Bergara B14 Ridge 300 prc won't group????

[nbhfab8]

Purchased a Bergara B14 Ridge in 300 PRC. The rifle was represented as NIB.
Rifle will not group with Hornady Precision Hunter 212 ELDX. Shot 20 rounds so far cleaning every 10 rounds. 2"-4" groups of 3 shots
Here whats been done:
Barrel checked for float OK
Bedding checked OK
Scope bases ,rings Checked OK
Scope changed YES
Floorplate screws torqued 55 in lbs
Caldwell leadsled rest
VIAS Muzzle brake
The only thing that seems strange is during the cleaning process the patches are coming out jet black for the first 6-8 patches. This happened both times. The second time the bore was totally cleaned with ISSO backed up with Montana extreme.
The only time I have seen this is when moly bullets were used so who knows???
So my question is, Any body had any experience with this rifle/ammo combo and if so how was your luck?? Side note I have the same rig in 6.5 PRC that shoots lights out perfect with hornady PH 143 ELDX.
Thanks for the ad and I appreciate any input.
JTB

 

[CNC-Dude]

I had a similar issue with a Savage 110 Tactical in 300 WinMag. It wouldn't shoot any ammo less than 3 to 4 inch groups at 100 yds. The scope was tight but the scope rail kept coming loose. After tightening it, it did bring the groups down to about 1 to 2 inches. The bedding looked to be ok at first, but after taking it back apart to recheck, I discovered it could be better. So I redid it and shot several .29 MOA groups right away. I would just double check the bedding and confirm the scope rail is tight.

 

[shoot4fun]

I suggest trying (yes, I know it will be difficult given present day situation) a different ammo or, if possible, doing some reloading.
It is not beyond the realm of possibility that that particular ammo will never shoot as you want in your rifle.
The jet black patches are more than likely just a product of one of the newer powders that have Enduron technology. They leave a very thick and black residue.
Have you a borescope to check the barrel? In particular, I would look at the throat area and anywhere there may be copper building up. It may just take a few more rounds to get things smoothed out and achieving steady velocity with acceptable groups (what ever that may be).
I learned long ago you cannot judge what any rifle will do based on what one of your (or your buddy's) will do.

 

[nbhfab8]

I had a similar issue with a Savage 110 Tactical in 300 WinMag. It wouldn't shoot any ammo less than 3 to 4 inch groups at 100 yds. The scope was tight but the scope rail kept coming loose. After tightening it, it did bring the groups down to about 1 to 2 inches. The bedding looked to be ok at first, but after taking it back apart to recheck, I discovered it could be better. So I reversed it and shot several .29 MOA groups right away. I would just double check the bedding and confirm the scope rail is tight.

Thank you Yes scope base is tight I'll double check bedding Thank you for the input JTB

 

[nbhfab8]

I suggest trying (yes, I know it will be difficult given present day situation) a different ammo or, if possible, doing some reloading.
It is not beyond the realm of possibility that that particular ammo will never shoot as you want in your rifle.
The jet black patches are more than likely just a product of one of the newer powders that have Enduron technology. They leave a very thick and black residue.
Have you a borescope to check the barrel? In particular, I would look at the throat area and anywhere there may be copper building up. It may just take a few more rounds to get things smoothed out and achieving steady velocity with acceptable groups (what ever that may be).
I learned long ago you cannot judge what any rifle will do based on what one of your (or your buddy's) will do.

Bore scope will be here tomorrow I'll check per your advice Thank you JTB

 

[Jdne5b]

Have you shot it from something other than a lead sled? Bipod and bag or maybe a front and rear bag?

Did you shoot it without the brake?

20 rounds won't need iosso. Don't polish the barrel too much or it could make for worse copper fouling.

 

[Talon]

+1 remove the brake and shoot a group.

 

[INTJ]

Purchased a Bergara B14 Ridge in 300 PRC. The rifle was represented as NIB.
Rifle will not group with Hornady Precision Hunter 212 ELDX. Shot 20 rounds so far cleaning every 10 rounds. 2"-4" groups of 3 shots
Here whats been done:
Barrel checked for float OK
Bedding checked OK
Scope bases ,rings Checked OK
Scope changed YES
Floorplate screws torqued 55 in lbs
Caldwell leadsled rest
VIAS Muzzle brake
The only thing that seems strange is during the cleaning process the patches are coming out jet black for the first 6-8 patches. This happened both times. The second time the bore was totally cleaned with ISSO backed up with Montana extreme.
The only time I have seen this is when moly bullets were used so who knows???
So my question is, Any body had any experience with this rifle/ammo combo and if so how was your luck?? Side note I have the same rig in 6.5 PRC that shoots lights out perfect with hornady PH 143 ELDX.
Thanks for the ad and I appreciate any input.
JTB

I agree that it probably just doesn't like the ammo you are trying. That is the most list issue. A couple other thoughts.

You can't tell if the bedding is good just by looking at it.

You shouldn't need to clean more than every 50-100 rounds and I wouldn't use Iosso every time.

The lead sled isn't a great rest for accuracy

The brake shouldn't hurt accuracy, in fact it should help your shoot better. However, it never hurts to check.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

Do you shoot the 6.5 using the sled? I don't use a sled for load development, so I wouldn't test factory ammo grouping from one either. Seems like jump and twist increases as recoil energy increases.

