Hey all - I'm running an AAC SPR M4 (which weighs 18 oz) on an 18" PSA .223 Wylde upper. I have no illusions about getting under 2MOA out of a PSA factory gas gun, but 2 or even 3 MOA is all I need out of this gun, which is for coyote at 150, maybe 200 yards, or less. I had a heck of a time getting it zeroed when I first put it together but finally got it to group well enough and took it hunting.
Since then, I have had two inexplicable misses and more troubles when zeroing a new scope. I have finally only today discovered (after years of frustrations) that the cold-bore shot is hitting 10+ MOA low. I know it's hard to believe that I didn't discover this until now, but when I was zeroing it, once I was able to get a decent 5-round group I was no longer concerned with where the first round may have hit, so I didn't realize there was an issue. Of course in hunting the first round is often the only round!
I talked to a smith about it today who said the problem was likely the skinny factory barrel, which was probably drooping under the weight of the can until it was heated up by the first round, then maintaining POI decently for subsequent shots. He recommended replacing the barrel with something thicker and mentioned Aero; they've got two rifle-length 18" .223 Wylde barrels, one fluted and one not - any way of knowing if they will be strong enough to clear up this first-shot-low issue? I like fluted for weight but not if it's going to contribute to this problem in any way. I wish I could give some specs on the current barrel but the item's page is showing 404 when I look at it - I could always reach out to PSA for the specs to be sure.
Many thanks, all - as mad as I am that many hunting trips have been compromised by a rifle that I was sure was properly zeroed, it is a massive relief to finally have an explanation! I'll rezero and hunt without the can for the rest of this season and hopefully have everything straight before next year.
Thank you for the advice!
Since then, I have had two inexplicable misses and more troubles when zeroing a new scope. I have finally only today discovered (after years of frustrations) that the cold-bore shot is hitting 10+ MOA low. I know it's hard to believe that I didn't discover this until now, but when I was zeroing it, once I was able to get a decent 5-round group I was no longer concerned with where the first round may have hit, so I didn't realize there was an issue. Of course in hunting the first round is often the only round!
I talked to a smith about it today who said the problem was likely the skinny factory barrel, which was probably drooping under the weight of the can until it was heated up by the first round, then maintaining POI decently for subsequent shots. He recommended replacing the barrel with something thicker and mentioned Aero; they've got two rifle-length 18" .223 Wylde barrels, one fluted and one not - any way of knowing if they will be strong enough to clear up this first-shot-low issue? I like fluted for weight but not if it's going to contribute to this problem in any way. I wish I could give some specs on the current barrel but the item's page is showing 404 when I look at it - I could always reach out to PSA for the specs to be sure.
Many thanks, all - as mad as I am that many hunting trips have been compromised by a rifle that I was sure was properly zeroed, it is a massive relief to finally have an explanation! I'll rezero and hunt without the can for the rest of this season and hopefully have everything straight before next year.
Thank you for the advice!
