Accuracy issue

[1shot]

If I read your OP right, this issue started when you started reloading, right? I mean, you said it used to shoot great with some factory ammo you found. I would get a box of that ammo and see if it still shoots well. If it does, you know the issue is your load(s) and not with your rifle. That's the FIRST thing I'd check before looking at issues with the rifle.


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Issues are happening with factory ammo also. I shot some Federal fusions through it that previously shot well, not so much anymore.

[wsteffen]

I'd try a different scope. I had the same issues with a 30-06 years ago, was accurate and then one day not. Very frustrating. I eventually tried a different scope and never had the problem again.

[1shot]

More info if it helps
Twist Rate 1:10

Cleaning products:
Gunslick Pro Foaming Bore cleaner
Hoppe's Copper terminator
Hoppe's No.9

Reloading Components:
Winchester Brass
CCI Primers
Spear 150, Hornady 168 BTHP, Barns TSX 165
(haven't been able to look up the loads yet)

[Gunnyart]

If you were loading some really hot hand loads through it you could have created a throat erosion issue.

[Southernshiver]

From looking at everything we've went over I would throw a different scope on it and see how it does just to rule out that.

[az2tx]

From looking at everything we've went over I would throw a different scope on it and see how it does just to rule out that.

This is what I was wondering also but the biggest question I have is about bullets tumbling, a scope wouldn't have anything to do with that.

Sounds like the barrel is extremely fouled or a crown problem

[Horitexan]

I think I'd try another scope to see if that's the problem. Otherwise I'd be taking it to a gunsmith and talking about rebarreling it, in spite of sentimental attachment. On the bright side- get a new barrel and have action trued and you'll get a sub-moa shooter.


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[trophy8]

This is what I was wondering also but the biggest question I have is about bullets tumbling, a scope wouldn't have anything to do with that.

Sounds like the barrel is extremely fouled or a crown problem

Yep.

[Southernshiver]

This is what I was wondering also but the biggest question I have is about bullets tumbling, a scope wouldn't have anything to do with that.

Sounds like the barrel is extremely fouled or a crown problem

Man I must have missed that part about the bullets tumbling. That could be caused by the crown or fouled barrel. Could also be not picking up enough rotation to stabilize it which with it being a 1/10 it should have enough to stabilize all bullets. Possibly just time to change that barrel out then with that.

[dustoffer]

Three suggestions---1. Swap scopes to a known good scope. 2. get your comparator out and measure bolt face to lands. 3. Start your load work-up all over again.

Workup should be systematic, meaning you never change more than one variable at a time--such as bullet jump (as measured with a comparator), charge weight, type of primer, type of bullet, brass, etc. And do an accuracy prep on your brass--square primer pocket, de-burr flash hole, trim to same OAL, IS and OS de-burr. I also prefer to partially neck-size the brass--about half the neck length rather than to the base of the neck.

Get a good front rest (not one of the orange ones), and a good rear bag if you don't have one. Load in batches of 3 at .005" off lands, then .015" then .025, then .035. Shoot a fouling round, then shoot a group of 3, with at least a minute between shots, and 5 or 10 minutes between groups. Evaluate your groups---generally it is obvious which bullet jump (OAL) the rifle prefers with the bullet you are shooting. Go back to the reloading bench and load 3 .005" shorter, 3 the same, and 3 .005" longer of the length that shot best. Clean the barrel squeaky clean, go back to the range, repeat as necessary. I used to do this as a second hobby job for folks and this was my technique. I found over the years that bullet jump has a greater correlation to accuracy than tinkering with propellant charge--at least that was my experience.

Good luck and let us know how it comes out --

[1shot]

Thanks

[Zen Archery]

Bought it used about 10 years ago so no idea how many rounds. I've put maybe 500 down it. I don't see any signs of pitting on the throat. Didn't notice it getting dirty fast in the past, however I never shot more than 30 or 40 rds in a day with it either.

.308 Barrel life is pretty good. After about 6,000--10.000 rounds depending on our load it will begin to deplete in performance. Not knowing prior history this could be the culprit. "Could." I'd take it to a Smith and just ask opinion. For a nominal charge (if you are sentimentally attached) they can scope it.

[1shot]

Think I'm going to do some measuring tonight. Do some shooting with it one more time and if I can't get it figured out take it to a smith. Wish I had another scope to throw on there and double check.

[Gunnyart]

1Shot, If you need any help I'm just 25 miles up 287 and 4 miles from ASC.

[1shot]

Gunnyart I will have to give you a call. I'm generally in masfeild at least once a week. I think you even met my dad earlier this year.