Accuracy problem

[farmer44]

I have a issue with a rifle and perhaps someone can lead me in the right direction. I can shoot 3 shoots in a very small cloverleaf and then the next three will be over an inch apart. Same exact load same brass,primmer etc. Identical loads. I tried different scopes its just a devil. Anyone with any advise please pass it on and thanks in advance.

 

[Cort]

How fast are you shooting? And, is the barrel free floated? It sounds as if the barrel is getting warm and coming in contact with the stock.

Cort

 

[farmer44]

Not fast it has a fiber glass stock free floated. I just cant seem to find a reason for this to happen. It does seem like when the barrel is warm it just shoots like crap.

 

[22BRGUY]

Action bedding screws maybe? The front bedding screw should be around 45 inch pounds and the rear screw should be around 35 inch pounds is what I have read. It sounds like the rifle is loosening up as it gets shot/warmer and then gets tighter as it cools down....the question is where is it loosening? Does that sound right to you?

 

[WyoWindage]

Maybe you should consider you glass is half full Groups from 1" or better could be good with some combinations. What caliber, rifle, barrel, distance, rest, load, bullet, etc. would help to isolate your problem. Ron.

 

[farmer44]

260 Remington XP-100 action, barrel is a Douglas XX 100 yards caldwell rest 123 grain nosler CC, 35.5 grain Varget. I have done extensive load development and various distances off the lands. This load is the best performing I have come up with. I must have tried 15-20 different combinations. It just seems it will shoot in the high 1's low 2's then next round its in the 1/2 inch area.

 

[WyoWindage]

I never had a .260, but WOW. Don't think you have an accuracy problem. Have seen quite a few benchrest shooters with 6ppc's that would sometimes wish they had your accuracy (including myself, lol). Seriously, your first post indicates from maybe 1/4" to over 1". But you also state later from under .2" to about .5". That is quite a difference. Seems you are doing pretty good, and it will take a lot of tweeking, etc. to improve on those groups. Maybe others will have more useful "fixes". I can't think of any. Ron.

 

[farmer44]

I guess im just a stickler for accuracy but when groups vary like that I makes me think there is a problem. Most of my rifles will shoot consistent groups time and time again. I know good days and bad days will always be there but this one just makes me think it has a problem.

 

[dooley]

Hi farmer 44, I to use a 260, and sometimes 123gr bullets, your powder load seems very low to me at 35.5grs of varget, when I used to load 36.5grs I used to get fliers, I then increased powder charge to 40grs and fliers dissapeared, a better powder for this cal is H4350, around 43,5grs + 123gr lapua scenar bullets I shoot at 1000yds. this load is safe in my rifle
Regards, dooley

 

[farmer44]

I will try to pump it up a bit I do have H4350 and thanks for your input dooley.

 

[ljhsniper1]

I will try to pump it up a bit I do have H4350 and thanks for your input dooley.

FARMER; Try the Super Powder we discussed a while back. SEMPER FI!