Need help with horizontal shot pattern

[Flying Goose]

So I'm not new to shooting though I'm new to shooting on a bench. It is all the local range offers until the ground thaws out and dries up then there is a 300-1000 yard range. I've progressively figured out most of it getting more weight behind the rifle, putting a bag in front of my bi-pod and I've gotten down to sub MOA about 3/4 but I'm finding that I'm getting a horizontal shot pattern going from about 9:30 to 3:30. I know in pistol this is commonly a sign of trigger pull issues but I don't think it transfers to a rifle (i could be wrong). Does anyone have any ideas as to what would cause this?

 

[Stan Owens]

Probably trigger press isn't consistent. 1) Make sure your trigger is a match trigger or tuned 2) review the Hide online lesson on trigger pull. 3) dry fire a lot 4) live fire with some blanks mixed in. Good luck

 

[Flying Goose]

Its not a match trigger yet, looking at the Huber but didn't want to go for the Jewell as the couple I have don't like this enviornment. I'll try the blanks that might be a good indicator for me but my poa is good so I'm not sure.

 

[ShtrRdy]

You might try dry firing at the range and carefully watch your crosshair when the sear breaks. You might see the crosshair moving a bit.

 

[Sterling Shooter]

There are eight things that contribute to your sort of problem. Assuming you are shooting from right shoulder and you are right eye dominant, you should look to see if these relationships are consistent or out of proper alignment: high or muscled right shoulder, movement of the right elbow from shot to shot, high vertical position, no stability in position or a muscled position (having not properly adjusted NPA), jerking trigger, varying head pressure from shot to shot, failure to maintain alignment, and/or sight picture. Of course, since all shooting is at the firearm only you can discern what listed here is part of your problem. Proper call/strike analysis will help you understand work in progress when cognizant of the five factors of a steady position. Also, be sure to shoulder the rifle and align sight to eye, cognizant of the five factors of a steady position but without consideration of the target. This makes adjustment of NPA to get the desired hold much easier. And, remember, wind can also be a factor with about 1.5 MOA of drift shooting at 100 yards with a high velocity rifle in a 15 mph cross wind. BTW, the five factors of a steady position describe the contact between shooter, gun, and ground. These are: non firing hand, firing hand, butt to shoulder, stock weld, and elbows. One more thing, your rifle could require some fresh bedding. At any rate, I think I've covered all of the source of error possibilities here.

 

[Jayman_10X]

Most of the pertinent items have been covered thus far. It sounds like a trigger pull issue. A high grade match trigger certinaly helps, but is not mandatory. I would add the following

Trigger pull consistency. After recoil, does the rifle and your spatial relationship with it seem to land at the same spot?
Are you pressing the tigger straight back, or do you apply side pressure which would promote horizontal movement during recoil?
I note you are from Wyoming, how are the winds while you shoot? As Sterling alluded, even seemingly low winds (for Wyoming) can have significant effect. I would suggest using wind flags if you do not already. Something as simple as ribbon tied to lath works as a good economic solution.

Just food for thought. Hope you get it sorted out. Keep us updated.

Good shooting.

 

[Flying Goose]

Thanks for everyone's input on this. You all are going to laugh as I have been after reading Sterling Shooters response. I was at the range in a well protected position and this range session in particular was simply to clear my head with from writing papers and midterm tests and everything else in life. I wasn't thinking too much about the other factors other than position and shot placement. However on this day in particular I went through two targets the first being blown off by a 9 o'clock 20 mph consistent wind gusting over 45mph. My head not being quite with it that day I'm willing to bet that I've just figured out what my problem was.

well just call this day an oops!

 

[Killer Spade 13]

Trigger pull.