Barrel heat, group size

[RWBlue01]

I have a Tactical Solutions 22LR AR-15 Upper with my suppressor on it. I have been chasing an issue since I got it. I kept thinking it was me, scope....but I think I finally know the issue.

It seems like when I have a cold barrel my accuracy goes to hell. Once the bore is warm... I have a 50 yard group I am covering with my thumb.

Is there a solution I am not thinking of?
Would changing ammo make a difference? Currently using Green Tag, Tried Lapua, CCI Standard, Fed Target, Win Target, CCI Stingers......

 

[Sniper266]

You say your accuracy goes to hell but im currious to know how consistent is this hellish accuracy? Have you tried shooting once, letting the barrel cool and shooting again?
It could very well be that your rifle just likes a warm barrel and that the velocity just changes a lot from cold bore to warm. Have you chrono’d your shots?

 

[RWBlue01]

You say your accuracy goes to hell but im currious to know how consistent is this hellish accuracy? Have you tried shooting once, letting the barrel cool and shooting again?
It could very well be that your rifle just likes a warm barrel and that the velocity just changes a lot from cold bore to warm. Have you chrono’d your shots?

Locally, I am stuck paying for range time by the hour. This is one reason, I have had a hard time chasing down the issue. They also only want you to have one gun uncased at a time. So I was able to swap uppers and no one got upset. I also thought I had a heat issue with the 223, but maybe not. All 22lr shot at 50Y. All 223 shot at 100Y.

I shot a group of 3 in the 22lr. First-round flyer (53mm out). Other two not bad.
Shot 223, Guatemalan 93mm spread
I shot a group of 3 in the 22LR. First-round 22mm out.
Shot 223, PPU 75gr 63mm spread
I shot a group of 6 in the 22LR. First-round 23mm out. Everything else touching.
Think I shot the 223, SSA 77gr 54mm spread
I shot a group of 5 in the 22LR. Everything isn't touching, but very close (probably me).
Out of time
223, PPU 69gr 76mm spread
223, fed 64gr sp rapid fire 48mm spread GO figure, best group when out of time with a warm barrel and someone telling me I need to be packing up.


BTW, The 223 is a light weight and cheap barrel. I wish it was more accurate with factory ammo, but...

 

[Hoser]

Are you using a chamber adaptor and shooting 22 lr through a 223 barrel?

 

[RWBlue01]

Are you using a chamber adaptor and shooting 22 lr through a 223 barrel?

No, I am using a
Tactical Solutions AR-15 SB-X Conversion Upper Receiver Assembly 22 Long Rifle 16.5" Barrel with 9" XG-Pro KeyMod Handguard

I have a Ceiner conversion I bought last century. It is fun for plinking, but not a precision rifle.

 

[Hoser]

Thats what I figured, but you threw some 223 numbers in there. Threw me off.

 

[RWBlue01]

Thats what I figured, but you threw some 223 numbers in there. Threw me off.

Two different uppers. It allows me to "only have one firearm out at the time" rule at the range. So as one is cooling, I am shooting the other. This being said, nothing gets truely cold.

 

[Stickshift]

Silly question, but have you cleaned the gun lately? Even if you have cleaned it, have you scrubbed the chamber? Sometimes wax, lead, or carbon build up can effect accuracy in ways that you don't have to worry a out with center fire cartridges.

 

[RWBlue01]

Silly question, but have you cleaned the gun lately? Even if you have cleaned it, have you scrubbed the chamber? Sometimes wax, lead, or carbon build up can effect accuracy in ways that you don't have to worry a out with center fire cartridges.

As part of working through my issues, I did a complete clean and scrub. I try to lube the carrier (not the right word, but..) when I am at the range and then when I get home, I clean off the carrier, but nothing else.

This being said, my shooting coach back in college told me NOT to clean the guns until end of season or until groups deteriorate. So if anything....I would want to shoot more to get the barrel dirtier.

 

[jbell]

I have seen something very similar with a built 10/22. If you shoot it slow and easy the groups are ok, but if you hammer a mag through it change mags quick and shoot at a fast pace the groups are consistently better. This is repeatable for this rifle. The only thing we (the owner of the rifle and I) can attribute this to is barrel heat. Strange for a 22lr...

 

[AMGtuned]

My 77/22 would group even the worst ammo at around 4" at 100yds. After about 50-60 rds (6 mags) they would open up A LOT more than that, with a few flyers making it even worse. This was 100% factory. Then I Had my barrel done: and now, no matter the ammo, or the string of fire; even the newbs can land 1" groups with it. I think temperature has a great deal to do with rimfire accuracy. Whether it be the changing temp of the ammo (ac in the car to 85° outside), or barrel and chamber temp, rimfire seems to be affected the most.

 

[Tucker301]

Heat, expansion, increased pressure at some physical contact point. Even if the barrel is floated heat can cause movement as the contact between barrel and receiver are altered with temperature shifts.

 

[RWBlue01]

Heat, expansion, increased pressure at some physical contact point. Even if the barrel is floated heat can cause movement as the contact between barrel and receiver are altered with temperature shifts.

Understood, but how do I fix my problem. 1 shot one kill is difficult when the first shot it wild and it only gets better as things get warm. (OR shooting match, it is only good when things are warm.)

 

[Tucker301]

You get a better rifle.

 

[Subwrx300]

You get a better rifle.

Hahaha! But very true...or at least a better barrel.