of varget. Here's the question, with the 168's, two of the shots landed touching each other, exactly where the Interbond group was, the other three shots were everywhere, 3" higher, 2" lower, 6" left. All shots felt good, etc. What's happening?
Flyers?
- Thread starter gillamboy
- Start date
Two things could be going on here.
The most likely culprit, is you are changing how you position yourself on your rifle, that means cheek weld, bag and rest position, grip tension and position, trigger control.
The second possible culprit could be primers. Sometimes for what ever reason if the duplicate group thing consistantly happens try a change of primers, usually to the next lower intensity primer.
But I think the first critique will be your answer.
I'll start here, I think you're right.
Group consistency depends on many factors...It is typical for rifles to shoot different "ammo formulas" differently. Your rifle may shoot one load well, but if you add a grain of powder to the same load, it may open the groups considerably and change the point of impact. You describe changing two factors...powder weight and bullet type. Not surprising that they shot differently.
X 2.
For the past 4 years I was living in a city and not shooting enough. When I recently moved back to the interior I realized my shooting had deteriorated. I've had to go back and re-learn all the basics mentioned above, grip tension, eye position and trigger finger position and pull. The groups are getting much better!
"...loaded up and shot some 168gr Nosler Balistic silver tips with 44gr of varget..." If you just picked that load, you can't. You have to work up the load.
"...exactly where the Interbond group was..." On the same target? If so, you have no idea which bullet hole belongs with which load.
"...exactly where the Interbond group was..." On the same target? If so, you have no idea which bullet hole belongs with which load.
No crimp.
No, two different targets of course, then put the papers one behind the other.
You can't really come to any conlusions based on where two bullets hit..you really need to shoot several groups to see a pattern. Who knows, maybe the two that hit in the same spot were the "flyers"? When working up a load, I use the bullet I want to shoot (ie 168 Nos BT) ...use a specific powder (ie H4350) in 0.5 grain increments. When I find the powder weight that groups the best, then I start tinkering with the seating distance from the lands.
Sometimes, rifle bedding causes inconsistency. Barrel temperature can be a factor.
Sometimes, rifle bedding causes inconsistency. Barrel temperature can be a factor.
