Barrel heat and POI/Group Size

[_Raining]

Does anybody do any tests to check for POI based on barrel heat, and then apply that data to change your POA during a string of fire? Or is there no noticeable difference in POI during a 20 shot string?

I know there is not a whole lot you can do about it but does anyone notice their groups opening up with a hot barrel? Or is that just a product of, the more rounds you put down range, the larger the group is going to get?

 

[Immike]

Does anybody do any tests to check for POI based on barrel heat, and then apply that data to change your POA during a string of fire? Or is there no noticeable difference in POI during a 20 shot string?

I know there is not a whole lot you can do about it but does anyone notice their groups opening up with a hot barrel? Or is that just a product of, the more rounds you put down range, the larger the group is going to get?

Factory rifles open up after 3 consecutive shots usually and progressively get a little worse. That’s why heavy barrels are needed for string fire.
That should get things started! If your having elevated shots, try a mirage shield.

 

[JFrank]

Just me of course,
My varmint contour barrel groups will open up a tad bit if I run too fast.
Heavy barrel not so much, there is a thread I believe it was on the main page discussing temp tape placed on the barrel near the action. It's a good read check it out.
Jim

 

[Intheshop]

About all I shoot anymore (shoot almost every day) is skinny factory sporter rigs with hopped up cast bullet loads.These are "starting" powder values from loading manuals. So,think 223 at 2600fps..... 22-250's @2800.... '06's@2500... so,and so forth.

On a well bedded, finely tuned rig.... shooting very quickly so as to keep conditions close,yes you will get a lesson on where the group goes. Shooting at lower nodes results in longer barrel time,so any mismanagement handling the rig also comes into play. The decision to hold off poa to lesson group size is up to the individual. For me,it's like holding off for wind....... yes,but only after you've sent plenty of lead downrange. Keep holding poa until it really matters because it reinforces handling techniques,which you will use on better equipment later.You can then learn from the misses...... and know it wasn't from holding off. Then,in hunting,competition, or winning a bet...... hold off FTW.

 

[JMayo]

I've shot some of my best groups after burning through 6+ sight in shots. My mentor was telling me to stop with the sighters and let it cool .... Ahhh, it was my first year I wanted to shoot !
I think it's really more about barrel damage.
Next year I'll not shoot 80 times in a 40 shot match ! Lmbo

 

[dcali]

I've tracked a velocity change with barrel heat. It's small, but significant. I'm still trying to work out if it impacts tune or POI.

 

[JCUtah]

It may be barrel specific . I do have on barrel that goes low during the string. A guy I know that also shoots TR also says his goes high as the string progresses. Add to the learning curve; my other rifle in TR doesn't move POI/A at all.