Advanced Marksmanship Flat Groups, New stock...

[shooten]

Hi All,

I just installed an AICS 1.5 to my Rem 700, 5R barrel, NF 3.5-15x scope and 175 SMK, 42.9 Gr RL-15, Win brass handloads. With the HS Precision stock my groups were not flat but they were not as tight. With this rifle and ammo, I've been able to hit .25" groups at 100 yards but not consistently. I'm getting groups that are consistent with elevation but seem to flatten out (1 to 1.5" center to center). There was little to no wind during the shoot. My question is whether the AICS is sensitive to the torque setting? My torque wrench is able to 50 and 57 in-lbs but not the 53.1 in-lbs recommended by AICS. In my experience, flat groups are an indication of the torque setting or something being loose (nothing seems to be loose). If anyone has anything, I'd really appreciate it. TPRC is in 3 weeks.

thanks,

Scott

 

[LawnMM]

Re: Flat Groups, New stock...

I'm not sure what you mean by a 'flat' group? If you are getting consistent hits with elevation that to me would indicate the rounds are impacting at the same height on the page, no? Wouldn't that be 'flat'? Why would that be bad?

You sound like you're describing stringing later in the post talking about 1 to 1.5" groups. Post a picture of the target so we can see what you are talking about.

In my opinion, if you have produced a sub half MOA group but you aren't doing it consistently its probably a practice issue for you. Clearly the gun is capable of accuracy, can the same be said for the guy driving it? I know thats my problem, the gun shoots better than I do!

 

[cooper623]

Re: Flat Groups, New stock...

I think i know what you mean by flat. I think you're saying all the same elevation but deviate left and right. To answer your question about torque, yes, every stock is very sensitive to torque especially something such as an AICS with a bedding block since you need the right amount of contact with the bedding block without having too much. However, I dont think that this is your issue seeing as if this were the case, the deviation would most likely be more random, meaning both horizontally and vertically. It could be your trigger pull, what trigger do you have in it? Really focus on getting your finger at a 90 degree angle to the trigger and applying even and steady pressure straight back until the shot breaks. If you think that your trigger pull is good then I dont really know what to tell you. Check into the torque on your stock and then just focus on the fundamentals.

 

[shooten]

Re: Flat Groups, New stock...

Thanks for the replies. I always focus on the "nut behind the bolt" as my uncle says. The trigger is rifle basix with about a 2 lb break. Really nice actually. You're probably right about my finger not going straight back on the trigger. I saw some movement when I was dry firing at 600 yards a few weeks ago. It's harder to see at 100 yards.

I'll try to post a some pics tomorrow. It's been an 18 hour day...

 

[LawnMM]

Re: Flat Groups, New stock...

Horizontal dispersion could be a lot of things. I thought i had a decent grip and trigger press. Then i started analyzing my log pages and every once in a while had an honest to goodness great grip and press and the bullet landed exactly where i wanted it to. Put my other shots and previous idea of what a good press and grip were in perspective.