What would make a 100yd group open up by a factor of 5x at 200yds?

[Shinbone]

[My original question was "why a 5x group increase from 100yds to 200yds"?. Obviously, improving the group at 100yds, which a lot of folks are contributing to, is an essential step, so thanks for all that input, too.]

"You mentioned this is a hot load. When doing a charge weight ladder I have observed both the ES and groups get abruptly large at high pressures. Meaning the very high ES may not be the cause, but an accompanying symptom. You may be in that regime."

Looking back through my records for this gun, I see a potential accuracy node at about 3250fps for multiple powders: AA230, Benchmark, H335, and H4895. Of the three powders that didn't pressure-out before reaching 3400fps, only AA2230 showed a potential accuracy node at 3400fps. (Note: I just do a few shots at each charge weight while looking for the pressure max, so these potential nodes don't mean much until I do further testing.) AA2230/3400fps is where I started shooting for groups because I got suckered by the siren song of velocity. But, that four different powders showed a possible node at the 3250fps shows this is where I should have started looking for an accuracy load.

During pressure testing, H4895 showed the broadest potential accuracy node around 3250fps, but the charges are compressed enough that there is some slight marring on the ogive from the seater plug, so, I am not sure if I want to continue working with this powder in this rifle.

Anyway, I will choose one of these 4 powders and load/ shoot groups around 3250fps and see what happens.

 

[nawahine]

Trying different bullets are definitely a good idea.
I have .223’s in AR’s and bolt guns for p/dogs. For reasons (known only by the rifles) they like bulk 55-62 grain bullets (and V-Max, Nosler Varmagedon, etc) Loaded to around 2800-3000 fps usually loaded with CFE 223, TAC, BLC-2, and of course Varget. Once it hits that group.... that’s IT for that rifle.
Like others, I’ve gone thru a lot of makers, weights, configurations, and types (lead and “green” area) of bullets. Some work great and others not so; ‘’tis the reason I have a bunch of partial boxes.
Check with friends and mooch a couple of different weight and types.... you’ll find The One

 

[nawahine]

PS... hey Shinbone, PM me with your mailing address; I’ll send you some samples to try.

 

[Shinbone]

PS... hey Shinbone, PM me with your mailing address; I’ll send you some samples to try.

PM sent, and thanks for the generous offer!!

 

[David Milisock]

I'd try reworking the load and shoot 50 or 60 groups. I'd put my money on just bad 100 yard groups that look better than they really are.

 

[Shinbone]

I just wanted to give a shout out to nawahine, who very kindly sent me a large selection of .22 bullets he uses and has good luck with. Such generosity is much appreciated and very helpful to someone new to a particular caliber. Thanks nawahine!!



nawahine - I know you did not expect anything in return, but there will be a little something headed your way in the next few days.




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[Old Navy]

3400 for a 55 grain bullet is smoking hot.

 

[Shooter13]

You have your answer. ES

If it's big at 100, it will be crap all the way out.

Exactly what I was getting ready to say!

 

[davidjoe]

Someone may have said this already, I didn’t read all posts but I would go get a box of match ammo and shoot reference groups out of both iffy rifles and see what that reveals. 52 or 55 grain bullets that you are certain will stabilize. Match grade factory ammo is .3 moa or better in the calm.

 

[LGKLAS]

Find a friend who shoots as well or better than you do. Preferably better. Have him give the rifles a go at these distances. If he gets the same results as you, that takes you out of the picture. If not, and he gets better results, (tighter groups at both distances, both rifles) then it is you.