Terrible day at the range

T

tomapleleafss

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So I went out to the range today with hopes of testing some new reloads I made up. I have a Tikka T3 (308) in a LSS chassis with a Vortex 4X16X44 HST. So I started off with some factory 150 gr SST and my bullets were all over the place (see link below for picture), and it was only 95 yards away. I had just recently taken that Vortex from one gun to another. I also got some Burris XTR Signature Rings. The rifle just came off a fresh cleaning. I also should mention that I am very new to reloading. A couple of weeks ago I had taken my first batch of reloaded shells and ran through them. I had started out quite low up to the recommended max (from the Hornady book, 178 gr ELD-x) but only one bullet per weight change (0.5 grains). It was pretty sloppy looking (I wish I took a picture) but I notched it up to first reloads and with only one bullet per weight change it really doesn't allow a good representation. But I had the rifle out a time before that (with the new scope and rings) and it shot great. I double checked the rings and nothing seems loose. I hope it is not the scope but also kinda do. At least if it is the scope then it is not me (I'm actually not that bad). If it is the scope how can you tell?

Also, it was a fairly breezy today, and it was pushing me around a smidge on the bench (it is always windy here). I just use a Caldwell sandbag on the front with a small rear squeezable bag for the rear. I have been fairly successful with them. When testing out reloads for accuracy (I started to reload for accuracy) does anybody use a bench rest of any sorts? I never used one but I think they would hold better than sandbags. As always, your help is always appreciated.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/150785274@N03/shares/fTbC7Q

For your reference on the vertical line, the top of the little grey circle to the bottom of the black line is 3.75".
 
And your gun didn't blow up, and you didn't lose a hand. You really should experience some hardship in your life if THAT'S a terrible day. Just saying.
 
In Estevan the wind blew over a worker on site today, was pretty funny only because he was okay. I wouldn't have shot in that wind, groups would look like shotgun spreads lol
 
I hate when my reloads are not performing!!!

Have you checked your rifle action screws? (torque)
How accurate is your rifle? (past performance)
What are your reloading steps?
 
You got out shooting... that's always good.
Shot to shot consistency (I've learned over the years) is about being exceptionally anal at the bench, almost to the point that it's not much fun to load any more. I have a buddy that won't touch the bullets with his fingers when seating in case some finger sweat gets on them... I'm not there yet.
You don't list components, powder, charge weights, dies, brass prep procedure, etc so I'm not even sure where to start.
 
So perhaps terrible wasn't the right word. I was really excited to try out my reloads as I want to get my rifle ready for hunting.
I never got a chance to get shoot my reloads. I was using factory Horandy 150 grain SST. But I figured there was something wrong because I was getting just shy of 6 inch spread at 95 yards The rifle and I usually get along really well. Often I shoot 1 to 1.5 moa with it (factory ammo). Sooooo, what I hoping for, but not really, was someone to suggest that my scope might need service. Or it just me (which is probably the answer).
 
I would remove your scope, check your mount to make sure its snug, and put it all back together.. I had one of those range days a few months ago, it sucked. I had my scope just a hair too far back, and the ring was ever so slightly touching the bell of the scope. Moved the front ring back one slot in the rail, solved everything for me.
 
Before you start changing everything. Grab a box of store bought ammo that works well in your rifle and hit the range.
If you get 1-1.5 inch groups you know there is something wrong with your reloading process and not your rifle/scope.
If you get a shotgun group... starting playing with torques, scope, etc.

Best of luck,
 
Yes, a teribble day at the range.
I had to go to work for the first time yesterday in nearly two months.
(forced vacation)
Have you discussed the load development in the reloading section?
You might gather more intel there and prolly a better choice of lending ears.
Rob
 
Plan to head out tomorrow to give it another try. I looked over the rifle and nothing seems loose and scope looks good. I have 10 rounds of factory ammo left. If I get the same results I have a Vortex Diamondback sitting and I will put it on and see how the rifle does.
 
So, it finally stopped raining enough to get. I had purchased some Hornady Whitetail 150 grain ammo (didn't want to use the expensive Superformance SST) and took the rifle out. Wasn't great. Almost 5" vertical spread and almost 3" on the horizontal. Here is the link to a picture of the target. I was aiming at the middle, so I know the scope needs adjustment to the poi, but all the bullets should be in the same area. Even with factory ammo I'm thinking 8 out 10 should be within 2" of each other (I was shooting at 100 yards). Still using my sandbags for rest, and not a sniff of wind today (even my frustration couldn't stop me from enjoying the beautiful day). I brought out my other scope to swap out but with my new rail the low rings I have are no good. Never had to time to get another set (gun store is a two hour road trip, plus chit chat and browsing). I gave Vortex a call and we tried a couple of things but not much they could diagnose over the phone. They said I could send it in to get checked out but I think I will wait till I can try out my other scope. Got to get something figured out as hunting season is only 3 weeks away.

https://flic.kr/p/XQNRfg
 
Is / was this the SAME factory ammo you had 1-1 1/2 moa with your rifle before ? If not, then you still won't know much else cuz not all factory stuff is created equal and seldom shoots the same. You should use the same stuff that's tried and true for your Tikka.

As far as vortex goes...look on any EE...there's lots of them for sale...just saying...lol
 
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