What causes shots to climb vertically. 77/22 mag Ruger with rotary magazine. The barrel is free floated, after the first couple of shots they start going up vertically. The 9 shot groups at 50 yards measure half inch wide climb straight up to a inch and a quarter high consistently. Tried all kinds of ammo and all brands do the same. Any ideas, I'm stumped.
What causes vertical groups?
- Thread starter MaXload
- Start date
rustysdream
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Saskatchewan
Loose scope screw(s)?
...or loose mounts....
Sbarkowski
Regular
My .17 HMR was doing that. Turn's out my free floating barrel wasn't 100% free floating once it heated up a bit. Cold, no problem. When it got warm a $5 bill would catch slightly. There must have been some flex in the stock as well so moving the shooting rest a little further back on the rifle helped a little but I ended up just taking out more material in the barrel channel. Never had an issue after that.
+1 If the same is happening with any ammo that indicates consistency. Check the action bedding screws also. Especially the rear if the front is snug will allow the action to tip forward causing upward pressure on the barrel if it contacts the stock.
Thanks for all the info. The barrel is free floated so three twenty dollar bills will slide along the barrel. It's not a scope problem as the first shot from a cold barrel is always dead on. I also have a Anschutz 1717 heavy barrel and able to shoot a ragged half inch one hole group at 50 yards so I've developed consistent holds on a steady rest.
I guess the Ruger barrel is more sensitive to heat and boils down to a barrel heat problem. I'm going to take more time between shots the next time out.
I guess the Ruger barrel is more sensitive to heat and boils down to a barrel heat problem. I'm going to take more time between shots the next time out.
i have the same problem with a 17 hmr and its not my shooting it was free floted scope was tight action screws were tight first shot on a cold barrel was always spot on. but my other gun same stock with same scope in 22lr and was doing .243 5 shot groups at 20 yards, the guns were savages
