Any obvious signs of bad form?

[FS1]

I rarely post Targets but I need to see if anyone can point me straight.

Rifle MR762. Optic S&B 5x25x56 (I know overkill) Spuhr 20 moa cant, cantilever mount. Has the G-28 stock w cheek rest and Atlas bipod.

It has been about a year since I have shot this rifle. Targets Posted are 3" circles 12 per 11x17 sheets. The red circle is 1.5" or 1.5 MOA the green is 1" or 1"MOA (at 100 yards). They were shot left to right in rows like both sheets were one. Last week I did two 80 shot days, 40 per range hot session (adds pressure shooting fast). So last week off a bag I was staying inside the 3" but not grouping well. Maybe 4-5 decent groups out of 24 targets. The rifle will shoot 1MOA or below consistently I use to be able to do that.

So I came home wondering how to get my MOJO back. I noticed I was bringing my head back a bit to get into the eyebox. So I moved the optic forward one rail slot. This made my position sitting behind the rifle more natural feeling. I can now just slip right into the eyebox with a nice cheek weld. Also I locked the stock with the set screw (to eliminate any wobble). I then thought I will shoot off the bipod next session. So I watched Franks video on shooting a bipod from a hard surface and learned alot (his videos have helped me a lot). I did not extend the legs though normally I do. I shot it unextended like Frank shot in the vid. But it makes me crouch a bit. I am a real tall guy. But my focus on the fundamentals was was much better today. and the sight picture was a lot more stable than before. So it helped.

So today I went and shot much better. At least I am grouping better now. Top three rows Aussie Outback 168 SMK (great ammo). My son gave me a box of ZQ1 for Christmas so I shot one mag of it. It was all over the place. I was expecting a shift in POI but it was all over the place. Crazy or maybe it was me.

So since everything I know about precise shooting I learned from you guys. I figured I would post a target a see if there is anything obvious I am doing wrong.

 

[ShtrRdy]

When you take your time and shoot the best you can with that weapon system, what do the groups look like?

 

[FS1]

The groups tighten up a bit but are still walking around the target. I would think they should stay consistent. Thats why I think I am missing some flaw in the way I am addressing the rifle.

 

[Tim_WNC]

It's been a while since you shot this rifle.....did you go through and verify all hardware, rings, etc are properly torqued?

 

[FS1]

Did not do that. I have taken that optic off the rifle many times and it always goes back within a tenth or two of zero. Great mount. I will check all the torque values when I get home. When I removed and reinstalled I always Torqued it to 45 inch pounds to the rail.

 

[Tim_WNC]

Did not do that. I have taken that optic off the rifle many times and it always goes back within a tenth or two of zero. Great mount. I will check all the torque values when I get home. When I removed and reinstalled I always Torqued it to 45 inch pounds to the rail.

Stock/Action screws too. Not just the optic

 

[FS1]

Everything tight. The only play I get is a very small amount in the threaded butt plate extension.

 

[brianf]

Shooting is like any other sport.
Takes time for muscle memory to come back.
Start by dryfiring a lot and pay attention when you do.
Not to the trigger but to the rest of your body.
You have to recondition yourself.

 

[ShtrRdy]

I guess a couple other suggestions to sort this out would be:

a) have someone else shoot your rifle
b) if you have another rifle that's a known good shooter, try that

Basically trying to figure out if it's the equipment or the shooter.

 

[FS1]

In double a triple checking I found that the load on the pan cant was little loose. Rifle panned and canted relatively easy, too easy, so I stiffened it up some. I am pretty conscience of staying level. But maybe I was not holding it. This made me ask is the reticle level? So I checked. and it was off quite a bit. So I reset it I hope these two things help.

I guess next week I will find out.

The spell check in the Hide thinks reticle is spelled wrong and should be reticent. Go figure.


P.S. Thanks for the input.

 

[Erno86]

Barrel and receiver starting to heat up will give you vertical stringing. I tend to shoot only three shot groups in a kinda rapid fashion, before the receiver heats up. Then I let the big gun cool by shooting my 22 rimfire.

I was also wondering if the fliers were induced by a bad cheek weld.

Ammo???

I find that saying "wait --- wait --- wait"...silently in my mind, while I'm concentrating on the sights and pressing the trigger; helps me avoid shot anticipation --- especially while in the offhand or standing position.

Source: "Dealing With Shot Anticipation While Shooting" - by Paul Schoch - Shooting Illjustrated

"The only way to avoid anticipation entirely is to defeat it where it starts --- in the mind." - Paul Schoch

https://www.shootingillustrated.com/articles/2017/9/29/dealing-with-anticipation-when-shooting/

 

[TheGerman]

Don't even look at the ZQI results; that ammo brand in any rifle I've ever fired it was like I was shooting 00 buck.

 

[308Gunner]

Don't even look at the ZQI results; that ammo brand in any rifle I've ever fired it was like I was shooting 00 buck.

That’s been my results as well, I gave away the last 2 boxes and will not buy any more

 

[FS1]

Well went today basically a waste of ammo. The zero of the rifle changed a bit, but not unexpected. 90 rounds into oblivion. Shot 40 Aussie and 50 Lapua. The there was a poi shift in the change over but minimal. But no change in the function of the operator. They both shot the same. 69 cents vs $1.85.

So when I was leaving I had a thought. I am shooting from a concrete table covered in black AstroTurf. The whole time shooting i was having to pull the turf back into position after a volley. It was moving forward. Is it possible that when I load up the bipod I am getting movement as I pull the trigger. Could it be that effing simple?

Tomorrow I take it off the table, if they will let me. It is not glued or anything why not. Maybe I am reaching for straws.

 

[Decoy]

Try shooting prone. Take your knife out and dig a hole for the bipod legs to give you something to load against. Make sure your trigger finger isn't in contact with your stock. Nice and easy breaks with the trigger and relax!

Get a good natural point of aim and take out any stress that you might be applying to the rifle away.

Close and open your eyes to see if you have a good clear view of the optics.

If I am shooting like crap I just go back to the basics.

 

[Decoy]

For Tuckers party

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