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sheered off one of my rings

Discussion in 'Long Range Scopes and Other Optics' started by colasweet, Jul 11, 2010.

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  1. Jul 11, 2010 #1
    colasweet

    colasweet Member

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    Hey Folks,

    I was shooting my 338 win mag and the rear scope ring sheered off the base - Leupold rings and bases. It was commercial ammo, not hot loaded hand rolled. (225s not even 250s) The rings were new a year ago, and its only had about 100rds through it.. -- proving why I always bring a spare rifle when I go hunting.
    I wanted to use the rifle for a bear hunt the first week of August, and need a hefty, strong set of rings to replace the ones that broke ASAP. So this is why I'm posting instead of using the search function. A couple of the older posts mentioned rings/bases that might take some time to get.
    This isn't my long rang set up, but a lot of you do long range with heavy calibers, so I figured I would ask here.
    So, anyone have a recommendation on an off the shelf, hefty set of rings and bases and a place to buy them online? They will need to fit a Browning A-bolt and take the punishment of 338 win mag.
     
  2. Jul 11, 2010 #2
    colasweet

    colasweet Member

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    Oh and the scope is a Leupold VX3 3.5-10x50.
     
  3. Jul 11, 2010 #3
    retiredcpo

    retiredcpo Well-Known Member

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  4. Jul 11, 2010 #4
    Gunpoor

    Gunpoor Well-Known Member

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    I am a little unclear as to what exactly sheared. Did you have standard Luepy rings and bases? And if so did one of the rear windage/ring mount screws shear off? I have seen this happen a couple of times, and once was on a 270Win. I think the dual dovetail Leupold mounts and rings are very strong and work well for the hard kickers and are much more reliable than the standards.
     
  5. Jul 11, 2010 #5
    colasweet

    colasweet Member

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    Hey Gunpoor

    Here is a pic by way of explanation. I shot it at least once after it sheered, I was checking sight in, and the first 2 shots grouped and the third was off the paper when I checked with my spotting scope. My first thought was 'what the hell, lol. I knew I hadn't flinched. Than I saw the scope.

    Hector Von Duffy's Photos | Facebook

    I couldn't figure out how to do a pic fast on this forum, so sorry about the facebook link.
     
  6. Jul 11, 2010 #6
    retiredcpo

    retiredcpo Well-Known Member

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    I allmost had the same thing happen on my 300 wsm
    But my smith caught it before things came apart
    that style of ring and bases wont stand up to heavy recoil
    retiredcpo
     
  7. Jul 11, 2010 #7
    gunaddict

    gunaddict Well-Known Member

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    I use Leupold dual dovetail rings and bases from 223 to 338 ultramag. No problems. Talley are great too.
     
  8. Jul 11, 2010 #8
    retiredcpo

    retiredcpo Well-Known Member

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    gunaddict
    Sorry I was not reffering to the dovetail type I have no experiance with them
    I was reffering to the type in the pic with the adustment screws on each side
    IMHO they are crap and I will never use that style again
    I really like my leupold optics I have several and will not buy anything else but I dont like that base.
     
  9. Jul 11, 2010 #9
    davewilson

    davewilson Well-Known Member

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    i'm not a big fan of those rings either but all that happened was they just slid. the scope had to slide inside the rings also. nothing sheared. i'm betting stuff just wasn't as tight as it should have been.
     
  10. Jul 11, 2010 #10
    Dr. Vette

    Dr. Vette Well-Known Member

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    I've seen similar issues, but most often the screw heads "chip" off a chunk of metal.

    For this type of ring I find that most of us under-torque the large screw. Leupold recommends 45 in-lbs, and I make darn sure that the rilfes I have with this system are torqued to that spec.

    Having said that, I also use dual dovetail rings when I don't want to have any chance of this type of failure.
     
  11. Jul 11, 2010 #11
    jeff 300

    jeff 300 Well-Known Member

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    I had this happen to me on a hunt in new Mexico on a 300rum thank god it was the day before the hunt. i was able to drive 3 hour to el paso and replace it sight it in and killed a 180" mule deer the next morning.

    No more of windage rings for me. picatinny only
     
    Last edited: Jul 11, 2010
  12. Jul 11, 2010 #12
    geargrinder

    geargrinder Well-Known Member

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    I'm a huge fan of dual dovetail. Except that I prefer Burris Signatures.

    The plastic inserts swivel to avoid putting the scope tube in a bind. The also protect the scope tube from ring marks. Best of all you can use offset inserts to add MOA for long range use.
     
  13. Jul 11, 2010 #13
    colasweet

    colasweet Member

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    Thanks for all the info folks. What I end up with is gonna depend on what is available fast. But you gave a lot to look for.

    You are probable right Dave, about the sliding scope. Though its not just popped out. Its hard to see in the pick but the two points on that ring system that go into the base are rough torn metal along the sides.

    It was mounted by a gunsmith with a good rep, who just happens to now be retired, lol. Oh well. Live and learn.


    Rich
     
  14. Jul 12, 2010 #14
    royinidaho

    royinidaho Well-Known Member

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    Had that happen w/same base and rings. Bummmer

    Went to double dove tail, Burris rings w/plastic inserts. Torqued the rings sufficient to put nearly a full twist on the the wrench. I now looks like a threaded wrench.:rolleyes:

    No Mo problems.


    300 Rum, Braked, 300 smks & bergers.
     
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