 

[338 dude]

Purchased a Bergara B14 Ridge in 300 PRC. The rifle was represented as NIB.
Rifle will not group with Hornady Precision Hunter 212 ELDX. Shot 20 rounds so far cleaning every 10 rounds. 2"-4" groups of 3 shots
Here whats been done:
Barrel checked for float OK
Bedding checked OK
Scope bases ,rings Checked OK
Scope changed YES
Floorplate screws torqued 55 in lbs
Caldwell leadsled rest
VIAS Muzzle brake
The only thing that seems strange is during the cleaning process the patches are coming out jet black for the first 6-8 patches. This happened both times. The second time the bore was totally cleaned with ISSO backed up with Montana extreme.
The only time I have seen this is when moly bullets were used so who knows???
So my question is, Any body had any experience with this rifle/ammo combo and if so how was your luck?? Side note I have the same rig in 6.5 PRC that shoots lights out perfect with hornady PH 143 ELDX.
Thanks for the ad and I appreciate any input.
JTB

I’ve been shooting Moly coated bullets for years and I have never had jet black patches like you describe

 

[searcher]

That black soot is indicative of a load that might be too mild for your rifle. It is not burning hot enough to burn cleanly. When I was doing load development on a hunting rifle which had the best of everything on it (ie; BAT action, Krieger, Jewell, McMillan, etc., etc.,) and while it shoots fantastically - I had a lot of loads worked up that really shot like crap - definitely in the 2" range - and even using the "accuracy loads" touted in the reloading manuals. Don't despair - try other ammo or reload for it.

 

[Texas10]

At the rate Hornaday has been cranking out ammo to meet demand, I would not put too much stock in any rifle not being happy with a currently produced factory load. Find some 2 year old ammo, or change to another brand, preferably a match ammo and not hunting load before writing off your new purchase. JMO.

 

[boltfluter]

If you are planning on keeping the rifle I would get it bedded. If done correctly it will never hurt accuracy. Before that though try at least several different factory loads. Good luck!

Paul

 

[Nature Boy]

I can take any of my sub 1/2 MOA rifles put them on a Led Sled and they shoot like crap.

 

[Matches]

Mine doesn't shoot that good with that ammo so your actually lucky!!!
Mine shoots 3 inches at best with Hornady ammo.
The scope base on mine would come loose all the time as well so I used red loc-tite thread locker.
They seem to like 210 berger VLD bullets at 2.970 at the ogive with 81 grains of H1000.
You can bed the factory stock but it's so flimsy you won't see any improvement at the target.
We had multiple known shooters try my rifle with the factory ammo and most couldn't believe you could get a gun to shoot that poorly.
The first reloads started at 77 grains of H1000 and the gun immediately went sub 1 inch.
It might be that Hornady ran into a ammo problem during the pandemic????

 

[moondog]

Mine doesn't shoot that good with that ammo so your actually lucky!!!
Mine shoots 3 inches at best with Hornady ammo.
The scope base on mine would come loose all the time as well so I used red loc-tite thread locker.
They seem to like 210 berger VLD bullets at 2.970 at the ogive with 81 grains of H1000.
You can bed the factory stock but it's so flimsy you won't see any improvement at the target.
We had multiple known shooters try my rifle with the factory ammo and most couldn't believe you could get a gun to shoot that poorly.
The first reloads started at 77 grains of H1000 and the gun immediately went sub 1 inch.
It might be that Hornady ran into a ammo problem during the pandemic????

Hornady Ammo would be a good finger to point at. My buddy shoots 6.5 Hornady factory ammo. New lot started piercing primers and had bad pressure signs. Changed lot #s and it disappeared.
Not your gun, but my 300 PRC likes 215 Bergers jumped .045. Either Retumbo or H-1000

 

[mikegaiz]

It is my opinion that you can not make a barrel shoot a bullet it does not like, no matter how hard you try. Just because you like a bullet does not mean it will shoot in your barrel. Try another kind of bullet...

Also I have found Caldwell lead sled rest to be useless for shooting small groups. they do not allow the gun to recoil properly..

 

[ermadog98]

Purchased a Bergara B14 Ridge in 300 PRC. The rifle was represented as NIB.
Rifle will not group with Hornady Precision Hunter 212 ELDX. Shot 20 rounds so far cleaning every 10 rounds. 2"-4" groups of 3 shots
Here whats been done:
Barrel checked for float OK
Bedding checked OK
Scope bases ,rings Checked OK
Scope changed YES
Floorplate screws torqued 55 in lbs
Caldwell leadsled rest
VIAS Muzzle brake
The only thing that seems strange is during the cleaning process the patches are coming out jet black for the first 6-8 patches. This happened both times. The second time the bore was totally cleaned with ISSO backed up with Montana extreme.
The only time I have seen this is when moly bullets were used so who knows???
So my question is, Any body had any experience with this rifle/ammo combo and if so how was your luck?? Side note I have the same rig in 6.5 PRC that shoots lights out perfect with hornady PH 143 ELDX.
Thanks for the ad and I appreciate any input.
JTB

I have never really had anything that shoots factory ammo with nice tight groups, I just dont buy the stuff. I am currently testing a 300prc I had built on a rem 700 action with a m24 profile IBI barrel. I have now have great success with both hornady 230 A tips with h1000 and lapua 185 scenars with AR2213sc, the accuracy came from doing the velocity tests and then fine tuning with seating depth. The h1000 powder does take a bit of cleaning, lots of blackened patches, I think you get that with the slow burning powders. If everything on the rifle is sound like you mentioned then maybe reloading might be your option. Being such a beast of a cartridge I would also allow the barrel to cool between groups.