Flyers

[Chrissb18]

I shot 3 5 shot groups this morning with my american predator in 6mm creedmoor. Every group the first shot is a flyer. Im sure this has been covered before but im just wondering if its an operator error or if it could be something else. The center group were my fouling shots

 

[Texas10]

Interesting, for me it's always the fifth shot that blows out the group. There aren't many mechanical issues that can present with that pattern, it's definitely me.

It also looks like your first 5 rounds down the barrel are the most accurate, suggesting that your load is on the upper end of a node and blows out as the barrel heats, or your shooting shows rapid erosion of concentration once a good first group is made.

Shooting is definitely a mental game.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Your bags are not settled. Beat your rifle into the bags. If your first shot doesnt go where expected, after sighter/fouler shots of course, then you have a rest issue or your barrel is not properly fouled/warmed up

 

[Chrissb18]

Interesting, for me it's always the fifth shot that blows out the group. There aren't many mechanical issues that can present with that pattern, it's definitely me.

It also looks like your first 5 rounds down the barrel are the most accurate, suggesting that your load is on the upper end of a node and blows out as the barrel heats, or your shooting shows rapid erosion of concentration once a good first group is made.

Shooting is definitely a mental game.

The groups went center top left top right bottom left

 

[Ccrider]

Could be shooter error.

 

[Texas10]

The groups went center top left top right bottom left

Yep, figured that. Center group, cold barrel start I presume, excellent group once you've got the gun (or yourself) settled.

How are you supporting the gun? Bi-pod, front rest with rear bag, squeeze bag, sandbags? Lot's to cover there.

 

[Chrissb18]

Yep, figured that. Center group, cold barrel start I presume, excellent group once you've got the gun (or yourself) settled.

How are you supporting the gun? Bi-pod, front rest with rear bag, squeeze bag, sandbags? Lot's to cover there.

Caldwell tack driver up front....cheap little walmart one under butt stock...on a cable spool

 

[YEW PLUCKER]

I shot 3 5 shot groups this morning with my american predator in 6mm creedmoor. Every group the first shot is a flyer. Im sure this has been covered before but im just wondering if its an operator error or if it could be something else. The center group were my fouling shots

Maddening, ain't it?

 

[Chrissb18]

Maddening, ain't it?

Drives me nuts....im just shooting coyotes maybe deer....maybe a ground hog here and there... any of the groups would do.... but damn lol

 

[Ned Ludd]

It's usually possible to detect the flyers based on reticle movement against the target POA. If you haven't already been doing this, try having a second target set up right next to the one you're using for groups. Take a couple sighters on it just before shooting each 5-shot group. That can sometimes help with shooter error on the first shot and/or with getting the rifle and bag/rest/etc. "settled in".

 

[garandman]

Unless I can specifically identify a reason, I assume shooter error.

Precision shooting is a HIGHLY mental game. VERY easy to let the mental game slip. And not even realize it.

Honestly... the groups are all consistently the same size. Looks like what that rifle with that ammo will shoot.

 

[Chrissb18]

Unless I can specifically identify a reason, I assume shooter error.

Precision shooting is a HIGHLY mental game. VERY easy to let the mental game slip. And not even realize it.

Honestly... the groups are all consistently the same size. Looks like what that rifle with that ammo will shoot.

They are hand loads....i could tweak some more....but im shooting deer and coyotes and its a 300 dollar gun and im not a professional shooter by any means

 

[mike a]

Sometimes I get in a rush to beat the wind and mirage. My groups suffer. Try slowing way, way down. Get everything set up just right. Everything. Rifle in the bags just right. Slides back and forth straight. Then dry fire until the crosshairs don't move. My guess is it's you. Spend your money on much ammo. Lots and lots and lots of practice will fix it. Mike

 

[mike a]

They are hand loads....i could tweak some more....but im shooting deer and coyotes and its a 300 dollar gun and im not a professional shooter by any means

Then maybe the groups your getting are just what your expecting!!!

 

[Forum Boss]

When I see groups like that, my first question is "Are you shooting off a Harris bipod and a $15 lumpy rear bag?" It is almost pointless to expect "flyerless" groups with that kind of set-up, though I know a very few marksmen who can do it (albeit with custom barrel and stock).

Second question is "Are you shooting a factory barrel?" For reasons that cannot always be explained (perhaps lack of stress relief), I commonly see these kind of groups with factory barrels. Often, with a bedding job and a custom Krieger, Brux, Bartein etc. you will see a significant improvement in both average group size and consistency.

If, however, the OP is shooting from a crappy front/rear support set-up on a wobbly wooden bench, this is to be expected.

OP Quote: "Caldwell tack driver up front....cheap little walmart one under butt stock...on a cable spool". That Caldwell is a big X-type sandbag, but overall, yes, this is a crappy support setup.

And if you're shooting that Ruger American Predator, factory stock and factory barrel, don't waste one more second analyzing your group. It is pointless.

Though I won't rule out "driver error", you honestly can't expect much more than this from a Sub-$400 factory Ruger rifle.

RugerAmerican Predator 6mm Creedmoor $389.99:
https://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/191746

 

[Chrissb18]

Then maybe the groups your getting are just what your expecting!!!

Touche'

 

[6MMsteve]

if your lookin for bug holes or sub .5 to .2 groups you will have to change the barrel..a barrel change with wt and a decent front rest..rear bag will get you smaller groups..and a cartridge change or some better bullets if you reload.and a higher power scope..the scope will show all your movement high power scopes will aid in shooting smaller groups jmho

 

[garandman]

They are hand loads....i could tweak some more....but im shooting deer and coyotes and its a 300 dollar gun and im not a professional shooter by any means

Not bad groups for a$300 gun (assuming 100 yds)

 

[fyrewall]

Inadequate info to make a determination - your rifle is trying its best. Looks like 4 real good ones and then the terrible flyer. When faced with a dilemma like this I would be tempted to try a "round robin" approach - like shoot 1 at target 1, 2 at target 2, 3 at target 3, 4 at target 4, 5 at target 5, 6 at target 1 …… then stop when you have no more bullets (ammo) to shoot. This will help analyze the flyer stuff and effects of repetitive firing - target 5 might be horrible, but then again might be representative of the others. Your Ruger American Predator represents the very best of American manufacturing efficiency, like high production, durability, high value, and innovative design - like partially made or raw materials into one door and finished rifles out the other door. I see one group where 4 went into the same hole. There are zillions of factors that might have caused the flyers.

Don't waste money on a doubtful improvement based on speculation- work on a solution using what you have! That pic of the Ruger rifle sure looks nice.

 

[Chrissb18]

if your lookin for bug holes or sub .5 to .2 groups you will have to change the barrel..a barrel change with wt and a decent front rest..rear bag will get you smaller groups..and a cartridge change or some better bullets if you reload.and a higher power scope..the scope will show all your movement high power scopes will aid in shooting smaller groups jmho

They are 105 berger vld hunting bullets. But yes i agree with the barrel change