Point of impact change

[unkie716]

New to the forum and relatively new to benchrest competition. I have shot in a couple of 500 yard competitions lately that use metal plates for sight er shots before the record shots on target. Twice I have been dead center on the plates and when I send the 5 record shots on the target, the group forms high of my aim point by 2 to 3 inches. F Class stock, mechanical front rest, and rear bag. Any thoughts on what might be happening? Thanks in advance

 

[WillinDenver]

First off, Welcome to the forum.

I see this a lot when I take people shooting prairie dogs, you're getting down on your gun instead of behind it. This makes you shoot high. I took a couple guys shoot prairie dogs this last week and one kept doing this. I would have to say "behind your gun" then he would start doing very well. After awhile he would start shooting high again and I would have to tell him "behind your gun".

It only takes a second to think "behind the gun" each and every time you shoot.

Will

 

[unkie716]

Sounds interesting Will. Please explain exactly "on top" vs "behind". I do shoulder the rifle, not free recoil. Thanks again.

 

[WillinDenver]

When you're on top, pushing down with your cheek weld, instead of behind, firming the contact with your cheek weld.

At least that's what I call it. You're not looking straight through the scope, but at a slight up angle. This causes you to miss high every time, at least that's what I've observed.

Will

 

[unkie716]

Will, thank you for the information. I look forward to going to the range in the next few days to give it a try. I will report back. Thanks again.

 

[coreydelong]

Are you starting with a clean barrel? My rifle won't even think about warming up till I've sent 7-8 foulers through it before going for record. My rifle wakes up after about 20 rounds down the tube, normally a few days before I go to a match I run 10-12 rounds down it and then get another 7-10 sighters first string of the match.

In March I kinda discovered this and shot my best ever rounds on the second day of a 1200pt match without cleaning overnight at all. Prior to that I would come with a clean barrel and my first round would be my worst.... like a low 190. Following strings would be right where I was capable of shooting at that time (just starting out) around 196's.

I have a match this weekend a went yesterday to run 12 rounds through it.... still shot in the .2's at 300yds.

 

[Martin52]

+1 if the first 2 sighters are out of a clean barrel, try getting 3-4 shots through the barrel before you shoot to count. Both my 308 barrels do the same, shoot 1/2 MoA low and left before centreing. PITA but I just adjust accordingly.

One other thought - getting consistent neck tension when reloading and holding your seating depths to within 0.001?

HTH.

Martin