Interpreting Groups

[rnhunter]

Wondering if you guys can help me out interpreting some groups I shot yesterday. Obviously seems to be a pattern of a low left flier. Question is, is this a problem with my form, reloading techniques, or extraneous factors at work,ie, it was fairly breezy while I was shooting with a left to right wind. I would lean towards something I am doing occasionally with my shooting form but what do you guys think? These were all different loads.

[forepaw]

I have seen that pattern a lot with my own groups. I don't think I can recommend any one thing as a remedy, but that pattern usually tells me to change powder. You might try to switch seating depth, but I would look for another powder. What is your load and cal.

 

forepaw

[rnhunter]

Shooting 7mm mag. I feel good about RE 22 about 64gr. A few of the groups were RE19 63.5 and 64 gr. I haven't tried much else as those powders have been a great combo with the Berger bullets.

[Couzer]

Your flier round, what shot is that #1 #2 #3???

[rnhunter]

Dang! That's a good question....I would have to say it is usually my 3rd shot! ruins my great group!

[Couzer]

Is your barrel free floated?

[rnhunter]

It is a factory Remington Sendero with the recoil lug bedded, so I believe yes. I have pretty much decided to do a full bedding job to see what that gets me though. I did put a Jewell trigger on it also.

[muledeerarea33?]

I had a rifle do that same thing. Always shot 3 and always about .5-1.5" off. I found if I shot two (5min apart) and waited about 20 min for the third, it would shoot with the rest. If 3 were shot together it would fly on the 3rd. I ended up having throat erosion. An excuse for a new Douglas XX air gauged barell. Now its a shooter! .5 at 200 yards. Btw, it's a .223 wssm.

[Couzer]

Those senderos are good shooting rifles. I was maybe thinking that as the barrel was heating up it was pulling to the stock, hence the 3rd shot pulling. But with that heavier barrel on the sendero, I don't think that would be a issue heating up so quickly. Also I have a rifle that after I clean it the first shot (fouling shot) is always off, but the next 3 are all right there. I always shoot 4 shot groups, gives me a better idea what is wrong. Make sure your screws in the stock are torqued to the right specs from Remington. There's a bunch of things you can do, start off with the simple things first. Bedding won't hurt as well as you mentioned. Others members on here might be able to chime in on this as well, I'm always learning new things.

[kwp]

I think vowell is giving some good advice. Groups of 4 or 5 shots might tell you more. Could definitely be your form like you first mentioned. Try shooting your groups from a different position. For example, if these were all from a bench, try shooting groups prone or vice versa.

[rcdinaz]

My guess would be the barrel heating up as well. The only thing with your "form" could be if the barrel or other part of the gun is touching the rest differently after the recoil of the first 2 shots. You sound like you are pretty experienced so I am just throwing that out there. I see guys with the barrel touching the rest almost every trip to a public range.

 

The powders you are using are fine but be aware that they are pretty temp sensitive. I use H1000 and Ramshot Magnum both in the 7mm RM and both are VERY temp stable powders.

[Willyhunts2]

Simple answer, I can do it the first time and the second time but third is always crazy haha. Same with shooting bows, pool, and darts. I think it's all in my head and it is most of the time. If you think that third shot will be whacky before you squeeze the trigger it will be.

[rnhunter]

Some good ideas. It does seem to be a mental thing about that 3rd shot to complete a nice group. I have shot a few 4 and 5 shot groups. I just like to think they can all go in the same hole. Rcdinaz I would try some h1000 If I could find any. I have heard good things about that powder. I am going to run out of powder period before too long!

[rcdinaz]

Look for the Ramshot if you cant find the H1000. It has turned out to be a great powder for my 7mm and it is a ball powder so it is extremely easy to work with and meters very fast. My go to load now is Ramshot Magnum and the Accubond LR 168 gr. It is also every bit as stable as the benchmark H1000. Bruno's had it in stock last time I was there.

[huntermncb]

I would really recommend trying some h1000. Also try and shoot off a gun sled and see if your groups improve.