Encore grouping poorly

[GByrd]

Hey guys. Have a MGM 6.5 Creedmoor with a 1:9 twist. Barrel is 15" long. I have a burris 3-12x LER topping it off.

With factory 120 A-Max I was averaging 2-3" groups. I started reloading and am doing 120 Nosler Spitzers with 4064 at various grains and the best I was able to get was 2". I have a factory 14" contender in 223 that can do better than that

I shot maybe 10-3 shot groups and it was pretty consistent. Do you have any advice for me? This was off a bench on a secure rest.

 

[RT2506]

I would suggest Varget or RL15 powder. But you still should be able to get better than what you are getting with 4064. Have you tried different seating depths for the bullet? Seating depth makes a BIG difference.

 

[FearNoWind]

I'd be less disturbed if you hadn't gotten the kind of results you describe with factory ammo. That rifle should easily shoot 1MOA at 100 yards with the 120 AMAX. I too would first try Varget ... collect some MV data and play with seating depths in perhaps .003 increments. I've read some stories that the Encore isn't adequately free floated so be sure to do the action/barrel check (removing the barrel and action for a quality check for anything interfering) and re-torque to specs.

 

[GByrd]

Unfortunately I don't have access to a lot of rifle powders so my options are limited, still having supply issues here. I have H4350 and 4064 right now. I had only shot the two lengths thus far. Whatever is factory from hornady and .02 off the lands. I'll look into the forend issue for sure. Could it really have that severe of an impact though?

 

[Rogue Hunter]

GByrd
Please explain what your rest set up consist of? Also, are you maintaining a consistent grip on the gun? It should be grouping much better than that.

-Mike

 

[GByrd]

I can't remember the name of the device but it's basically a soft padded "y" that adjusts for elevation. For the rear grip I had a sandbag to support it on sight.

I was concerned as well. I checked the scope mounts etc. The fact that it was consistent really bothered me.

 

[Rogue Hunter]

You stated that you have some h4350 on hand. I would give that a try next. It performs very well in all of my pistols. Make sure that your front rest is not rocking at the shot. -A result front fore arm friction. Also maintain a consistent firm grip on the gun each shot. Hopefully some of the info shared with you will improve your groupsgun)

-Mike

 

[Lone Hunter]

You might want to try Mike Bellum's oversize hinge pins. Don't know if your encore locks up tight but many people have gotten tighter groups by replacing the hinge pin. It's not expensive and will probably help your accuracy.

 

[GByrd]

Just giving a quick update. I found the bolt in the grip was a little loose and it'd cause the gun to rock when fired. I fixed that and used plastic washers to free float the forend.

Put 20 rounds down the tube today. POI was 4" high and 2" to the left on my initial groups.

Best I was able to get was 1.5".

I have yet to try any different loads or seating depths. I still feel like something is wrong here.