Vertical Stringing

[TerryPohl]

Have been working on a load for my 6.5X284 using H4831sc, Berger 140, 20M primers and .0015 neck tensions. Shooting about 1’’ groups consistent but they are all vertical. Have changed seating depts., and have gone up on charges but still have vertical. Any advice to get rid of this would be greatly appreciated.
Terry Pohl

 

[queen_stick]

Get a different front rest from a friend, and see if it changes POI and your group.

Is it bedded? If so, is there bedding compound in front of the lug? Pillars?

How are you holding it? free recoil, or hard hold? Do you have your hand on the fore-end or not? (I was able to reduce group size with my 6BR at 1K yards significantly by simply grabbing the stock up front... you'd be surprised how much that changes)

There are a lot of things that can cause vertical, all unrelated to the seating depth and powder charge.

 

[fdshuster]

Watch for a buildup of barrel heat, especially if it's one of the lighter weight contours. If the barrel is too hot to grab and hold onto, it's too hot to shoot, and when I get vertical stringing, that's usually the problem.

 

[bugsplat]

If I'm not mistaken vertical stringing is most of the time caused by velocity deviations. Have you chrono'ed your loads to see if they are shooting at a consistent speed?

 

[jack1k]

Your problem might be solved using a different powder. Try H4350, or one of the other popular powders used in the 6.5/284. My 6.5/284 shoots better with H4831sc than H4350, but every gun has
its own preferance for powder, bullets, primers, brass, etc.

 

[AlanPF]

Try SMK 142s. Maybe your barrel just doesn't like the Bergers. I've worn out many barrels in 6.5-284, and have generally had more success with the Sierras than either Bergers or Scenars. They seem to be more tolerant of different barrels/chamberings etc.

 

[bigedp51]

Vertical stringing is caused by barrel flexing and vibrations, on a free floating barrel the action screw torque can change the vibrations. The screw torque can be used to "tune" the rifle.

 

[ktoney]

http://www.accurateshooter.com/shooting-skills/cures-for-vertical-stringing/

 

[artbosco]

http://www.accurateshooter.com/shooting-skills/cures-for-vertical-stringing/

+1. There's a bunch of things that can cause vertical. You have to work through the causes systematically. Speedy helps big time! Good Luck.

 

[WyleWD]

In addition to what all has been posted, if your rounds are coming from an airconditioned area truck, car, or house, and straight out to the range, they might be warming up on ya causing vertical stringing. Let them and the rifle get up to ambient temperature before shooting.

Saw this just the other day with one of my rifles. WD