I went to the local range to shoot the rest of my ammo from a big range day the week before. I had two different loads for my 260AI. Both using Lapua brass and 140gr amax bullets. One load was 47.5 grains of 4831SC and the other was 42 grains of 4350. These are both very proven accuracy loads that I had spent quite a bit of time working up using ladder tests and had used them in matches with great success. The aggregate groups for both of these loads was usually around .35 inches at 100 yards. I use a Caldwell front rest and use a very slick nylon cloth that allows for smooth gliding between the forearm and Caldwell Rock BR rest. I forget this cloth and only had a napkin to use which I thought was adequate. However, the tracking of the rifle did not feel nearly as smooth as usual and the 4 targets revealed just that.
Vertical was .694
Vertical was .657
Top target in the 3rd picture group size was .624 with vertical at .415
Someone at the range then let me use a nice cloth they had to place under my rifle foream. It greatly improved the tracking feel. So with my last six rounds, 3 of each load, I fired them in alternating succession. 1 shot 4350 1 shot 4831 and so on. The resulting groups were .190 and .184 for each group.
Lesson learned, when using a front rest, or really any rest, tracking plays a huge part in that vertical spread.
Vertical was .694
Vertical was .657
Top target in the 3rd picture group size was .624 with vertical at .415
Someone at the range then let me use a nice cloth they had to place under my rifle foream. It greatly improved the tracking feel. So with my last six rounds, 3 of each load, I fired them in alternating succession. 1 shot 4350 1 shot 4831 and so on. The resulting groups were .190 and .184 for each group.
Lesson learned, when using a front rest, or really any rest, tracking plays a huge part in that vertical spread.
