7mm Mag double grouping ...

[TSFineGuns]

Thanks for the replies so far. My original suspicion was either stock issue, scope issue or just try a different bullet.
So far the replies are confirming my suspicions. However if it was a stock contact issue, why is it acting predictable?
I almost want to have him try shooting a 6 shot group to see if it continues to bounce back and forth between 2 groups..
With the cost and availability of components, I'm thinking why waste them if someone has an idea I don't know of.

Use caution if a sporter barrel and shooting six (6) shot groups. I have a Browning X-Bolt Speed in .280ai with a fluted sporter barrel. Anything beyond three (3) consecutive shots, the barrel is very hot and the groups start to open up.

 

[Gary in MD]

If everything is installed correctly and is tight then it’s almost certainly a scope issue.

 

[steve210]

Looks like something loose to me, action screws most likely culprit. If they are tight make sure they aren't bottomed out. Those tupperware stocks are really bad as a general rule, but that is extreme even for those.

 

[snowpro440]

looks like more powder to me !

 

[snert]

Hate to ask, but is your buddy a good shot off a bench? Those groups are terrible. Sumting Wong.

Could it be stud catching on the bags? Could it be a serious case of recoil-itis? Trigger yank?

If you can rule out the shooter, I would say scope.

 

[searcher]

Based on those "repeatable" patterns, I doubt it is the barrel. As another suggested, I'd have someone else shoot the rifle with a different rest setup to rule out the shooter and equipment other than the rifle. Then I'd swap scopes if one is available just to try it after ensuring the action is checked for extra tightness yet again.

Regarding loads, he should definitely try some different loads (I'd definitely try Reloader 22 powder if it is available) or factory ammo as another suggested. I had a custom 7 MM Mag built on a BAT magnum action, Krieger barrel, Jewell trigger, McMillan stock, bedded - all done by a very respected gunsmith in the benchrest community. Then I shot it with the powder I wanted it to work with - H1000. It shot 2"+ groups no matter the charge or seating depth with the bullet I also wanted it to work with. After four more powder experiments, I ended up with Reloader 22 as the powder that loved every bullet I threw at it and put them in the tiny holes I wanted. It sucks when those first shots out of a new rifle aren't those small holes we dream of when getting the rifle. But that doesn't necessarily mean the gun is bad. I'd view that as an interesting project - sot a sell. Even with the flimsy stock on it, as long as it is tight to the action and the forearm is not touching the barrel, it would not likely cause groups that big, regardless of the fit. Just a process of elimination with the shooter, rest, everything being tight, scope & mounts - then loads. If it still shot bad, then it would be time to make the call as to start replacing and bedding the stock, barrel, etc. - or as you inquire - sell the rifle. I hope his rig decides to cooperate for him.

 

[gmr4]

I’d disassemble the bolt and clean everything in the fire control really good. I use gun blaster and swabs etc. once all clean lube and grease. Go ahead and clean the chamber and lug recesses. Check for consistent primer seating depth.

 

[snert]

68 grains of 7828 and a Nosler 150 grain NBT with Standard primer. If it doesn't shoot that, it ain;t gonna shoot

 

[john 800]

68 grains of 7828 and a Nosler 150 grain NBT with Standard primer. If it doesn't shoot that, it ain;t gonna shoot

Thats very close to what I am shooting in mine, it works great!

 

[Clancy]

This looks like a broken scope.

 

[Ironworker]

New stock, along with an accurizing job by a competent gunsmith.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

I have seen a rifle shoot similar when an entry level scope has maxed out on adjustments. Burris signature rings are needed to bring scope adjustments(turrents) back into usable range. Hopefully scope wasn't damaged.

 

[HandgunHTR]

Is the scope parallax adjustable? If so, is it adjusted correctly?

As some have mentioned, has anyone else shot the rifle and got the same results?

This looks to be an example of shooter-induced error. Bang! Damn, that kicks. I need to hold on tighter. Bang. Dang. Shot is 4" from the first one. What is going on? Maybe I held on too tight? Bang. Shot is back where the first one is.

 

[bobinpa]

Thanks for all the replies! To answer some of the questions...
The shooter can shoot. He isn't scared of the recoil. He may not be a competitive benchrest shooter but if the gun can make 1/2" groups he has the ability to do it....
I took the gun apart and reassembled it. Nothing is or was lose.
I loaded different ammo and the gun shot a lot better, with me shooting but still not great.
I loaded 140 gr nosler BTs with IMR 4350. I just picked a load out of the manual and tried it.
The mag box seems bound in the factory stock so I put the gun in a different stock and we are going to try the original load again with the new stock.

We are going slow and only changing 1 thing at a time. I want to fix it but I also want to learn from it...

 

[MattM]

I've had two rifles that shot this exact same way and I fought with them for quite a while. I finally pulled the scopes off and sent them to the factory....both had internal damage and had to be replaced/fixed. Once I received the new scope, the double grouping went away.

 

[Clancy]

There’s a long list of things that aren’t as important on a rifle as we think they are.

The scope isn’t on that list.

 

[ShaunW]

If the parallax isn’t set correctly then you can think your aiming at the same spot but your not