Not another gun wont shoot thread.

[Rugerjim]

Hi guys,
Bit disappointed I can't figure this one out.

Backstory : Howa 1500 SA, 223, owned several in the past, always laser accurate.

Got a new one, never really shot well or consistently, was -OK- but not great.

Had the barrel rechambered after groups got really bad after 3 months.

Will not shoot ANY factory, or hand load rounds.

Troubleshooting already done.

Rechambered, still crap, borrowed a mates barrel that shoots lights out, still crap.
New chassis and new stock (known shooter.)
Torqued actions screws
torqued rings
tried 3 scopes
torqued pic rail
torqued barrel again.
Tried many forms of ammo.

Only leaves me with a potentially dodgey receiver.
Has anyone ever had a dodgey receiver or bolt from howa? Maybe the face wasn't machined right, or there's a bolt problem.
Any other ideas? Also my gunsmith is excellent and will happily make me another barrel, just hesitant that I'd be making it for a reciever that has some kind of major flaw I can't detect.

 

[hewlett260]

Check your bolt lugs to see if there is even wear. If the wear marks aren't even, start by lapping the lugs. Then disassemble your bolt. Without the spring you should be able to see if there is uneven contact on the sear engagement and the sides of the striker under the bolt shroud. Also check firing pin clearance. You may need to have it bushed if it's too loose coming through the bolt face.

If anything is rubbing on the inside of the bolt that really shouldn't be, the rifle will never shoot accurately no matter how many barrels you try. Clearance everything first before you try another barrel.

 

[ShtrRdy]

Could you try a mate's bolt out of their Howa? You would need to check headspace with a go gauge first.

 

[spife7980]

Take it apart, look for where pieces are sliding against each other, should have some rub marks if something is causing draggy ignition.

 

[Rugerjim]

Check your bolt lugs to see if there is even wear. If the wear marks aren't even, start by lapping the lugs. Then disassemble your bolt. Without the spring you should be able to see if there is uneven contact on the sear engagement and the sides of the striker under the bolt shroud. Also check firing pin clearance. You may need to have it bushed if it's too loose coming through the bolt face.

If anything is rubbing on the inside of the bolt that really shouldn't be, the rifle will never shoot accurately no matter how many barrels you try. Clearance everything first before you try another barrel.

Uneaven wear, bolt has already been bushed. I'm stumped. I'm just going to trade this reciever in...

 

[Rugerjim]

Thanks for all your suggestions.