Crown

[Kenneth66]

Wasn't sure which forum to post this , but here it is . Recently bought a 788 in 243 . Gun appears to be in good shape , the bluing on the muzzle is gone and has me wondering about it being hauled around with the muzzle in the floor board .
I checked the bases and action screws for tightness before installing scope , installed a 4-12 Leupold and bought several different brands of ammo for testing .
All 100 gr. Federal power shock , Vital shock , Core lokt , Hornady white tail , and Winchester power point .
Core lokt shot about a two inch triangular group , Vital shock and White tail shot two of three almost touching and gave a flyer down almost three inches out.
Some times the flyer came from the first shot , sometimes second or third .
Would a damaged crown cause this ?
A previous owner either bedded or had it bedded and a dollar bill will clear the barrel channel .
Checked myself by shooting a CZ Scout between three shot groups and was shooting pretty consistent 1"-1 1/2" groups with it at a hundred yards . And also an Icon with same ammo grouping well under an inch .
Reason I mention this is buy shooting the other rifles it would seem I was doing my part right .
Thanks , Kenneth

 

[jr600yd]

Crown damage? Yes!

 

[AckleymanII]

Lots of things to consider:

has the rifle been bedded

has the barrel been freefloated

These should be done before you ever fire a round if you take accuracy serious at all.

You can look at the crown with a magnifying glass.

 

[Kenneth66]

Thanks for the replies jr600yd and AckleymanII it was bedded and floated , but do not know who did the work .
Went by and talked to the guy I got it from and told him what I had going on and told him I was going to take it to a smith and have the crown checked , bedding inspected and bore scoped since the 243 has a short barrel life . And asked him if he would take it back on another gun if it turned out to be the barrel .
Not going to put the cost of a barrel into it .
Thanks again , Kenneth