10x ACTION AND SHILEN RATCHET BARREL POSSIBLE ISSUE

[SST2500]

Gents,
I have a 10X action with a Shilen barrel that shoots great for approximately 100 rounds and then seems to go south on accuracy.
I use the same cleaning routine at matches between every card so I don't think its a cleaning issue. I can't figure out the problem and thought someone here might have a miracle answer to the issue. I can run through 3 ARA cards (outdoors) and the rifle will be shooting 2100's but after that I can't seem to get it to score better than an 1800 on the next cards (sometimes worse). The only possible answer I've been able to come up with is that over a certain number of shots in a match, the firing pin spring may become weaker with use and I'm getting poor ignition later on in the matches. I haven't been able to come up with a new replacement firing pin spring in order to test this theory. If anyone has an answer, please chime in

 

[1Merlin]

I would suggest you talk to the person who built your rifle.

 

[Reddog58]

Pay attention to the wind values , they change during the day !!

 

[Hozzie]

I very highly doubt it is your firing pin spring losing strength. They just don't work that way over a number of shots and then all of a sudden work better again. So if you clean between cards, all is well until that 100 shot area? If yes, I would say carbon ring and how the barrel is chambered is the more likely cause. Could be seating depth in relation to carbon ring, etc. Also, when is the last time you cleaned the bolt?

If it shoots for 100 rounds before going downhill, I personally wouldn't care as you rarely shoot 100 shots on a single card. There are lots of things to start checking such as case head penetration, seating depth, carbon ring, too much firing pin spring.

There is no simple answer, you will have to work through it by process of elimination and even then you may not figure it out.

 

[mgdietrich]

I also would guess the conditions are getting harder in the day, and you are not keeping up with the wind. Other thing course be bedding, or action screw tension. Try different action torques, probably a little higher.

 

[Hi-NV Shooter]

Gents,
I have a 10X action with a Shilen barrel that shoots great for approximately 100 rounds and then seems to go south on accuracy.
I use the same cleaning routine at matches between every card so I don't think its a cleaning issue. I can't figure out the problem and thought someone here might have a miracle answer to the issue. I can run through 3 ARA cards (outdoors) and the rifle will be shooting 2100's but after that I can't seem to get it to score better than an 1800 on the next cards (sometimes worse). The only possible answer I've been able to come up with is that over a certain number of shots in a match, the firing pin spring may become weaker with use and I'm getting poor ignition later on in the matches. I haven't been able to come up with a new replacement firing pin spring in order to test this theory. If anyone has an answer, please chime in

For a RFBR barrel chambered for full engraving that sounds about right for the number of rounds before it starts to fall off. very few cards would be shot with more than 40 shots. I am wondering why it takes you 100 between cards.
if the firing pin spring is the culprit it would be from the first shot not 100 later.
I think the barrel is just fouling with the leade being the issue do you use a brush to clean with? also did you have this barrel put on or you bought the rifle with it? if the barrel was used when you got the rifle it may be the barrel. have it checked by a good smith.

Lee

 

[SST2500]

I’m talking about shooting a 6 card club match in the morning and then a 6 card different club match in the afternoon. Yes wind is always a factor but I can handle the wind changes with the flags. It’s an obvious change in the ability of the rifle to shoot to point of aim. I don’t think its an issue with the carbon ring as it should never get a chance to build up to the point of being an issue. If that was the case, the rifle wouldn’t shoot well at the next match after the same cleaning routine. Gotta be something else in the rifle that has to do with the number of rounds fired vs. the accuracy of the rifle. Still waiting for something solid to check. Thanks for the responses.

 

[linekin]

Did you use to shoot 2100's consistently in the afternoon with this rifle?
I have/know lots of rifles that shoot better in the morning & know it ain't the gun. Its the man in the mirror.

 

[WyleWD]

I would suggest you talk to the person who built your rifle.

+1^^^ I agree with this, and give Shilen a call and ask them how often a RF barrel SHOULD be cleaned and how it should be cleaned. JME. WD

 

[1813benny]

From what you are describing - and your profile indicates that you are from Texas (still there?) - the issue may be temperature driven. Some items to check:

• Scope & rings
• Torque settings
• Tuner setting (are you really on an optimal node?)
• Do the bedding screws have ample clearance w/ the inside(s) of the pillars?
• Trigger clearance to the stock/bedding

Also as recommended, I would contact the gunsmith and discuss the issue. Good luck on the search.
ken

 

[JMayo]

I shoot a 10x with shiellin ..
My morning targets are always better than evening targets.
Maybe temp change
maybe im getting tired
Darn .22's. a cloud passes by and the bullet gets wonkie ...

 

[dutch14]

My morning targets are also better than my afternoon targets. There is more wind and it is more variable in the afternoon. There is also shooter fatigue in the afternoon.

 

[jelenko]

There is also shooter fatigue in the afternoon.

For me this shows up as I'm sure I'm focusing on the reticle but missing some off call shots => I'm not watching the reticle all the way through the trigger release.
Fatigue and doing well earlier both contribute to this.

 

[linekin]

By all means replace your fp spring if its on your mind. Cheap enough to try. God knows I've replaced my fair share of 'em!
The other thing that comes to mind is your getting behind on your cleaning. Most people have a more extensive cleaning procedure after or between matches than they do during a match. Brushing, short stroking the chamber, disassembling & cleaning the bolt & so forth. Usually not enough time between cards.
One thing you could do is skip the morning match & see if you AGG 2100+ in the afternoon. That would tell you if the problem is you or something else with the rifle.
I realize the opinion that it may be US isn't very popular as far as excuses go but its the harsh reality many of us face, myself included! Heck, I've bought everything under the sun & the end result is I still shoot better in the morning. It is what it is.

 

[Thud]

Check for carbon ring fouling in the throat area

 

[Madmike001]

My guns shot the same…morning or afternoon…. ( I typically don’t). Shoot 3 cards. Then find a buddy that is as good of a shooter as you. Then let him shoot 3 cards. See what happens. Possibly fatigue or loss of concentration..
just a thought.