memtb
Well-Known Member
As some of you may remember, I developed a new load for my hunting rifle this past summer!
The loads were very promising, all groups were decent with the final two very near my desired velocity, with the last two loads (just 3 shot groups) 1 grain different charges, giving low velocity deviation, shot 2 days apart, grouping almost on top of each other….the larger group under 3/4" inch the better @ just under 1/2".
Fast forward to yesterday. With some of the Fall chores complete, and our elk hunt coming up very soon….I thought that I'd adjust my zero with my new load.
Near perfect shooting conditions, I was rested and not terribly sore from all of the Fall chores. I made an adjustment (only a small adjustment was needed) off of my test groups…..shooting for (pun intended) for my 300 yard zero! Target was set-up on my 300 yard target frame out of the back door of our house. I shot a 3 shot group, rode down to the target, and only found one hole on the 11"x 17" paper…..barely.
It was on the edge if the paper, the other 2 shots lost on my black, rubber backboard…..I adjust off of the one hole seen on paper! The next rounds fired were way (waaaaay) off from where the adjustment should have placed them……with many (a whole bunch) of inches between the impacts!
WTH
I felt very good about my shooting techniques, and when shooting my wife's rifle…..my groups were decent. Yet with every adjustment…..the impacts were grossly different from were they should be! Notice I said impacts…..these were "NOT" groups!
With the sun getting lower in the sky, 14 rounds wasted, and my frustration/anxiety levels at a peak …..I quit for the day!
I didn't sleep well last night……as I have no clue as to what exactly is happenin! Today, after my visit to my therapist, I'll go out with a previously proven load and see if the rifle will group with it!
My two fears: the scope has gone to hell, or…..and this thought is really disturbing, the slightly heavier/longer bullets are not remaining stable @ distance! I waited about 5 or 6 years to get these bullets….I really want them to work! Though, all of the bullet impact holes appeared to be perfectly round…..none "keyholed"! memtb
The loads were very promising, all groups were decent with the final two very near my desired velocity, with the last two loads (just 3 shot groups) 1 grain different charges, giving low velocity deviation, shot 2 days apart, grouping almost on top of each other….the larger group under 3/4" inch the better @ just under 1/2".
Fast forward to yesterday. With some of the Fall chores complete, and our elk hunt coming up very soon….I thought that I'd adjust my zero with my new load.
Near perfect shooting conditions, I was rested and not terribly sore from all of the Fall chores. I made an adjustment (only a small adjustment was needed) off of my test groups…..shooting for (pun intended) for my 300 yard zero! Target was set-up on my 300 yard target frame out of the back door of our house. I shot a 3 shot group, rode down to the target, and only found one hole on the 11"x 17" paper…..barely.
It was on the edge if the paper, the other 2 shots lost on my black, rubber backboard…..I adjust off of the one hole seen on paper! The next rounds fired were way (waaaaay) off from where the adjustment should have placed them……with many (a whole bunch) of inches between the impacts!
WTHI felt very good about my shooting techniques, and when shooting my wife's rifle…..my groups were decent. Yet with every adjustment…..the impacts were grossly different from were they should be! Notice I said impacts…..these were "NOT" groups!
With the sun getting lower in the sky, 14 rounds wasted, and my frustration/anxiety levels at a peak …..I quit for the day!
I didn't sleep well last night……as I have no clue as to what exactly is happenin! Today, after my visit to my therapist, I'll go out with a previously proven load and see if the rifle will group with it!
My two fears: the scope has gone to hell, or…..and this thought is really disturbing, the slightly heavier/longer bullets are not remaining stable @ distance! I waited about 5 or 6 years to get these bullets….I really want them to work! Though, all of the bullet impact holes appeared to be perfectly round…..none "keyholed"! memtb
Anyway I have not been back to see if I could figure it out as too many things keep getting in the way but hunting season is upon us here in Montana and I need to get to it. Good luck in your quest to figure out what the heck is going on and please share maybe it will translate to my issue as well.
